A Surprising Seaside Gem: Plymouth
Nestled on the dramatic South Coast of England, where the rugged landscapes of Devon meet the wild beauty of Cornwall, lies the coastal city of Plymouth. Don’t let its modest size (with a population of around 260,000) fool you – this is a city steeped in maritime history and bursting with character. We were drawn to Plymouth by two major attractions: the legendary Plymouth Gin Distillery and the awe-inspiring National Marine Aquarium. But what we discovered was a city that completely charmed us, proving to be far more than the sum of its parts.
Getting There: The Journey is Part of the Adventure
Let’s be honest, Plymouth isn’t just around the corner. Sitting roughly 200 miles from London, it requires a bit of a trek. If you’re driving, buckle up for a scenic four-hour journey. However, the train is a brilliant option! A direct Great Western Railway service from London Paddington can whisk you there in just over three hours, letting you relax and watch the countryside roll by.
Once we arrived, we found parking was a breeze. We opted for the Lambhay Hill Car Park, and what a fantastic decision that turned out to be. Not only was it a mere five-minute stroll from the action, but it also offered a stunning panoramic view over the Plymouth marina – a perfect welcome to the city.
Steeping Ourselves in History at the Plymouth Gin Distillery
Our first port of call was the historic Plymouth Gin Distillery, right in the heart of the city. This isn’t just a distillery. It’s a living museum and the oldest working gin distillery in England. The tour was a fascinating deep dive into the art of gin-making, intertwined with tales of the city’s swashbuckling past. It’s a proper educational experience (strictly for the over-18s, though family-friendly tours are available).
We visited in 2020, and while there were some COVID measures in place, the silver lining was our tiny group size, making the experience feel incredibly exclusive and personal. With tours ranging from £11 to £48, there’s an option for every level of gin enthusiast. Tasting the iconic gin in the very room where it has been made for centuries was an absolute highlight.
Diving Deep at the National Marine Aquarium
Next, we plunged into the underwater world at the National Marine Aquarium, the largest in the UK. It truly lives up to the hype – many call it the best they’ve ever visited, and we’d be hard-pressed to disagree! Home to over 4,000 creatures, from playful otters to majestic sharks, the scale is breathtaking. You’ll need a good few hours to do it.
In 2020, advance online booking was essential (adult tickets started at £19.50), and it’s still a good idea to book ahead. With a café, a gift shop, and even a play area for children, it’s a full day out in itself.
A Taste of Plymouth: Food and Drink by the Harbour
Plymouth’s culinary scene is a delight. After debating the classic fish and chips, we followed a local’s recommendation and headed to The Navy Inn, a cosy pub nestled near the marina, just a stone’s throw from the distillery.
What a fantastic choice! We were treated to excellent, hearty pub grub (the portions were enormous), refreshing local ales, and that wonderfully relaxed afternoon atmosphere that British pubs do so well. We ended up lingering far longer than planned, completely lost in the moment.
A Stroll by the Sea
Before heading home, we took a leisurely stroll around the marina. With autumn in the air, the water was calm, and the yachts bobbed gently in their slips. It was a peaceful and picturesque end to a brilliantly exciting day.
Plymouth surprised us in the best way possible. It’s a city that combines world-class attractions with a friendly, laid-back vibe, all set against a stunning coastal backdrop. We left feeling we’d uncovered a true British treasure.
.