Discover Plymouth: A Fun-Filled 4 Day Adventure!

Discover Plymouth's hidden gems without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Plymouth on a limited budget can be easily achievable and enjoyable. With a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels and budget hotels, you can find a place to stay without breaking the bank. Additionally, Plymouth offers plenty of free or low-cost activities, including visiting the Barbican Harbour, exploring the beautiful parklands and gardens, and discovering the rich maritime history of the area.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Historic Waterfront

  • Check into the Future Inn Plymouth, a budget-friendly hotel with spacious rooms and friendly staff.
  • Start the day with a walk along the Barbican, the oldest part of Plymouth's waterfront, and admire the colorful buildings and boats bobbing in the harbor.
  • Visit the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrims set sail for the New World in 1620, and learn about the city's rich maritime history at the nearby Mayflower Museum.
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at The Boathouse Cafe, a cozy spot overlooking the water. Try the fish and chips or the crab sandwich.
  • Take a boat tour of Plymouth Sound and see landmarks such as Drake's Island and the Royal Naval Dockyard. Look out for dolphins and seals along the way.
  • End the day with a pint of local ale at The Dolphin Inn, a traditional pub with a cozy fireplace and lots of character.
Day 2

Culture and Creativity

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Rockets & Rascals, a quirky cafe and bike shop that serves up delicious coffee and pancakes.
  • Head to the Plymouth Arts Centre and catch an indie film or contemporary art exhibit. The center also hosts workshops and events.
  • Wander around the Plymouth Hoe, a green space with panoramic views of the sea and Smeaton's Tower lighthouse. Snap some Instagram-worthy photos.
  • Visit the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens. Highlights include the Egyptian mummies and the Beryl Cook paintings.
  • Have dinner at The Giggling Squid, a Thai restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and flavorful dishes. Order the salt and pepper squid and the green curry.
  • Finish the night with a drink at The Treasury, a trendy bar in a former bank building with high ceilings and live music.
Day 3

Outdoor Adventures

  • Fuel up with a breakfast sandwich and coffee at The Good Food Shop, a charming cafe on the Barbican.
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Plymouth Hoe Kayak Hire and explore the coastline from a new perspective.
  • Take a scenic hike along the South West Coast Path, which winds through the cliffs and beaches of Plymouth. Stop for a picnic lunch at Wembury Beach.
  • Visit Plymouth Sound, a marine conservation area with abundant wildlife and stunning views. Go on a snorkeling or diving adventure with Dive and Sea the Hebrides.
  • Have dinner at The Fig Tree @ 36, a cozy restaurant with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and a focus on local ingredients. Try the lamb kofta and the olive oil cake.
  • Sip a cocktail at The Refectory, a chic bar in a former church with stained glass windows and a lively atmosphere.
Day 4

Hidden Gems

  • Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at The Plymouth Brewhouse and Grill, a laid-back spot with a diverse menu and craft beer on tap.
  • Explore the charming village of Mount Edgcumbe, which is located on the opposite side of the River Tamar and can be accessed by ferry. Stroll through the gardens and the historic house.
  • Visit The Box, a new cultural center that celebrates Plymouth's history and culture through art, archives, and exhibits. Don't miss the Plymouth Porcelain collection.
  • Have lunch at The Stable, a cider and pizza bar with a cozy ambiance and creative toppings. Try the Westcountry Trencherman and the Fleetwood Mac.
  • Take a walk along the Plym Estuary and admire the wildlife and scenery. Look out for kingfishers and egrets.
  • End the trip with a sunset cocktail at the Rooftop Bar at Goodbody's, a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the city and the sea. Cheers to a memorable stay in Plymouth!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Plymouth by plane is to fly into Exeter International Airport, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from Plymouth. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to Plymouth.

Car

Plymouth can be reached by car via the M5 motorway. If you are traveling from London or the southeast, take the M4 west, then join the M5 southbound. The journey time from London is approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic.

Train

Plymouth can be reached by train via the Plymouth railway station, which is located in the city center. Trains from London Paddington and other major UK cities run frequently to Plymouth. The journey time from London is approximately 3 hours.

Boat

Plymouth has a ferry port with regular services to France and Spain. Brittany Ferries operates a range of crossings from Plymouth to Roscoff, Santander, and Bilbao. The port is located in Millbay, just a short walk from the city center.

Bus

National Express coaches run to Plymouth from various UK cities, including London, Bristol, and Manchester. The journey time from London is approximately 5 hours.

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