Plymouth

Top of the list for most visitors is the famous Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake played his famous game of bowls as the Spanish fleet approached. Close by is Smeaton’s Tower a former lighthouse now reconstructed on the Hoe. Open to the public the views over Plymouth Sound from the top of the tower are magnificent. Also on the Hoe is the Plymouth Dome, an exhibition centre with a permanent display of 4 centuries of the city’s maritime history.

The Barbican though forms the real historic heart of Plymouth and it is from this area that the city has spread to accommodate a population now approaching 250,000 people. It was from the Barbican the Pilgrim Fathers set off for the New World in 1620. Now an area of specialist shops, bars and restaurants the narrow streets and lanes of the Barbican are popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Plymouth is home to some top class entertainment, the Theatre Royal is one of England’s leading provincial theatres, and always has a programme of popular drama and musicals running. Plymouth Pavillions is a major regional venue for music of all genres and some top class sporting events.

Transport links from Plymouth are remarkably good despite its somewhat isolated  location. Brymon Airways fly daily to London (Gatwick) and Paris from the City airport, there are also regular flights to other UK destinations. By rail the fastest journey time to London is just over 3 hours, and there are many through trains to all other parts of the country. Brittany Ferries operate a number of European ferry services from the modern Millbay Docks to France, Spain and Ireland.

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