Car Hire Plymouth - Mini guide to Plymouth

Known as the ‘Waterfront City’, Plymouth is a city of contrasts, with a modern, vibrant city centre, stunning panoramic sea views and an interesting history as the starting port for many famous seafarers, including Cook, the Pilgrim Fathers, Darwin and Drake.

Of the most famous attractions in the city are Plymouth Hoe on the lovely waterfront, where Drake played his famous game of bowls, and Smeaton’s Tower Lighthouse, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Plymouth Sound and orientate yourself to the city. For history and art lovers, the fascinating Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery (Drake Circus) should not be missed

With wide, pedestrainised streets, water features, gardens and outdoor cafes, the city centre is a pleasant place to explore, shop, eat, or watch the world go by. Alternatively, the narrow streets of the Barbican area, which has an array of individual and unique shops, including many galleries of local artists’ work, make an interesting contrast.

With many department stores, famous UK high-street retailers as well as specialist shops, it’s no wonder that Plymouth is the shopping capital of the South West. However, Plymouth also boasts excellent entertainment options, including opera, theatre, rock concerts, street performers and comedy shows. In fact, the Plymouth Pavillions offers all these, and more, with sports facilities, bars, cafes and even an ice-rink. The city also has a host of good restaurants, many offering fresh seafood.

As the gateway to Devon and Cornwall, Plymouth makes a great base for exploring the region. Of particular interest are Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park a beautifully furnished 18th century house, with Cornish Gardens set in 865 acres, and the 13th C Buckland Abbey, home to Sir Frances Drake, once a medieval monastery that was converted into a Tudor Home. For nature lovers, the Dartmoor National Park offers great hiking.

Plymouth City Airport offers flights to London Gatwick, other destinations throughout the UK, Ireland and Paris. Alternatively, trains to London Paddington station, with its fast connection to Heathrow International Airport, take approximately 5 hours.

The major suburbs in Plymouth are: Compton, Crabtree, Crownhill, Devonport, Efford, Hartley, Keyham, Plympton, Plymstock and Stoke.