Discover the best of Plymouth and the stunning South West!
Welcome to Britain’s Ocean City! While you’re here for the J/24 World Championship, discover why Plymouth and the Southwest are renowned for their maritime heritage, stunning coastlines, and world-class attractions. Whether you’re exploring solo or showing visiting friends and family around, there’s something magical waiting around every corner.
Historic Plymouth Highlights
Immerse yourself in centuries of maritime history right on your doorstep. These attractions showcase Plymouth’s pivotal role in British naval history and its connection to the New World.
The Barbican & Mayflower Steps
Walking distance from yacht clubs
Stroll through cobbled streets and discover where the Pilgrims departed for America in 1620. The largest concentration of cobbled streets in the UK, with historic buildings, waterfront dining, and the famous Mayflower Memorial.
Plymouth Hoe
1 mile from the event venue
The iconic grassy esplanade where Sir Francis Drake allegedly played bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada. Stunning views across Plymouth Sound with Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse and the art-deco Tinside Lido.
Royal William Yard
2 miles from the event venue
Beautifully restored 19th-century naval victualling yard, now a trendy waterfront destination with galleries, restaurants, cafes, and boutique shopping. One of Britain’s most important historic military buildings.
National Marine Aquarium
Walking distance from the Barbican
The UK’s largest aquarium with over 4,000 sea creatures. Journey through ocean habitats from British shores to tropical coral reefs, including Britain’s deepest shark tank.
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Barbican Location
Tour England’s oldest working gin distillery in a building dating to the 1400s. Learn about gin-making, taste premium spirits, and discover where the Mayflower Pilgrims spent their last night.
The Box Plymouth
Plymouth City Centre
Plymouth’s major new museum, art gallery and archive. Explore the city’s fascinating history from prehistoric times through maritime adventures to modern art collections.
Day trips in Devon
Venture beyond Plymouth to discover Devon’s diverse landscapes, from the wild beauty of Dartmoor to charming coastal towns.
Dartmoor National Park
6 miles from Plymouth
England’s largest wilderness area with ancient tors, mysterious stone circles, and wild ponies. Perfect for hiking, photography, or simply escaping to nature. Visit picturesque villages like Widecombe-in-the-Moor or explore Buckfast Abbey.
Totnes
45 minute drive / 25 minute train
England’s most alternative town with independent shops, organic cafes, and a magnificent Norman castle. Take the steam railway to Dartmouth or explore the creative arts scene.
Dartmouth
1 hour drive
Elegant riverside town with the Britannia Royal Naval College, medieval streets, and excellent restaurants. Take the passenger ferry across the River Dart or visit Dartmouth Castle.
Salcombe
1½ hour drive
Upmarket sailing town known as “Britain’s St Tropez” with designer boutiques, excellent seafood restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Perfect for a sophisticated day out.
Cornwall Adventures
Cross the Tamar into magical Cornwall, where dramatic coastlines meet world-famous attractions and timeless fishing villages.
The Eden Project
1 hour drive from Plymouth
One of Britain’s most spectacular attractions featuring massive biomes housing rainforests and Mediterranean gardens. This former clay pit now showcases global flora in the world’s largest greenhouse complex. Don’t miss the canopy walkway!
Lost Gardens of Heligan
1¼ hour drive from Plymouth
Cornwall’s magnificent “lost” Victorian gardens, dramatically restored from brambles. Explore 200 acres of productive gardens, pleasure grounds, and jungle areas with exotic plants and wildlife.
Insider Tip
Purchase joint tickets for the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan to save money. Both attractions are close to each other and make for a perfect Cornwall day trip.
St Ives
2 hour drive from Plymouth
Picture-perfect artists’ town with the Tate St Ives, stunning beaches, and narrow cobbled streets. Famous for its art galleries, Barbara Hepworth Museum, and incredible light that has attracted artists for generations.
Fowey
1½ hour drive from Plymouth
Charming literary town associated with Daphne du Maurier, with narrow streets tumbling down to a deep-water harbour. Perfect for book lovers and those seeking a quintessentially Cornish experience.
Looe
45 minute drive from Plymouth / Scenic Rail Trip
Traditional Cornish fishing port connected by a Victorian bridge, with excellent seafood restaurants, boat trips, and nearby monkey sanctuary. Take the scenic Looe Valley Line railway.
Close to Home
Perfect for quick visits between racing or when time is limited.
Dartmoor Zoo
30 Minute Drive
The real zoo that inspired the Matt Damon movie “We Bought a Zoo”! Benjamin Mee’s family bought this 33-acre Dartmoor zoo in 2006 and brought it back to life. Home to tigers, lions, bears, and over 70 species in beautiful woodland settings.
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park
Ferry from Roywal William Yard
Take the short ferry across to Cornwall for 860 acres of parkland, formal gardens, and the historic house. Beautiful walks with views back to Plymouth and the villages of Cawsand and Kingsand.
Saltram House
20 Minute Drive
Magnificent Georgian mansion with the finest Robert Adam interiors in the West Country. Set in beautiful parkland with garden walks and a glimpse into aristocratic life.
Crownhill Fort
15 Minute Drive
The largest and best-preserved Victorian fort in Plymouth’s defensive ring. Explore underground tunnels, ramparts, and enjoy historical reenactments. Unique overnight stays available.
Getting Around
By Car:
Most attractions are easily accessible via the A38 and local roads. Parking is available at all major attractions, though booking ahead is recommended for popular sites like the Eden Project.
Public Transport:
Regular bus services connect Plymouth to most Devon and Cornwall destinations. The scenic railway lines to St Ives and Looe offer memorable journeys.
Ferries:
Don’t miss the short ferry trips to Mount Edgcumbe or along the River Tamar for a different perspective on the area.
Planning your visit
September in the South West offers perfect weather, smaller crowds, and attractions at their most accessible. Many outdoor attractions are at their best before the autumn weather sets in.
Further Resources
The following local toursim websites are a great place to learn more about local attractions in the South West…