If you are a regular to our blog then you will know that a little while ago we wrote a piece about Exeter and what there is to see for the explorers within. This week we focus on Plymouth, Devon’s other wonderful city, filled with maritime history, art, gardens and more. In this blog, we will show you some of the best that Plymouth has to offer and perhaps convince you that a holiday break to Plymouth and its surrounding areas is just what is needed.
Historic Sites
Starting with one of the most iconic sites in Plymouth and a historic site that you must see if you if your visiting, is of course, the lighthouse. The lighthouse was originally built on the Eddystone reef in 1759 but was taken down in the early 1880’s when it was discovered that the sea was taking away the rock it was standing on! So the lighthouse was moved to it’s current resting place on the Hoe. It now stands at 72 feet high and offers outstanding views of the sea and the city. It is a great spot to have a picnic at lunchtime.
A great museum to attend when visiting the area is the Mayflower Museum. Set over 3 floors this interesting museum explores the story of the voyage of the Pilgrims and their journey aboard the Mayflower. The Mayflower Pilgrims were not actually meant to set foot in Plymouth but sailed there by chance and evidence of their stay can be found on the streets and in the city.
Another interesting stop for those curious about Plymouths maritime history, head to Devonport Naval Heritage Centre. The Centre has been recording the development of The Dockyard and Plymouths role in supporting the Royal Navy since 1300. The museum posst extensive records, interactive experiences and pictorial interpretation of the relationship of Devonport, The Royal Navy, The Dockyard and the people of Plymouth.
The Royal Citadel is an English Heritage site that boasts a dramatic 17th-century fortress built to defend the coastlines from the Dutch. It is still used as an operational military establishment but tours are available to the public.
For the Garden lovers
For those of you who enjoy a green space amongst the city scenes then you will be pleased to know that Plymouth has great gardens. First up we have Devonport Park, a beautiful park which is steeped in history. Situated between Devonport, Stoke, Morice Town and Keyham, it is the oldest formal park in Plymouth. The park has a children’s play area, a memorial garden, tennis courts, football pitches, a bandstand, war memorials and wildflower meadows.
Another beautiful garden where you can escape the sea of shoppers is the Elizabethan Gardens on 34 New Street. The delightful little garden contains very low box hedges which contain beds of bright flowers and fragrant herbs. There are cobbled paths and areas of old slate. There is a cooling fountain as well as stone seats where you can take a moment to sit back and relax. Unfortunately, this is not a place for those whose mobility is limited as there are lots of steps and no room for ramps.
Finally, we have Beaumont Park, a stunning park that is surrounded by high walls, formal gardens and mature trees. It was originally part of Beaumont House which was built in 1800 and borders the park. The tranquil park was the vision of Reverend Thomas Bewes who was the proud owner of Beaumont Park and House. Within the park, there are sports facilities such as basketball hoops and ball games areas at the West end of the park. As for toddlers and younger children, there is a large playground area with swings, trampolines and more. For those wanting to soak in nature then you are in luck as Beaumont Park is home to a number of mature trees including Oaks, Beech, Sycamore and Horse Chestnuts. Due to the high number of trees, it’s home to an abundance of squirrels. There are also woodland spring wildflower displays on the Southern side of the park as well as more formal gardens near to Beaumont House.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed our blog post and those of you who enjoy exploring historic sites have been excited by the hidden gems of Plymouth. If you would like to visit some of these historic sites but are in need of somewhere to stay be sure to take a look at the accommodation we have on offer in the local area. Whether you like the warm and cosy feel of a charming B&B or a more secluded feel of a Self-Catering cottage we have something for everyone.