Plymouth named the best holiday destination in Europe for 2020 – and second best in the world
Under the radar? Not anymore.
Renowned travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller has taken notice of Plymouth’s significant developments, listing the city above Paris, Salvador and Kyoto as a surprise package for 2020.
Enjoy a sunny day and soak in the panoramic views of Plymouth Sound from the expansive Plymouth Hoe. Ideally situated for picnics, barbeques, walking, and swimming, the Hoe is every student’s go-to place when the sun is shining. Join our large community for the British Firework Championships and epic sporting events such as the America’s Cup.
Welcome to the cobbled streets of Plymouth’s old town, where you can enjoy local theatre, delicious Thai food, and independently owned shops. Tour the historic gin distillery, wander around our proud art galleries and enjoy some multi-award winning fish and chips at The Harbourside.
Drake Circus is Plymouth’s most popular shopping destination with more than 70 independent and national brands under one roof, including M&S, Primark, Next, Boots, Joules and Pandora to name a few. Easily accessible by public transport and by car, with more than 1200 car parking spaces and shop mobility.
The new Drake Circus The Barcode leisure destination includes a 12-screen Cineworld IMAX 4DX cinema – the first IMAX for the Devon and Cornwall area – as well as Paradise Island Adventure Golf and dining brands including Zizzi, Five Guys, Nando’s and Cosy Club. There’s more than 400 car parking spaces available, including five electric car charging points.
Take advantage of student discounts across a variety of stores and restaurants and make sure you attend one of the shopping centre’s Student Nights, featuring live music, exclusive discounts and giveaways.
Live life with an alternative edge with the shops, bars, and restaurants available to you on Ebrington Street. Whether it’s enjoying spoken word and live music at the Bread and Roses, grabbing a bite to eat at Prime Café, or browsing the clothes at Minerva Streetwear, there’s always something cool to discover here.
Explore the depths of the oceans with the UK’s largest aquarium here in Plymouth. From Tiger Sharks and a Turtle to Oscillated Eagle Rays and an Octopus, you can meet over 4,000 marine animals and find out more about life under the water’s surface.
www.national-aquarium.co.uk
Take a stroll on the finer side of life with the Grade I listed Royal William Yard. Indulge in various global cuisines through restaurants such as Wagamama, Las Iguanas, and Prezzo, before taking part in various activities such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, or yoga. Find a collection of art galleries and shops, and enjoy various festivities throughout the year.
Connect with nature at Dartmoor National Park, an epic expanse of moorland which offers hikes, trails, and much more. Devote a weekend to conquering Tors, camping beneath the starry skies, walking among the infamous Dartmoor ponies, or simply by enjoying an ice cream by the Burrator Reservoir. Regardless of age and ability, people from all walks of life can enjoy the adventure Dartmoor offers.
Local beaches are just a short drive (or sail!) away. Whether you want to look out at Wembury’s iconic Mewstone or enjoy a picnic at Bovisand, you have the chance to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city centre and connect with the coast. Popular activities include surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, coasteering, and coastal walking.
“I never run out of places to visit in and around Plymouth because there is so much to do and to take in.
“There is an abundance of places that you can visit and all it takes is a bus or a ferry ride (always a better option!). Some places that I have been to include Mount Edgcumbe, Mount Gould, Mount Batten, Cawsand beach, Jennycliffe Bay, Devil's Point and a little Cornish village past Mount Edgcumbe. I promise, with the sun making an extended appearance during the summer, these places look stunning!”
Ankitha
Current BSc (Hons) Marine Biology student
