The historic seaport of Plymouth is located in the south-west of England, or alternatively the West Country, and is situated within the traditional county of Devon at the mouths of the rivers Plym and Tamar and at the head of one of the world's largest and most spectacular natural harbours, Plymouth Sound.
The Elizabethan streets of the Barbican maritime village are an essential first port of call. Where many great adverturers once weighed anchor, today you can find a bustling community of specialist shops, restaurants, cafes 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 Great Britain with the deepest tank in Europe.
On Plymouth Hoe stand where Sir Francis Drake played his famous game of bowls and enjoy the spectacular view across Plymouth Sound. Climb the 93 steps of Smeaton’s Tower Lighthouse or soak up 400 years of local history at the award winning Plymouth Dome.
Things to see and do
* Barbican area
* Plymouth Mayflower Exhibition
* National Marine Aquarium
* Plymouth Hoe
* Mayflower Steps
General information
Cruise Season – March to Nov
Currency – Pound Sterling (GDP)
Language – English
Land Area – 79.78 sq km
Population – 250,000
Electricity – British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade
Time –GMT plus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code – +44
Port Location – The port is a short walk from the city’s shopping centre and provides excellent facilities for visiting cruise ships.
Transport Links - Plymouth Airport lies 6.5km (4 miles) from the center of the city and has direct service from the London airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, to Plymouth. Frequent trains run from London's Paddington Station to Plymouth in 3 1/4 to 4 hours. The Plymouth Train Station lies on North Road, north of the Plymouth Center. Western National Bus no. 83/84 runs from the station to the heart of Plymouth. National Express has frequent daily bus service between London's Victoria Coach Station and Plymouth.
A regular bus service covers most of Plymouth, however, the town center is quite compact, and the waterfront (the Barbican and the Hoe) are within easy walking range from the center.