Surrounded by the green rolling hills that Devon is so famous for, Plymouth is England’s great ocean city and is the destination from which the Mayflower departed. In this travel guide we’ll show you the very best things to do in Plymouth, including top attractions in the surrounding countryside and even some hidden gems.
We’ll begin our exploration of Plymouth by heading to the Barbican, a historic port district with a storied past of pirates and privateers. This area is home to Plymouth Gin, the oldest distillery in Britain as well as the oldest still-in-operation commercial bakery. We’ll then head to the Hoe, an iconic green space with sweeping views of the city and known for Smeaton’s Tower, a decommissioned lighthouse.
The following day we’ll set off bright and early to reach Drake’s Island, a little isle nestled within the Plymouth Sound that is most closely associated with Sir Francis Drake before heading to the iconic Tamar view.
Afterwards we’ll chat with local naive painter and artist Brian Pollard about his works and what drew him to Plymouth. We’ll end our trip to the city with a historic house visit and by checking out Plymouth Miniature Steam, a set of rolling stock locomotives maintained by volunteers.
📚 VIDEO CHAPTERS 📚
Introduction: 00:00
The Barbican: 00:00:43
Plymouth Hoe: 00:06:53
Drake’s Island: 00:08:28
Tamar Bridge: 00:10:54
Interview with Brian Pollard: 00:11:24
Historic house: 00:18:33
Plymouth Miniature Steam: 00:19:41
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30 Comments
Is the mini railway at Edgecombe ?
Rather listen about history than some artist waffling about his doodles for most of this video 🙄
Going on hols near there this Summer
Sadly you've missed out the oldest & most important part of Plymouth which is Devonport & the Royal Navy.
Already a subscriber here 🙌 and I just want to say you’re doing an incredible job. The quality, the pacing, and the overall vibe of your videos are always on point. This video kept me hooked the entire time. Much respect for the consistency!
Many people, like me, use videos like yours to study English — to practice listening, pronunciation, and similar skills. My suggestion is that you also focus on this audience when creating your content. Try to use simpler words and speak clearly. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you very much.
That miniature steam engine is adorable! And interesting to see a Danish ship at 8:14.
You forgot to mention that when in Plymouth, one can always sport a baseball cap back to front, roll up one trouser leg, and have someone take your photo as you chuck gang signs next to the sign that says "Hoe Foreshore".
Plymouth is not an ocean port,it is along the English Channel.
Its refreshing seeing someone say such good things of Plymouth! People here can be so doom and gloom, it's exhausting.
Love those lovely paintings and your works too!
So good to see Brian Pollard still going. He was our family doctor (and a very good one) for years before his full time 'retreat' into painting which he did part-time while still a GP.
Thanks for making such a beautiful video of my home city, I love where I live!
Been to Plymouth not bad but Porstsmouth is great history museum beautiful beaches great shopping lovely people so its pompey for me
Thank you, a different and informative insight to my home town
I live in Plymouth, loved your video, when it's sunny weather, and you are on the Barbican you could be abroard, love the Hoe and the view, Jennycliffe is great too, you can see it from the Hoe
I always feel that strong link to history in Plymouth
Great video and there are a few places i haven't visited in the 26 years i have lived here 😃💖
Plymouth actually ruined by the actions of local government over many years , not least by calling it an ' ocean ' city ! It is not , it looks out on the English channel !
Devonport Dockyard(Plymouth)is the biggest Dockyard in western Europe
I really miss living in Plymouth. I loved being surrounded by water and all the beautiful woodland walks, the moors, the history. It was definitely my heart home
Very proud Janner here 💚 thank you so much for such a wonderful portrayal of my home city Plymouth is a wonderful place to live with everything on its doorstep the sea the moor💚
Hi Sophie, I love the breadth of your content ! Your eye for a pleasant aesthetic is simultaneously soothing and engaging . Great that you visited Malta, where I grew up . Get yourself to Bristol sometime, and give our great city your unique perspective. Very best wishes to you both !
Love from India
Great video, did you get fish and chips?
Proud to have it as my local city and even though I don’t live in it, still like to call it home. From the wonderful sea view at the Hoe and all the great pubs and restaurants at the Barbican to the football club and the nearby moors. Love this place 💙💚
Was based in guzz at times never liked pompey Devon port dockyard best navy yard
they make Plywood in Plymouth
Yay Proud Plymothian here, born and bread, lived here since birth except for a few years in Stevenage and I know the family who own Jacka Bakery, its a must, just like the rest of my home town. 😀
18:40 …if you ever watched the film Sense and Sensibility, you would recognise this house from it.
Lovely paintings❤
Not a mention of Robert Lenkiewicz? One of Britain's best artists of modern times in my opinion.