Things to See and Do in Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall

It’s not just a cliché—Plymouth truly has something for everyone! This dynamic ocean city blends a rich maritime heritage with a lively cultural scene, offering an exciting mix of history, waterfront charm, and modern attractions.

Stroll through cobbled streets, where historic naval architecture stands alongside bustling marinas and sleek yacht harbours. Whether you’re drawn to heritage sites, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, or waterside dining, Plymouth is packed with unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.

Tucked away in the heart of Plymouth’s eclectic charm, Hoe Park House is ideally positioned between the scenic Hoe Park and the historic Barbican. Stroll just minutes in one direction to reach the breathtaking seafront, or head the other way to explore bustling shops, cafés, and cultural attractions.

But Plymouth is just the beginning. Step beyond the city, and a world of Devon’s natural beauty unfolds—golden beaches, rugged moorland, and postcard-perfect villages are all within easy reach. And with Plymouth sitting right on the Devon-Cornwall border, the spellbinding landscapes of Cornwall’s coastline and countryside are just a short journey across the River Tamar.

Stay at Hoe Park House and discover the best of Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall—all from one unforgettable location.

Dine and Drink

Plymouth is full of bars and restaurants. For a great choice, head down the road to the Barbican area. This is a particularly lovely spot on a sunny lunchtime or warm evening, when the outdoor tables fill up, and the whole area seems to fizz with energy. Look out for freshly caught fish as well as the locally brewed gin and cider. Click here to view and download our Dining & Drinks Guide with our frequently updated list of restaurants, cafés, and more.

Museums & Galleries

Our new museum and art gallery, The Box, is a must-see cultural attraction, discover Plymouth’s fascinating history in a spectacular setting. Just a few minutes walk from the house are the Mayflower Museum and the Elizabethan House Museum. Check out exhibitions at Plymouth’s College of Art and Levinsky Gallery at the university, or simply explore the small, independent galleries around the city, such as Kaya Gallery and KARST supporting local artists, and check out Hoe Park House’s ever-growing collection of works by renowned and emerging local artists.

Local Events

The typical Plymouth calendar is full of exciting events, and mostly on the Hoe and Barbican, so right on our doorstep! The best-known is the annual British Fireworks Championships, which lights up The Hoe, over two nights, every August, as well as Pirates Weekend, Lord Mayor’s Day, the Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival and Armed Forces Day. Check out Visit Plymouth for regular updates.

Sports and Leisure

Plymouth Life Centre is a large leisure facility with an Olympic-sized pool, a diving pool (diving champion Tom Daley is a local chap) and waterslides. There’s also a climbing wall and a health suite. It’s located in Central Park, a lovely 68-hectare green space, which is the perfect place for a jog or a pleasant afternoon’s amble. If you’re looking for a local gym to burn off some of the holiday calories the nearby Gym Group offers daily passes.

Shopping

Hoe Park House isn’t far from Plymouth city centre where you’ll find all the usual stores as well as a few independents. The main retail destination is Drake’s Circus, a shopping mall that’s also home to a cinema and a variety of places for a bite to eat. For smaller independent shops, try Royal William Yard and the Barbican.

Theatre and Cinema

Theatre Royal Plymouth offers a varied programme, from ballet to comedy shows. Like the Barbican Theatre, it is just a short stroll from Hoe Park House. Also nearby are two large cinemas: Cineworld, located in Drake’s Circus mall, and Vue, situated in the Barbican Leisure Park. Additionally, Everyman cinema provides a unique viewing experience in the wonderful surroundings of Royal William Yard. For independent films from around the world, check out Plymouth Arts Cinema, which also hosts the fabulous Tinside Lido open-air cinema during the summer.

Kids

There’s a lot for kids to do in and around Plymouth, check out Visit Plymouth for regular updates. And for a wide range of ideas from zoos and wildlife centres to water and theme parks, crazy golf, soft play or high rope courses, take a look at dayoutwiththekids.co.uk. Nearby family-friendly attractions include the National Marine Aquarium, The Box and the cinemas, as well as boat trips from the Barbican and all sorts of activities at the Life Centre. In the end, few things beat a traditional seaside day: a swim in the lido, followed by an ice cream and a run in Hoe Park, before foraging for a fish and chip supper.

Close to Plymouth

Plymouth is a handy base to explore the beauty of Devon and neighbouring Cornwall. It takes less than half an hour to drive from the city into the wilds of Dartmoor, and it’s about an hour to the lovely maritime town of Dartmouth, as well as the famous seaside towns of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham. It’s also just a short drive over the River Tamar (via the Tamar Bridge or more scenic Torpoint Ferry) into Cornwall, and you could easily take a day trip to an attraction like the Eden Project from Plymouth (it’s about 40 miles / 64 km).