CITY 

Introduction: 

Plymouth is the largest city in south west England, located on the south coast of Devon. This naval port sitting between the mouths of the River Plym and River Tamar has a population of a quarter million. 

Brief History: 

The city started as a fishing village which belonged to the Prior of Plympton. By starting a market in the 13th century the prior turned the village into a town and merchants and tradesmen set up business. A law of 1390 which said pilgrims leaving the country to venture abroad had to depart from the city or Dover was a boon to Plymouth. 

The town was vulnerable to attack from the French in the medieval ages and the town was threatened and occupied a few times. 

In Tudor times, after John Cabot discovered Newfoundland (Canada), Plymouth fishermen started fishing in those waters. Fishing was the main industry at that time. Sea trade opened with France, Spain and the rest of England. Wine, fruit, sugar, paper, hops, grain, coal etc. were imported and exported through the harbour. 

At the time of the Spanish Armada in 1588 the population was 5000, rising to 7000 when the civil war started in 1642, making the town one of the largest in England. The 17th century saw trade commence with colonies in the West Indies and America, including the tobacco trade. In 1693 a dockyard was built and the Admiralty placed officers, together with a storehouse and rope house, there. The dockyard began to boom and as it was two miles from the town centre a new residential area was built close by, expanding the population rapidly. 

Eighteenth century Plymouth saw trade expand further, especially with the Mediterranean countries and new industries sprang up. For the citizens a theatre, bank, hospital and dispensary were opened. In 1801 the population of Plymouth was 19000 and that of Devonport, 23000. By 1851 the combined populations were 91,000. 

After the Napoleonic wars, in 1815, the fortunes of Plymouth started to turn down as sailors and shipbuilders were laid off. However, the end of the century saw prosperous times start again with sanitary amenities, railway, library, trams etc. arriving for the benefit of the citizens. World links expanded, now taking in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. 

After WW1 slum clearance began and in 1928 the town was given city status. Then, the Second World War saw the city, as a major port and industrial centre, devastated by bombing, with the inner area completely destroyed. Post war saw rebuilding with a major shopping area and new Civic Centre appearing. Although new industries were introduced to the city unemployment was high, which wasn’t helped by the closure of much of the naval dockyards. The dockyards, are however, the largest naval base in Europe.

Revival started again with the opening of ferry links to France and Spain and the University coming into being. A new fish quay and marina have been built. Tourism and retail ensure that 21st century Plymouth flourishes.      

Things to Do: 

Sutton Harbour/Barbican:

Located on Plymouth’s historic waterfront this is a buzzing, interesting area of the city. As well as soaking up maritime history you can indulge in activities such as fishing trips, boat rides around the harbour, visit the Plymouth Gin Distillery or organise a visit to tour the Royal Citadel, which is still a military establishment. There are also many eateries and leisure pursuits such as ten pin bowling. 

National Marine Aquarium:

The UK’s largest aquarium is split into four themes, Plymouth Sound, British Coasts, Atlantic Ocean and Blue planet. Tickets are £14.75 for adults and £10.75 for children, plus various concessions.

There are a couple of eating areas and a family picnic park with great views over the harbour. 

Smeaton’s Tower:

This was the third lighthouse to be erected at Eddystone and was designed by John Smeaton.  Constructed in 1759 it was in use at Eddystone until 1877, when it was dismantled and re-erected on Plymouth Hoe. As it takes 93 steps to climb to the top, disabled people should make sure they can manage same before embarking the climb. Due to the lighthouse being closed on occasions for private functions it is best to contact the website www.plymouth,gov.uk for full information. 

Buckland Abbey:

Over 700 years of history have passed at this lovely Abbey, starting with the Cistercian monks. Later, seafarers such as Sir Francis Drake and Sir Richard Grenville lived in the property. Now it is a house and a museum and holds such treasures as Drake’s Drum. Virtually unchanged since it was built there are meadows, woodlands and orchards to wander through. Buckland is 11 miles from Plymouth and satnav is PL20 6EY.

