Looking for things to do in Plymouth? Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or enjoy discovering new and fascinating places, Plymouth has a brilliant mix of museums and cultural attractions to explore. From immersive experiences to centuries-old artefacts, here’s your guide to the best museums in Plymouth — perfect for a family friendly day out, a rainy afternoon, or a cultural weekend in the South West.
Please note this blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or sign up for anything through this website, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Plymouth Museums and Galleries
Discover the best Plymouth museum exhibitions, from historic houses and naval heritage – which Plymouth known for – to immersive digital experiences, and enjoy a mix of must-see sights, hidden gems, and scenic coastal charm. Check out the best Plymouth Museums:
The Box Plymouth
Formerly known as the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, The Box is a unique amalgamation of a museum, gallery, and archive. Situated just a short stroll from Drake Circus, it blends permanent exhibitions and regularly changing displays, ensuring a constant stream of new discoveries.
Highlights include the spectacular Planet Ocean installation, thought-provoking contemporary artwork by the likes of John Lyons and Jyll Bradley, and the fascinating Cottonian Research Room. There’s also a great café, The Box Kitchen, plus a lovely shop filled with local crafts and unique gifts.
🆓 At The Box Plymouth Entry Fee is free.
📅 Generally open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and on selected Bank Holidays. Fore more on the opening hours and event details, head to their website or follow them on social media.
📍 Tavistock Place, Plymouth PL4 8AX
///copper.tent.offers
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Get 50% off food in Plymouth
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Elizabethan House
In the Barbican, the meticulously restored Elizabethan House offers a captivating journey back in time to 17th-century Plymouth. Its immersive storytelling and original architectural features vividly bring to life the people who once inhabited it, making it a must-see for history buffs.
💷 Entry: £5 for adults, concessions available.
📅 Plymouth museums opening times are seasonal (typically April–September) — check the official site before your visit.
📍 Longbrook Street, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 1NJ
///tiny.prop.engage
🐾 Not dog-friendly
The Mayflower Museum
Overlooking the harbour in the Barbican, the Mayflower Museum is a treasure trove of Plymouth’s maritime heritage. Sometimes known as the Plymouth Ship Museum, it tells the Mayflower story, including the 1620 voyage of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims’ journey to the New World, complete with models, artefacts and interactive displays. A visit here will not only entertain but also enlighten you about this significant historical event.
Situated above the Tourist Information Centre, it’s perfectly placed for a day of exploring the Barbican’s cobbled streets and independent shops.
💷 Admission: £5 for adults, with concessions available.
📅 Open daily (closed on Sundays from November to March)
📍 3-5 The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LR
///shadow.carry.across
🐾 Dog-friendly – dogs are welcome in the museum and shop
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.
Merchant’s House
If you’re visiting the Mayflower Museum, you must see the Merchant’s House tucked away around the corner. Although the museum Plymouth has been closed for over 10 years, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Plymouth.
📍 St Andrew’s Street, Plymouth PL1 2AX
///stars.clear.courier
🐾 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.
Elizabethan Gardens
These hidden gardens offer a quiet retreat in the heart of the Barbican. With stone archways, Tudor-style planting, and views over the historic district, the Elizabethan Gardens are ideal for a peaceful break during your sightseeing.
Tucked away behind timber-framed houses and stone cottages, the gardens are easy to miss – so keep an eye out for the sign!
🆓 Entry is free
📅 Open daily between 10am and 4pm (5pm in Spring/Summer)
📍 34 New Street, Plymouth PL1 2NA
///behind.tone.blog
🐾 Dog-friendly
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
Hop on the Cremyll Ferry for a scenic trip across the Tamar to Mount Edgcumbe, an elegant Tudor mansion set in stunning parkland. The house itself is open to visitors, and the estate offers walks, gardens, and sea views. Perfect for a relaxing day out.
🆓 Entry to the country park is free. Entry to Mount Edgcumbe House is £11 for adults, with concessions for seniors and children. Family tickets are also available.
📅 Open daily from 8am to 8pm. The House and Earl’s Garden is open Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday between April and September for guided tours only.
📍 Cremyll, Torpoint PL10 1HZ
///banana.figure.torn
🐾 Dog-friendly – must be kept on leads in the formal gardens and deer park. The Cremyll Ferry is dog-friendly, too.
Drake’s Island
Drake’s Island is steeped in history and mystery and is visible from Plymouth Hoe. Guided tours (by boat) take you through its layered past — from religious retreats and military outposts to abandoned relics.
💷 Booking in advance is essential, and tours are limited.
📅 March to October, subject to weather and landing conditions
📍 Barbican Landing Stage, Southside Street, Barbican, England PL1 2LE
///spits.mimic.best
🐾 Dog-friendly – dogs are allowed on the island but must always be on a lead. Certain events may not allow dogs; it is best to check before booking.
Don’t Forget a Drink!
