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Plymouth nestles in a picturesque location ...

Plymouth nestles in a picturesque location, with the Dartmoor National Park to the north, the natural harbour of Plymouth Sound to the south and the rivers Plym and Tamar on either side.

Plymouth nestles in a picturesque location, with the Dartmoor National Park to the north, the natural harbour of Plymouth Sound to the south and the rivers Plym and Tamar on either side.

Its rich history and maritime heritage combine the advantages of city living with the benefits of having the countryside and coastline of Devon and Cornwall on its doorstep.

In this smart university city, there’s a buzz in the air that puts a spring in your step. Whether you are looking for top department stores, major chains or fashionable boutiques, Plymouth has them all - as well as the bustling indoor stalls of the popular Pannier Market. The city has recently seen the opening of the spectacular Drake Circus undercover shopping centre, which boasts forty eight shops and restaurants.

When the sun goes down, it’s time for the bright lights. International cuisine or traditional cooking, fine wine or real ale - it’s up to you. Then choose from a West End preview at the Theatre Royal, a concert or comedian at Plymouth Pavilions, or the latest blockbuster at one of the city’s multi-screened cinemas. Try your luck at the casinos, or simply enjoy the myriad of bars and clubs until the early hours.

Throughout the year the city centre plays host to a variety of specialist markets. Bustling Farmer’s Markets, Continental Markets, craft fairs and the festive Christmas German Market all add to the vibrant street scene.

In the heart of the city explore the historic delights of the Elizabethan House and Merchant’s House or see the beautiful John Piper stained glass windows of St Andrews Church - the mother church of Plymouth. Discover the colourful history of Plymouth Gin, or the tranquillity of the Barbican’s Elizabethan Garden.

On Plymouth Hoe, stand where Sir Francis Drake played bowls as the Spanish Armada approached and climb the 93 steps of Smeaton’s Tower, the old Eddystone lighthouse. Follow the voyage of the Pilgrim Fathers and learn about life around Sutton Harbour at the Plymouth Mayflower exhibition.

For a gentler trip into the past, why not take the Cremyll foot ferry to the formal gardens and parkland of Mount Edgcumbe, or enjoy the stately homes and fabulous gardens of the National Trust’s Saltram House, Buckland Abbey or Cotehele. Step back in time at Morwellham Quay and experience life in a Victorian Village and take the tram to the underground mine.

For those seeking an active break, choose from ice skating to bowling or swimming to skiing, whatever activity you enjoy, whatever your age you are sure to find it here.

Tee off on the internationally renowned St Mellion Golf and Country Club, or try a round at one of the other fine courses in the area such as the Elfordleigh, China Fleet Country Club, Staddon Heights Golf Club and Yelverton Golf Club. Try out the new state of the art driving range at the Plymouth Golf Centre, or if you prefer a gun to a putter, there’s clay pigeon shooting at Newnham Park.

Lovers of the sea will find Plymouth exceeds their dreams. Choices include windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, water skiing and RIB riding. The water is clean and clear, and the amenities are excellent, particularly at the many marinas and the Mount Batten Watersports Centre.

Why not dive on Europe’s first artificial reef. The Scylla, a former Royal Navy frigate, is situated in Whitsand Bay making Plymouth the ideal base for your diving trip.

The Barbican is an essential first port of call for your visit. Where Drake and Raleigh once weighed anchor, today you can find a bustling community of specialist shops, restaurants, cafés and world-class attractions, all in a picturesque harbour setting.

Stand where the Pilgrim Fathers stood before they embarked on the Mayflower and learn about their voyage at the Plymouth Mayflower exhibition. Enjoy a tour and sample the renowned Plymouth Gin at their historic distillery, or maybe visit the National Marine Aquarium - now the largest aquarium in Britain with the deepest tank in Europe.

You can also experience Plymouth’s rich artistic heritage with the Barbican’s specialty shops, craft work shops and art galleries. Many local artists have won global reputations, including Beryl Cook, Lee Woods, Brian Pollard and the late Robert Lenkiewicz.

Start your coastal tour with Plymouth’s superb natural harbour and spectacular Plymouth Hoe, where you can enjoy a visit to Smeaton’s Tower. A walk along Plymouth’s waterfront walkway allows you to explore the history and magnificent setting of the maritime city.

Beyond this you can continue in either direction along the South West Coast Path and take in the dramatic views of the sea, picturesque harbours and river estuaries.

If this sounds too much like hard work, why not relax and take a boat trip along the Plymouth coast and into the rivers Yealm and Tamar, or cross into the ancient Kingdom of Cornwall with its smuggler’s coves and quaint fishing villages.

Why not take a swim in the Art Deco Tinside Lido on Plymouth Hoe or dip your toes in the sea at one of the many superb beaches to be found close to the city. The majestic sweep of Whitsand Bay to the west and Bigbury Bay to the east are both just a short journey away.

Only a few miles from the city is Dartmoor National Park, one of the finest and largest National Parks in Britain and the last great wilderness in southern England. The landscape is unique with its high heather covered moors, ancient standing stones, hut circles and stone clapper bridges. You can walk, cycle or ride on horseback to enjoy this extraordinary area at its best.

For more information about Plymouth and what it has to offer, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk.

Key Facts:
Population: 246,100
Unitary authority: Plymouth
County: Devon

Top restaurants:
Tanners, The New Waterfront, New China Garden, Pizzaghetti Restaurant, Leandra Restaurant, Old Orleans, Morgans' Brasserie and Bar, Chandlers and The Thai Palace.

Top hotels:
Imperial Hotel, Copthorne Hotel, Elfordleigh Hotel, The New Continental Hotel, Jurys Hotel and Holiday Inn.

Local attractions:
Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth Megabow, Theatre Royal, National Marine Aquarium, Smeaton’s Tower, Plymouth Arts Centre, Plymouth City Museum and Elizabethan House.

Related sites:
www.plymouth.gov.uk
www.visitplymouth.co.uk