There is a café and shop. Full information can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey. 

Tinside Pool:

This great art deco lido is located right on the tip of Plymouth Hoe, giving fantastic views of the harbour. There is a lift from the promenade above and has a café and shop. 

Plymouth City Museum:

This free museum is open all year around and contains nine permanent galleries and two exhibition galleries, which has constantly changing presentations. It has the usual contents of a museum including local social and artistic life, paintings, archaeology, world cultures etc.

Located at Drake’s Circus, there is a café and a shop. 

Saltram House:

Located in Plympton, PL7 1UH, this Tudor house was refashioned by Robert Adam into a magnificent Georgian Mansion. There is much to see and do whilst there, including a tour of the house, inspecting its magnificent collections, riverside walks, nature watching etc. There is a café and shop and full information can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram.   

Night Life:

As a university city, Plymouth has much to offer night owls. The Barbican has at least half a dozen, bars and clubs and the city centre has the usual range of national night clubs, including Revolution and Oceana. Vauxhall Quay and Vauxhall Street have some interesting entertainment as well. 

For gay visitors there a couple of pubs and a sauna. 

The Theatre Royal is one of the largest and best regional theatres in the country. It is an excellent venue for drama, musicals, pantomime etc. and has many West End productions. It is located right in the city centre on Royal Parade, PL1 2TR. For further information email to info@theatreroyal.com or visit www.theatreroyal.com.   

The Barbican Theatre also has a wide range of programme including comedy, drama, panto etc. Check out www.barbicantheatre.co.uk  for all information. 

Plymouth Pavilions puts on touring gigs, comedy, dance etc. and full programme can be found at  www.plymouthpavilions.com. 

Film can be found at Vue, Reel, Jill Craigie and Plymouth Arts Centre screens. 

Ice Skating can also be found at Plymouth Pavilions. 

Eating Out:

Being a city with a big attachment to the sea it is not surprising that fish restaurants and traditional fish and chip shops feature prominently.

Also found are English, French, Afro/Caribbean, European and ethnic restaurants and cafes. Plenty of cafes, takeaways and pub grub can be found. 

Shopping:

With two large national department stores and Drake Circus mall, which contains sixty national chain shops, the city is a regional shopping centre. On top of that there are plenty of independent stores and boutiques and the Barbican has art and specialist shops. 

Accommodation:

International and national hotel chains abound in the city giving a good level of comfort. There are also budget hotels and affordable rooms in pubs and guest houses. These establishments can be found in the city centre and surrounding areas. 

Transport: 

Buses:

Over 50 routes are provided by Plymouth City Bus, which covers the city, surrounding areas, including over the river into Cornwall. Maps and timetables are at www.plymouthbus.co.uk . The main bus station is at Mayflower Street.

Stagecoach also have a dozen routes connecting the city to neighbouring Devon and Cornwall destinations. Check out www.stagecoachbuses.com/plymouth.

National Express run coaches to and from all the major cities in the UK. 

Road:

Sitting on a large peninsular means that transport in and out of the city by road is fairly straight forward. To and from the rest of England means travelling to Exeter via the A38 and then using the M5 to Bristol, the Midlands and North. From Bristol the M4 takes you east to London and west to Cardiff and South Wales.

The south coast is reached by using the A30, A35 and A27 from Exeter.

Going west into Cornwall the A38 continues on to Penzance with local “A” roads serving the coasts of Cornwall and Devon. 

Railway:

Plymouth sits on the old Great Western London Paddington to Penzance route. From London the train passes through Reading, Bristol and Exeter.

The south coast is reached via Exeter and Salisbury and then on to Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton and Gatwick Airport.

The rest of the country is basically served by going via Bristol. Local towns that are accessible include Newquay, Falmouth, Paignton, Barnstaple and Exmouth. 

Air:

The nearest regional airport is Exeter. 

Taxis:

Over a dozen taxi firms operate throughout the city and local area.