Plymouth Playcation: A Fun-Filled 5-Day Family Adventure

Discover family memories in historic Plymouth, where adventure awaits by land and sea.

19 July 2023

Plymouth, United Kingdom, offers an excellent family-friendly destination with a blend of historical significance and coastal charm. Explore the city's rich maritime heritage at the National Marine Aquarium, where kids can marvel at diverse marine life. Venture to the stunning Plymouth Hoe for breathtaking views, picnics in the park, and an opportunity to visit the iconic Smeaton's Tower lighthouse.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Plying Our Trade: Plymouth

  • Settle into the family-friendly Future Inn, a comfortable haven near the waterfront, complete with spacious rooms and a scrumptious breakfast buffet.
  • Clamber aboard the ferocious HMS Warrior at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and discover how Bristol Merchant venturers led to Plymouth's maritime glory.
  • Concoct your own adventure at The Box, where historic treasures merrily mingle with contemporary art, leaving you in a state of cultural ecstasy.
  • Delight in a unicorn-themed treat at The Treasury Café, where whimsical décor and delectable goodies collide to create a magical atmosphere.
  • Stroll along Plymouth Hoe's famous promenade, soaking in the panoramic views, as Drake's statue gazes stoically towards the turbulent sea.
  • Satisfy your belly's demands at Rockfish, a seafood lover's dream, where local catch is transformed into culinary symphonies that will make your taste buds sing.
Day 2

Time Warp in the Barbican

  • Breakfast with flair at Elvira's Café, a retro haven where pancakes fly you straight to sugar-coated heaven and coffee revives the weariest of souls.
  • Step back in time at The Elizabethan House, a bewitching beauty that transports you to the days of Pilgrims and corsets, with tales aplenty.
  • Awaken your inner pirate at the National Marine Aquarium, where you'll find fascinating sea creatures that will make you say 'arrr' in awe.
  • Quench your thirst for knowledge at The Gin Distillery, where you'll unravel the secret alchemy behind Plymouth's legendary spirit and enjoy a cheeky tipple.
  • Savor a delightful dinner at The Boathouse Café, a hidden gem tucked away in the Barbican, where fresh seafood dances on your palate with each bite.
Day 3

Plymouth's Natural Wonders

  • Escape the city for a blissful day at Dartmoor National Park, a rugged playground where wild ponies roam and ancient tors beg to be conquered.
  • Marvel at the iconic natural formation known as the Dewer Stone, perched high on the moor, silently challenging you to embrace your inner mountaineer.
  • Embark on a gentle, family-friendly hike along the Plym Valley Trail, where lush greenery and flowing rivers provide a picturesque backdrop.
  • Recharge with a picnic amidst the tranquility of Burrator Reservoir, reveling in nature's splendor and relishing each bite of a homemade sandwich.
  • Dine at the quirky Turtley Corn Mill, a converted watermill where hearty pub classics are served with a side of charm and a dash of quirkiness.
Day 4

The Plymouth Puzzle

  • Journey to Mount Edgcumbe, a sprawling estate that blends breathtaking gardens, a stately home, and the Earl's secret folly, a whimsical adventure in itself.
  • Unleash your inner detective at Plymouth Escape Rooms, where a labyrinth of enigmatic puzzles and thrilling challenges will put your wits to the test.
  • Discover the intriguing story of Plymouth's ancient past at the Plymstock Quarries, a hidden treasure trove where prehistoric wildlife fossils await enthusiastic explorers.
  • Savor a delectable lunch at Rhubarb & Mustard, a quaint eatery bursting with color and flavor, serving up divine dishes inspired by locally sourced ingredients.
  • Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along Plymouth's historic waterfront, where centuries of seafaring tales whisper in the gentle breeze.
Day 5

Farewell to Plymouth

  • Bid adieu to Plymouth with a final breakfast at the delightful Rumpuscosy Café, a cozy retreat where pancakes laden with decadent toppings reign supreme.
  • Explore the Gemini Escape Rooms, where you can challenge your family to a race against time, solving riddles and unraveling mysteries at every turn.
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of the National Trust-owned Saltram House, an opulent Georgian mansion boasting lavish interiors and enchanting gardens.
  • Spoil yourself with a treat at the Ocean Studios Café, a creative hub where you can marvel at local artisans' work while indulging in a slice of heavenly cake.
  • Finally, raise a toast to a magical time in Plymouth at The Refectory Bar, perched atop Plymouth Gin Distillery, where gin cocktails tingle your taste buds and sunsets bid you farewell.

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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