Love spending time outdoors? Plymouth has so much to offer, from beautiful parks and beaches to hiking trails and fishing spots. Here is a guide to some of the best outdoor activities in Plymouth.
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Outdoor Adventure Devon
Plenty of hidden trails and outdoor activities will get your heart racing if you want to explore Plymouth’s stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to enjoy a relaxing picnic, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.
Adventure Days Out
One of the best ways to discover Plymouth’s hidden gems is by exploring outside. The walking trails offer stunning views of the city’s rugged coastline and lush greenery, and for those who crave a bit more excitement, there’s rock climbing, zip-lining or mountain biking; Plymouth has it all. These activities will surely get your adrenaline pumping and provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Who wants to be indoors when you can explore Plymouth? Here are all the things to do outside.
Parks and Gardens
Did you know that over a third of Plymouth is covered in green space? With parks, open areas, woodlands and no less than eight nature reserves to explore. These open spaces are perfect for exploring Plymouth, stretching your legs, riding your bike and enjoying the fresh air.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Plymouth Hoe
First up, Plymouth’s parks are a must-visit. The most famous is probably Plymouth Hoe. The outdoor space has a stunning waterfront and panoramic views of Plymouth Sound. Standing tall on the lawn is Smeaton’s Tower, a lighthouse which is 72 feet high. West Hoe Park is a large children’s play area with a miniature railway and putting green, crazy golf, trampolines, a merry-go-round, a bouncy castle, and an accessible wheelchair roundabout.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Central Park
But there are plenty of other parks, like Central Park, which has a skate park, tennis courts, and a children’s play area. It is the largest park in Devon, formed from a collection of farmland. It is used in the summer as an event venue, hosting live music and festivals. It’s also where the weekly ParkRun takes place.
🐾 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. A fun way to take in the scenery is by horse riding. If you don’t have your own horse or are a novice in the saddle, some excellent stables offer tuition and an experienced guide.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Plymouth Walking Trails
The brilliant thing about walking trails is that you can do them in your own time. It’s not just those on a staycation in Plymouth who will benefit. Locals can also discover new walking routes and more about the Plymouth City Centre when out and about. Trails include the Mayflower Trail, Hoe Trail, City Centre Trail, Plymouth’s Powerful Women Trail, Sutton Harbour Heritage Trail and Devonport Trail.
The app allows users to overlay video and images onto the landscape before them and experience a ‘then and now’ snapshot of the city. The trails can be completed individually, as a couple or with the family. Activity packs can be downloaded for children to complete during the walking tour.
🐾 Dog-friendly
South West Coast Path
Plymouth has some great hiking trails if you’re looking for something more active. The South West Coast Path is the longest of England’s National Trails and connects you to the waterfront via a coastal walkway across the National Marine Park. There are 630 miles to explore. It has a wealth of stunning natural scenery, sea views, pretty ports and historic county towns. The Path has won numerous awards and offers a truly unique experience: this is walking at its most challenging and most rewarding.
🐾 Dog-friendly. Keeping them on a lead is advisable due to livestock or steep drops.
Plymbridge Woods and Plym Valley
Plymbridge Woods is where to head when you want to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. The wooded valley opens up to the moors of Dartmoor and has a rich and industrious past. There are several old quarries with interesting archaeological remains and abundant wildlife. The woodland floor is covered with wildflowers, including primroses and bluebells. You may even discover some wild garlic.
🐾 Dog-friendly
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Beaches near Plymouth
Whether you want to sunbathe, check out the rock pools, surf, or 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.
My personal favourite is Wembury Beach. It’s quieter than some other beaches in the area, and it’s great for rock pooling and exploring the coastline. It’s set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The waters are clean and have won an award from the Marine Conservation Society. To get a flavour of the local scenery, stroll along the cliffs, which take you to Bovisand and Newton Ferrers.
🐾 Dog-friendly. A seasonal ban is in place on some beaches.
Tinside Lido
One of the jewels in Plymouth’s crown is Tinside Lido. It’s not surprising that thousands flock to the beautiful saltwater art-deco lido every summer. Set in a beautiful location overlooking the sea at the tip of Plymouth Hoe, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d jetted off abroad and were looking out over the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect place to swim, sunbathe and relax with loved ones. It’s open from May to September for bookable sessions.
🐾 While its cafe is always dog-friendly, dogs are not allowed in the pool.