Water-to-Go bottles are a game-changer for travellers, hikers, and dog owners who love the great outdoors. These reusable bottles come with advanced 3-in-1 filtration technology, removing up to 99.9999% of contaminants from any non-saltwater source. That means whether you’re exploring Ilminster’s countryside or simply out on a long dog walk, you’ll always have access to clean, safe drinking water.
Crownhill Fort
One of the best-preserved Victorian forts in the UK, Crownhill Fort is a hidden gem just outside the city centre. Explore underground tunnels, towering ramparts and historic military displays. It’s an engaging way to learn about Plymouth’s military past.
💷 Booking the Plymouth museums tickets in advance is essential; tickets are £5 per adult.
📅 Open on select days, usually once a month.
📍 Crownhill Fort Road, Plymouth PL6 5BX
///hush.tilt.park
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Devonport Naval Heritage Centre
Previously known as the Plymouth Maritime Museum, the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre is dedicated to the city’s long-standing connection to the Royal Navy. Explore ship models, naval uniforms, and engineering displays, and learn about the vital role Plymouth played — and continues to play — in maritime defence.
🆓 Admission is free, though donations are welcome.
📅 Typically open on Wednesdays and the second Saturday of the month (Spring/Summer only).
📍 Vivid Approach, off Granby Way, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4RW
///guards.flows.mouse
🐾 Not dog-friendly
The Market Hall
Located in Devonport, The Market Hall is a digital wonderland that combines creativity and tech. Experience virtual reality exhibitions, digital art installations, and even pilates or yoga sessions inside a 360-degree immersive dome. This state-of-the-art dome is the only one of its kind in Europe.
🆓 Some experiences are free, while others have a small entrance fee. It’s a great spot for families or anyone keen to try something different.
📅 Open daily with various opening times
📍 Duke Street, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4PS
///filed.traps.activism
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Arts University Plymouth
This vibrant university isn’t just for students — it also offers a public Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery showcasing a rotation of exhibitions from students, staff, and international artists. Expect to see bold, contemporary work spanning fine art, design, and photography.
🆓 Free entry and exhibitions change regularly.
📅 Gallery Plymouth is open dependent on the exhibition
📍 Tavistock Place, Plymouth PL4 8AT
///bets.bake.wings
🐾 Not dog-friendly
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.
National Trust Plymouth
Not all National Trust properties are grand estates and houses. Plymbridge Woods is where to head when you want to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. There’s also Saltram House – a grand Georgian mansion just a few miles from the city centre. Wander through opulent interiors, stroll through landscaped gardens, and enjoy riverside walks. Or Buckland Abbey – formerly home to Sir Francis Drake, this National Trust property blends history, art, and beautiful countryside. Check out all of the National Trust near Plymouth.
🐾 Dog-friendly
National Trust Membership
A National Trust membership is perfect for nature lovers, families, and anyone who enjoys exploring the great outdoors. With unlimited free entry to historic houses, gardens, coastlines, and countryside, plus free parking and a £10 gift card when you join by direct debit, it’s brilliant value.
English Heritage in Devon
For those interested in English Heritage sites in Devon:
- Totnes Castle – A short drive from Plymouth, this well-preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castle offers panoramic views of the town and River Dart.
- Berry Pomeroy Castle – 2.5 miles from Totnes, this romantic ruin is steeped in history and intrigue. It was going to be the most spectacular house in Devon. But money ran out, and the mansion was never finished.
- Launceston Castle – Straddling the Devon–Cornwall border, this striking ruin is a great stop on a wider South West road trip.
🐾 Dog-friendly
English Heritage Membership
An English Heritage membership is a fantastic way to explore the UK’s rich history while saving money on days out. With unlimited free entry to historic sites, free access for up to six children, discounted events, free parking, and exclusive member rewards, it’s brilliant value for families, history lovers, and travel enthusiasts alike. Starting from £6 per month!
Not sure if it is for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
English Heritage Discount Code
English Heritage Deals: Get 20% off memberships purchased by direct debit by using the promo code PV20OFF at the checkout. It is valid until 31 December 2025. Making a single membership £57.60 per year and a couple’s membership £100.20. Get yours here.
Museums in Plymouth UK
Whether you’re exploring art, stepping back into Tudor life, or admiring naval heritage, Plymouth’s museums and cultural landmarks offer a little something for everyone. From free experiences to ticketed treasures, it’s easy to fill your itinerary with meaningful moments.
Footwear That Keeps Up with Your Travel Plans
Legend Footwear is a go-to destination for quality footwear, offering a huge range of brands, from hiking boots to stylish everyday shoes. Whether you’re heading out on a countryside walk with your dog or exploring a new city on your travels, they have durable and comfortable options to suit all terrains.
Hotels in Plymouth
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.
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.
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.
Follow Me on Social Media
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Don’t Miss Out – Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter
Want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed reading about cinemas in Plymouth, you can stay updated with my other travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
