What to See & Do in Plymouth
Sights Plymouth Dome: the Plymouth Dome offers a detailed look at the city from its origins to World War II, and traces its Royal Navy connections. National Marine Aquarium: this award-winning family attraction boasts one of the largest underwater displays in Europe. Here, you’ll find more than 3,000 aquatic animals, from sharks to seahorses. There are also frequent public lectures. City Museum and Art Gallery: this museum displays a variety of permanent and travelling collections. The City Museum and Art Gallery contains both decorative and fine art, and also showcases local and natural history and archaeological finds. One of the museum’s highlights is its display of Plymouth china. Royal Citadel: built in the 17th century, this impressive fortress was erected to protect the city’s harbour. Noted for its baroque flourishes, the interior is adorned with period furnishings and hosts a stunning collection of art and furniture. The gardens surrounding the fortress are beautifully landscaped, and guided tours are available. The Hoe: this area provides visitors with majestic views of Plymouth Sound, especially from the lighthouse. It was here that Sir Francis Drake calmly finished his game of bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada. A statue of Drake stands at the Hoe. Elizabethan House: the house dates back to 1584, and features an array of authentic period furniture, from the 16th to the 19th centuries, and the seafaring mementoes of a former sea captain. Food & Drink With so many centuries of maritime exploration behind the city of Plymouth, it’s not surprising that its restaurants cover a wide spectrum of international cuisine. You’ll find an Indian restaurant not looking out of place in a 16th century building and a Chinese restaurant hugging the waterfront. Tucked away in old cobbled streets or magnificently modern edifices you will also find Irish, Thai, Greek, Turkish, Spanish, Mexican, French, Italian and Malaysian cuisine. Fresh fish and seafood are of course much to the fore, and from pubs and cafes to elegant restaurants you will find them everywhere: lobster, shrimp, crab, prawns, mussels, sea bass, lemon sole, halibut, trout, salmon, monkfish, swordfish and John Dory are all available on local menus. Back to Plymouth