Mount Wise Swimming Pool
Open between May to September; you can enjoy free use of the Mount Wise Swimming Pool! It has a fabulous 25-foot main pool, a small paddling pool ideal for younger children, and a separate pool for lots of fun and splashing that hosts fountains, stepping stones, a whirlpool, and a bubble pool.
If you want to swim indoors, Plymouth Life Centres has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving pool (which Tonia Couch and Tom Daley use) and toddler pool. There are also waterslides. It’s one of the most popular family friendly things to do. Other ideas include Adventure Park Plymouth and escape rooms.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Plymouth Boat Trips
Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City, so there are loads of fishing trips, short day cruises, ferries and boat trips that leave from the Barbican, and other ports in the city, each day. Highlights include the ferry to Royal William Yard and Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park. Why not jump aboard and see Plymouth from a different angle and voyage across the Plymouth Sound?
🐾 The ferries are dog-friendly. Some fishing trips and cruises are too; best to check beforehand.
Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre
You can enjoy many activities at Mount Batten Plymouth, from sailing to stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking to multi-adventure days. The Centre also hosts Kayak Tours, which last three or five hours. Explore Plymouth Sound from the water and see the City’s historical and picturesque waterfront from a different perspective.
🐾 The cafe is dog-friendly
South West Stand Up Paddle-Boarding
Based in Royal Williams Yard, South West Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP) offers tuition and paddle-board hire. They are very popular with families, stag and hen groups and for team building activities. They offer two-hour or half-day sessions for beginners to try out this popular activity. It may look relaxing, but it’ll give you a whole-body workout and help improve your balance too. You can even take a Drake’s Island SUP Tour. It is 2km in total to the island and back.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Fishing in Plymouth
If you’re interested in fishing, Plymouth has some excellent spots. The Tamar Estuary is a popular spot for sea fishing, and several charter companies offer fishing trips. Or head to Burrator Reservoir for freshwater fishing and the chance to catch trout and pike.
🐾 Some fishing trips are dog-friendly; best to check beforehand.
Cycling Trails
As well as cycling along Plymouth’s Barbican and Sutton Harbour, the city provides an excellent base for those wanting to explore the stunning scenery and local history. With numerous National Trust estates, the Dartmoor National Park and coastal routes nearby, you will have plenty of exciting trails to choose from. You may even come across a Dartmoor pony or two.
Two cycling routes run through Plymouth; National Cycling Network Route 27 – Devon Coast to Coast route, which is primarily off-road from Plymouth to Ilfracombe and includes the recently opened Laira Rail Bridge and NCN Route 2 – Southern Coastal route, from Cornwall to Dover.
Plymouth Snowsports Centre
With three slopes, including the longest artificial slope in the South West, this is the perfect place to practise and learn new wintery skills. The artificial ski slopes at Plymouth Snowsports Centre are covered in perma-snow, so no matter how bright and sunny the weather, you’re set for snowy joy. As well as trying out skiing, you can also go on the fantastic toboggan run, and the Centre offers sno-tubing too.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Free Things to Do in Plymouth
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. Many of them are outdoor activities in Plymouth.
Outdoor Attractions in Plymouth
Crownhill Fort
The largest and most original of Plymouth’s forts, Crownhill occupies one of the highest points in the city and offers excellent views, but it is still mysteriously hard to see on the approach. Trust your map; it is there! Once you find it, you’ll find four fighting levels with placements for 32 cannons and 6 mortars, nearly a half mile of eerie tunnels, and concealed accommodation for 300 soldiers!
Self-led tours of the ramparts and Fort Grounds are available on the last Friday of every month plus, there are regular open days when access is permitted to the public. The private grounds and not available to walk in, so this is one to plan carefully in the holiday itinerary.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Dartmoor Zoological Park
The inspiration for the Hollywood movie We Bought A Zoo, Dartmoor Zoo is not only home to hundreds of different species of animals but is also filled with beautiful plants and parkland. From lions, tigers, lynx and cheetahs to tamarins, otters, meerkats and other wildlife – there are loads of gorgeous, intelligent creatures to see in their exhibits. At the same time, the zoo also offers interactive animal experiences and daily talks.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Drake’s Island
The island off Plymouth is called Drake’s Island after the famous explorer. Originally known as St Nicholas Island, Drake’s Island is one of the most unique and exciting guided tours. Learn about the history and mysteries surrounding the island. Walk the tunnels, see wildlife and see Plymouth from a new perspective with views across Devon and Cornwall.
