Free Things to do in Plymouth

I love visiting Plymouth in South Devon. It’s usually somewhere we stretch our legs or eat some local fish and chips on our way to Looe and Polperro in Cornwall – just 40 minutes away. If you are on a budget or want to watch the pennies during the school holidays or when on staycation, there are plenty of free things to do in Plymouth.

Staycation in Plymouth Things to do near Gunnislake

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We’re all looking for ways to spend less money at the moment, but luckily, finding things to do when we travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Plymouth has some of the country’s most beautiful parks, views and free things to do. Plus, they are fun for all the family.

There are so many places to visit in Plymouth for free! From things to do in Plymouth for couples, things to do in Plymouth for young adults or unusual things to do in Plymouth. There are also birthday things to do in Plymouth. Here’s what you can do in Plymouth without putting your hand in your pocket.

Plymouth Hoe

Alongside stunning views across Plymouth Sound, Plymouth Hoe is a fantastic place to picnic. Have your picture taken by Smeaton’s Tower and gaze down the shoreline to Tinside Lido and Drake’s Island. There is also a playground called West Hoe Park which is free to enter. A few rides have a small charge, alongside a miniature railway, putting green, crazy golf, trampolines and a merry-go-round. Ensure you stop by the Naval Memorial commemorating 7,251 sailors from the First World War and 15,933 from the Second.

🐾 Dog friendly

Things to do in Barbican

The Barbican and Sutton Harbour are both picturesque and full of character. The narrow cobbled streets are a great place to wander. There are over 200 listed buildings, which could be fun to find. It’s a place packed with history, and the Elizabethan Garden is an oasis of tranquillity.

🐾 Dog friendly

Royal William Yard

Built in the 1800s, Royal William Yard Harbour contains the most extensive collection of Royal Navy buildings in Europe. After a multi-million-pound regeneration project, it is home to art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants. Free activities include swimming in the tidal pool.

🐾 Dog friendly

Dartmoor National Country Park

For more of an active afternoon, head to Dartmoor. There are 450 miles of natural beauty to explore. Walk, cycle or drive to thousands of archaeological sites, quaint towns and villages. Soak up the fantastic views and say hello to the wildlife, such as birds, sheep and ponies.

🐾 Dog friendly

Central Park

Central Park is the largest park in Plymouth. Children will love it here as it has open meadows, woodlands and the Seven Continents Adventure Playground. The play area features dino swings, climbing frames, a large pyramid net, drums, a sound wheel and an accessible wheelchair roundabout.

🐾 Dog friendly

Free Museums Plymouth

Formally known as the Plymouth Naval Base Museum, the maritime museum is now the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre. It records the development of The Dockyard and Plymouth’s pivotal role in supporting the Royal Navy through major conflicts since 1300, including two world wars. It is free to enter, but the museum gladly accepts donations.

The Box is Plymouth’s and the South West’s major new museum, art gallery and archive. It is just a short walk from Plymouth city centre, Drake Circus shopping mall, and train and coach station. The galleries and exhibitions highlight the city’s art, human history, media, film, and achieve collections. All ages will love seeing the life-size woolly mammoth.

National Trust in Plymouth

There are plenty of National Trust properties near Plymouth, including some woodlands and beaches. Many offer free entry to the surrounding parklands. However, members get free admission to the gardens, houses and estates. Highlights include Plymbridge Woods, which has no entrance fee, Buckland Abbey and Saltram House.

🐾 Dog friendly

Parking and entry are free for National Trust Members.

With your National Trust Membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from £6.40 per month. Members get:

Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
Essential companion card where you can bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
Free parking at the majority of car parks. Some National Trust car parks are in other natural areas like beaches and countryside walks. You can save money just by using their car parks.
Annually you’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties. However, the website is easy to navigate, finding places to visit by area or postcode.
Regular members magazine, sent three times a year.
Regular e-newsletters.
Join by direct debit and get a £15 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or café.

Mount Edgcumbe House

Spanning a vast 865 acres across South East Cornwall, Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is one of the most iconic attractions in Plymouth. King Henry VIII, in the 16th Century, commissioned the house. There is a fee to visit the house. However, the park is free all year round. Five different walks take you to different parts of the grounds. A big highlight is the National Camellia Collection, which appears from January onwards, with over 1,000 varieties.

🐾 Dog friendly

Beaches near Plymouth

Whether you want to do a spot of sunbathing, check out the rock pools, do a bit of surfing, or just a walk along the shore, there are plenty of lovely beaches near Plymouth. The closest to Plymouth is Jennycliff, which has free parking, where you can walk along the cliffs and enjoy the coastal scenery. A visit to the beach is a perfect free thing to do in Plymouth.

