The best places in Plymouth: 7 wonders worth seeing with your own eyes

Plymouth, located in the southwest of England, is a historic port city with a rich maritime history. It is famous for its picturesque promenade, where you can stroll while enjoying the sea views.

The city offers many museums, restaurants, and shops, making it attractive to tourists and history buffs. plymouthherald.co.uk shares what to see in Plymouth and what sights deserve attention.

Adorned with its unique maritime heritage, breathtaking promenade and amazing harbour, Plymouth attracts attention with its cultural diversity and unique proximity to the beauty of the UK countryside.

From its Art Deco beaches to its massive naval base, Plymouth offers a wealth of history and opportunities for exploration.

A guide to the seven wonders of Plymouth

Smeaton's Tower

The lighthouse, which stands on Plymouth Hoe, holds the honour of being one of the top attractions in the South West. The lighthouse was originally built on Eddystone Reef in 1759 for an impressive £40,000, but in the early 1880s, it was discovered that the sea was eroding the rock on which this majestic structure stood.

Almost two-thirds of its structure was wisely and carefully moved stone by stone to its current location on the Hoe. Today, Smeaton's Tower, standing 72 feet tall, delights visitors with breathtaking views of Plymouth Sound and the city's skyline beyond.

National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium (NMA) in Sutton Harbour is a unique place where more than 5,000 marine creatures and exhibits invite you into the world of ocean life. Divided into four zones, the aquarium reveals amazing facts about the diversity of marine life: from the mysteries of the ocean and the picturesque corners of Plymouth Sound to the amazing life of the Great Barrier Reef.

This is not the only thing that makes the NMA a unique place. It is also home to the Ocean Conservancy, an organization recognized as a national leader in innovative conservation work.

Home park

Plymouth Argyle Football Club has been one of the most successful clubs in recent times, having risen from the second tier. This team won 20 of 23 home games in the First League in 2022/23 and took another six wins out of 10 in the league this season. You can visit here at 15:00 on Saturday or at 19:45 on Tuesday.

Royal William Yard

An impressive harbour laid out in the 1800s, Royal William Yard is a majestic repository of history. It is home to the largest collection of former Royal Navy buildings that have become architectural landmarks in Europe.

In recent years, this amazing local treasure trove has undergone a multi-million dollar restoration project, transforming into a unique neighbourhood where history meets modernity. It has become an oasis of relaxation and entertainment, studded with art galleries, boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants designed to inspire and delight every visitor.

Tinside Lido

A visit to Plymouth in the summertime should definitely start with this amazing place. Tinside Lido, in the past recognized as one of the ten best outdoor swimming pools in Europe, remains our personal favourite.

Built in 1935, this Art Deco beach is not only pleasing to the eye with its aesthetics but also offers a solarium, which has become the perfect place to get a nice tan. The saltwater pool is open mainly during the summer months, creating a great opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy swimming and watching the waves in a unique atmosphere.

Plymbridge Woods

Plymbridge Woods is an amazing place that delights with its beauty throughout the year. Here you will find many routes ideal for hiking or exciting bike rides. The forest hides traces of its industrial past, and the viaduct offers breathtaking views of the valley. Free parking and convenient hiking routes are a bonus, allowing you to enjoy all the delights of the place.

Devonport Dockyard

The Royal Navy base is not just an object, it is a living historical complex. Since 1691, it has been a pillar of Western European naval activity. Covering a vast area of more than 650 acres, the base includes 15 dry docks, four miles of shoreline, 25 berths and five swimming pools.

Other attractions worthy of your attention:

- The Dome

- Theatre Royal Plymouth

- Royal Citadel

- Beckley Point

- Plymouth Gin Distillery

- Saltram

- The Box

- Cattedown Caves

- Barbican Prawn

- Plymouth Naval Memorial