🐾 Dog-friendly. However, they can only accept small to medium-sized dogs, and they need to be pre-booked. There is a small fee of £3 per dog.
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. Entry is free for English Heritage Members.
🐾 Dog-friendly
English Heritage Offer
English Heritage Deals: Get 15% off gift and annual memberships by using the promo code EHAFF2024 at the checkout. It is valid until 31 December 2024. Making a single membership £58.65 per year and a couple’s membership £102. Get yours here.
Morwellham Quay
Step back in time and try out activities and hands-on experiences that provide fascinating insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked at Morwellham Quay. Ride the Mine Train deep underground into an original copper mine. Young miners can let off steam in the Miners Adventure soft play centre.
🐾 Dog-friendly. Small entrance fee, and dogs must be kept on a lead. Dogs can not go on the Living History Tour, inside the Miners Adventure Play or to any of the live music events.
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is the perfect place to explore if you want an enchanting outdoor destination. This hidden gem is rich in history, wildlife and walks that will captivate your imagination. The park has been here for over 400 years and was home to the most prominent family in the area. You can drive to it or get a ferry from The Barbican.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Saltram House
Described by the National Trust as a house “full of treasures, stories and intrigue,” people travel from miles around to visit this stunning period property. Saltram House has a secret garden to explore and a park fit for families, dog walkers and cyclists. Saltram is a beautiful countryside gem and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Plymouth life. There are many National Trust in Plymouth properties, estates and gardens to visit, including Antony House, Buckland Abbey and Plym Valley.
🐾 Dog-friendly. Dogs are not allowed in the house or garden. They can go into the cafe with you to order, but you’ll be asked to sit outside.
National Trust Membership
With your membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Prices start from £7 per month. Memberships can be purchased in total, by direct debit or as a gift voucher and are for a year. Get yours here.
The National Trust membership includes:
- 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.
- 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.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offer a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
The Garden House
Dubbed one of the finest gardens in Britain, The Garden House in Buckland Monachorum is a plant lover’s paradise. It is run by the Fortescue Garden Trust, a small charity committed to maintaining and showing the area to the public. Children will love the garden trail and secret pathways, while adults will love visiting the beautiful perfectly-manicured gardens.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Tree Surfers
Tree Surfers is a thrilling experience that lets you get a bird’s-eye view of hundreds of acres of woodland. This attraction enables you to test your limits on a high ropes trail with zip wires, Tarzan swings and rope bridges. For those who want to stay on the ground, there’s an archery range, cycle paths and various walking trails.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Are you Ready to Explore?
Whatever your outdoor interests, Plymouth has something for everyone. So, get outside and start exploring this beautiful city! Which of the outdoor activities in Plymouth are you going to do first?
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:
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.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
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:
- Why you should visit Clovelly Village
- Things to do in Gunnislake
- Visiting Cotehele House
- Things to do in Bude
- Exploring Killerton Estate
- Things to do in Looe
- Beaches near Looe
- Places to eat in Looe
- Explore St Catherine’s Castle
- All of the things to do in Fowey
- Things to do in Polperro
- Places to eat in Polperro
- Visit Restormel Castle
- Healeys Cyder Farm
- Things to do in Newquay
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.
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.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
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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Wow, this guide is an absolute treasure trove of outdoor adventure ideas in Plymouth! As a local resident, I thought I knew all the best spots, but this article has opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. The suggestions for hiking and biking trails, as well as the information about kayaking and paddle boarding, are fantastic.
One piece of advice I’d like to add is to consider trying geocaching while you’re exploring Plymouth’s outdoors. It’s a fantastic way to add an element of adventure to your hikes or bike rides. You never know what hidden treasures you might stumble upon, and it’s a great way to involve the whole family or a group of friends in a fun, outdoor scavenger hunt.
Also, I’d like to emphasize the importance of being responsible outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or kayaking, please remember to leave no trace and respect the natural beauty of the area. This ensures that these incredible outdoor spaces remain pristine and enjoyable for generations to come.
Thank you for this comprehensive guide, and here’s to many more unforgettable outdoor adventures in Plymouth!
So glad you found it helpful, and thank you for the tips!