Unique And Wonderful Things To Do In Plymouth | 2023 Guide
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If you’re a student in the port city of Plymouth then you’re absolutely spoilt for choice for things to do with your friends when you’re not busy studying!
In this full guide for 2023, we’ll be giving you a full rundown on the top unique and wonderful activities in Britain’s Ocean City.
The best part? They’re even within walking distance from your luxury student accommodation.
With something to interest everyone, you’ll never get bored in this breathtaking city!
1. Ride The Waves At The Mount Batten Watersports Centre
When it comes to unique things to do in Plymouth, visiting Mount Batten Watersports Centre is a must.
You can get involved in a wide range of activities from kayaking and canoeing to paddle boarding to sailing to power boating to windsurfing to gorge walking and more.
There’s quite a lot to keep you busy and you’ll have a right laugh with your mates.
You can get to Mount Batten in around 20 minutes by car or catching the number 2 bus will take 40 minutes.
The water ferry is the fastest and easiest route, leaving from the Barbican every 30 minutes.
If you’re yet to visit here, be sure to do so!
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Address: 70 Lawrence Rd, Mount Batten, Plymouth PL9 9SJ
2. Visit The National Marine Aquarium
Did you know Plymouth is home to the UK’s largest aquarium? Yep, that’s right.
The National Marine Aquarium is home to over 5,000 animals and is right here in Britain’s Ocean City.
The aquarium is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, who are a charity who connect people with the Ocean.
It’s made up of four sections with tons of different exhibitions and animals in each, whilst you journey around the Aquarium, you’ll journey around the world’s Ocean, finishing up in the Great Barrier Reef.
You can expect to see the likes of Hermit Crabs, Lobsters, Sea Anemones, Starfish, Sharks, Sting Rays and Barracuda.
They even offer student tickets so it’s worth bringing along your ID card to get some discount off your entry.
In terms of things to do, it sounds pretty interesting if you ask us!
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Address: Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF
3. Experiment At Plymouth Gin Distillery
Plymouth Gin Distillery is located in the Barbican and is the oldest working gin distillery in England having opened in 1793.
Here you can experience a gin cocktail making tour, where you’ll get the opportunity to select your very own botanicals and distil a bottle to take away with you.
There’s a really funky vibe to this place with jazz music playing and a chilled atmosphere, and they’re open 7 days a week.
You’re looking at around £15 for their standard tour, but we do recommend booking the distillery in advance though to secure a place.
If you’re a gin lover, trust us, you’ll be fascinated by this place!
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Address: 60 Southside St, Plymouth PL1 2LQ
4. Go To The Saltram House
Saltram House is a Grade I listed George II era mansion house located just three miles away from Plymouth City Centre, with public transport access to take you right to the grounds.
Overlooking the River Plym, the green spaces here are simply stunning and the Georgian house is full of historic stories and treasures to explore.
There’s also a Park Café on-site which has hot and cold drinks and snacks available, as well as plenty of places to sit and chill with a picnic.
If you’re a history lover, this National Trust Site will be a heaven, so go and have a stroll around!
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Address: Saltram, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 1UH
5. Swim At Mount Wise Swimming Pools
Looking for the ultimate place to visit on a scorching summer day? It has to be Mount Wise Swimming Pools.
This site features three pools including a a 25-metre main pool, a fun pool with fountains, stepping stones, a whirlpool, and a bubble pool.
Despite being a seasonal attraction open between May and September each year, it’s still somewhere you should add to your list for when you’re not busy with uni. If you’re lucky, you might still be able to go this summer!
With gorgeous views across the Tamar River and free entry, this place isn’t one of the top attractions in Plymouth for nothing!
Although, you do have to book in advance if you want to go for a dip in the pools.
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Address: Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4QE
6. Experience History & Culture At The Box
The Box is Plymouth’s main museum and art gallery.
Here you can explore the history and culture of the city through exhibitions, collections and events.
Take a walk around the galleries which focus on archaeology, natural history, fine and decorative arts, world cultures, photography, moving image, social and maritime history and local archives.
Don’t worry about splashing the cash, entry is free so if you’ve got a few hours to kill this is the place!
There’s even a gallery shop where you can buy cute prints and trinkets, or if you’re feeling hungry why not to for something to eat and drink at The Box Kitchen & Bar.
The menu features yummy dishes for brunch like eggs benedict and stacked pancakes, as well as a daytime menu with burgers and ciabatta sandwiches.
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Address: Tavistock Pl, Plymouth PL4 8AX
7. Barbican Theatre
On the hunt for things to do in Plymouth? Watching a show at The Barbican Theatre is a must.
This unique and independent theatre offers a diverse programme of theatre, dance, comedy, live music and spoken word performances.
You and your besties can head to B-Bar beforehand for some amazing Thai food, and then enjoy a show.
That’s not all either, there’s also workshops, classes and projects to get involved with too.
Find out what’s on in 2023 on their official website.
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Address: Castle St, Plymouth PL1 2NJ
8. Royal Citadel
Last but not least in our guide to things to do in Plymouth is The Royal Citadel.
The Royal Citadel is a 17th-century military fort built to counter the threat from Dutch,
Here you can experience a walking tour and learn about the 350 years of the stories the fortress has to offer.
The only thing is, it is still an operational military establishment, so tours can be suspended or cancelled without prior notice.
If you want to experience English heritage, it’s for sure worth checking out!
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Address: Royal Citadel Plymouth, Lambhay Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PD
That’s the end of things to do in this vibrant waterfront city, what will you be getting upto? There really is so many fun things to do in Plymouth, you’ll never be bored.
We hope you have the best time if you’re studying in the city. The next academic year is fast approaching and we’re so excited!
Keen to get a taste of the Plymouth nightlife scene? Take a read of our post of the 8 best places to go out.