🐾 Dog friendly

Don’t Get Caught Short 💩

Tuff Pets Dog Poop Bags are premium, extra thick, and environmentally friendly, providing a reliable and eco-conscious solution for pet waste. These zero-waste, home-compostable poo bags allow pet owners to care for their pets and the planet simultaneously, making walkies so much easier.

English Heritage in Plymouth

If you love to explore historic houses, stately homes, heritage properties and gardens. You don’t need to travel if you’re lucky enough to have these places on your doorstep. Many of these places of interest in Devon are looked after by the English Heritage. The Royal Citadel is a fortress built to defend the coastline in Plymouth.

🐾 Dog friendly

Entry is free for English Heritage Members

The English Heritage membership includes:

Unlimited free entry to all English Heritage sites.
Free entry for up to six children (aged under 18). They don’t have to be your children. They could be nieces, nephews and friends’ children.
Free English Heritage properties access for assisting companions or carers for a disabled member. (This can be a different person each time!)
Free parking at English Heritage car parks.
Reduced price events, such as Christmas Lights at Eltham Palace or jousting at Pendennis Castle.
A member’s handbook is sent annually.
Exclusive members magazine, sent four times a year.
Online magazine for children, including videos, games, activities and recipes.
Regular e-newsletters.
Member’s rewards scheme where you can access over 60 partners. Includes food and drink, discounted hotels and places to stay and other tourist attractions.
Reduced entry to CADW (in Wales), Historic Scotland and Manx National Heritage properties in your first year and free admission after year one. Free access to Ireland Heritage automatically.

English Heritage Membership Benefits:

Many attractions are dog-friendly. Best to double-check before you visit. Going inside the buildings can be tricky, as dogs can’t go in them. However, you can take turns if you go as a couple or a group.
There are plenty of activities for children, although some come at an extra charge or are members only.
An English Heritage membership is a clear winner if you’re interested in history, as this is their primary focus.

English Heritage Offer

English Heritage Deals: Get 15% off gift and annual memberships by using the promo code EHAFF25 at the checkout. It is valid until 30 January 2025. Making a single membership £54 per year and a couple’s membership £94.50. Get yours here.

Use Top Cash Back when purchasing your membership

I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 10% back on your English Heritage membership.

Restaurants in Plymouth

We all need to refuel and rehydrate. If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one at restaurants in Plymouth. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:

Whether it is a birthday treat, a welcome break from shopping, a baby shower, catching up with friends, or just celebrating the weekend, there are plenty of places to enjoy afternoon tea in Plymouth.

Take a Picnic

Devon Hampers, send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and BBQ hampers.

Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.

Days Out in Devon and Cornwall

I need no excuse to visit Devon and Cornwall! However, if you need some inspiration on other places to visit in Devon and Cornwall, here are some other reviews:

Places to Stay in Devon

If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.

Sykes Cottages

Sykes Cottages has over 17,500 holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Devon and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.

🐾 Dog friendly

Best Western Hotels

There are three Best Western Hotels in Devon; Exmouth Beach, Dartmouth and the Lord Haldon Country Hotel in Exeter. Every Best Western hotel is individual and crammed full of its own personality. From big comfy beds, fresh linen sheets and free WiFi. Some of the hotels in Manchester have parking which charges a small fee. Check out their special offers.

Parkdean Resorts

I stayed at Bideford Bay when I visited Bude. There’s also Challaborough Bay near Bigbur, Ruda and Torquay. The caravan park and lodges have a children’s play park, indoor swimming pool, tranquil gardens, pub and restaurant. It is a short drive to Lostwithiel. There is some dog-friendly accommodation too.

Haven Holidays

Devon Cliffs Holiday Park is in Sandy Bay in Exmouth. It is the biggest park in the Haven family but also a peaceful paradise. With acres of fun for all the family and an award-winning Blue Flag beach, you’ll be thrilled with your stay here. Both caravans and lodges are available here with plenty of leisure facilities and an indoor pool.

Britannia Hotels

Britannia Hotels in Devon are in Torquay and Illfracombe. The hotel offers excellent value for money with spacious en-suite bedrooms, TV’s and tea and coffee-making facilities. Complimentary WiFi sessions are included as well as low-cost parking. Even pets are allowed to stay for a small additional charge.

National Trust Holidays

You can stay in cottages, converted farmhouses and campsites in Devon with National Trust Holidays. With countryside views, you’ll have all the facilities and home comforts to hand. Including patio areas or gardens and BBQs to enjoy in warmer weather.

National Trust Holiday Promo Code

Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.

Cornwall Hideaways

Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses.

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