Things to do in Plymouth this summer
Known as Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth is a remarkable place to visit at any time of year, but with its maritime history, easy access to extraordinary coastline and beaches, and bustling quayside cafes and restaurants, summer is a fantastic time to explore this city. You’ll certainly not be short of things to do in Plymouth at this time of year.
Swim at Tinside Lido
Consistently voted one of the top 10 Lido’s in Europe, this open air salt water swimming pool was built in 1935 and sits at the tip of Plymouth Hoe with spectacular views looking out to sea. So if a summertime dip is on your list of things to do in Plymouth then a visit to Tinside lido is a must!
Visit the National Marine Aquarium
Let’s face it, the British summertime is not always reliable. So if it’s looking a bit grey during your stay (and even if it’s not!) The National Marine Aquarium is one of the best indoor things to do in Plymouth. It’s the UK’s largest Aquarium and is home to 4000 ocean species. The aquarium is also home to the Ocean Conservation Trust - a charity dedicated to connecting people with the Ocean.
Eat fresh fish by the sea at Sutton Harbour
Just a short walk from Plymouth’s city centre is this bustling Barbican - here you’ll find cobbled streets of cafes, independent shops and plenty of al fresco dining options. Take a scenic stroll across the footbridge and you’ll discover the hidden gem - Rockfish - serving up fresh fish, daily with stunning views over the marina. Every day this summer, kids can enjoy FREE fish and chips for every adult who orders a main meal. Next door is our takeaway where you can simply turn up and enjoy fish and chips either on our outdoor deck, or to take away. So you can tick another ‘must do’ off your ‘things to do in Plymouth’ list - sample some fresh, local seafood by the sea! Make sure you book a table to avoid missing out.
Watch the British Fireworks Championships
Every year in mid-August the best-of-the-best in pyrotechnics arrive in Plymouth to battle it out in the British Firework Championships. It’s one of the best free things to do in Plymouth during the summer. Why not make an evening of it (and reserve some of the best seats in the house for watching the show) by booking a table at our Rockfish seafood restaurant on Sutton Harbour.
Climb Smeaton’s Tower
An iconic landmark on the South West coastline, Smeaton’s Tower was originally built on the Eddystone reef, but was moved brick by brick to its current location on Plymouth Hoe in the early 1880’s when the rock it was standing on began to erode. For spectacular views over Plymouth Sound and the city you can climb to the lantern room.
Explore The Box
If you’re looking for cheap or free things to do in Plymouth, then look no further than The Box. Entry to this fantastic museum, art gallery and archive is absolutely free! Visit their website to see what summer exhibitions they have on and plan your visit.
Head to the Beach
If you’re ready for a break from the city, then there are some spectacular beaches just a short distance from Plymouth, including Wembury Beach, which is just a 25 minute drive from the city centre. This sandy cove is the perfect spot to swim, sunbathe and watch the world go by. It’s a dog friendly beach all year round, and if you’re feeling active, it’s great for surfing too.
Known as Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth is a remarkable place to visit at any time of year, but with its maritime history, easy access to extraordinary coastline and beaches, and bustling quayside cafes and restaurants, summer is a fantastic time to explore this city. You’ll certainly not be short of things to do in Plymouth at this time of year.
Swim at Tinside Lido
Consistently voted one of the top 10 Lido’s in Europe, this open air salt water swimming pool was built in 1935 and sits at the tip of Plymouth Hoe with spectacular views looking out to sea. So if a summertime dip is on your list of things to do in Plymouth then a visit to Tinside lido is a must!
Visit the National Marine Aquarium
Let’s face it, the British summertime is not always reliable. So if it’s looking a bit grey during your stay (and even if it’s not!) The National Marine Aquarium is one of the best indoor things to do in Plymouth. It’s the UK’s largest Aquarium and is home to 4000 ocean species. The aquarium is also home to the Ocean Conservation Trust - a charity dedicated to connecting people with the Ocean.
Eat fresh fish by the sea at Sutton Harbour
Just a short walk from Plymouth’s city centre is this bustling Barbican - here you’ll find cobbled streets of cafes, independent shops and plenty of al fresco dining options. Take a scenic stroll across the footbridge and you’ll discover the hidden gem - Rockfish - serving up fresh fish, daily with stunning views over the marina. Every day this summer, kids can enjoy FREE fish and chips for every adult who orders a main meal. Next door is our takeaway where you can simply turn up and enjoy fish and chips either on our outdoor deck, or to take away. So you can tick another ‘must do’ off your ‘things to do in Plymouth’ list - sample some fresh, local seafood by the sea! Make sure you book a table to avoid missing out.
Watch the British Fireworks Championships
Every year in mid-August the best-of-the-best in pyrotechnics arrive in Plymouth to battle it out in the British Firework Championships. It’s one of the best free things to do in Plymouth during the summer. Why not make an evening of it (and reserve some of the best seats in the house for watching the show) by booking a table at our Rockfish seafood restaurant on Sutton Harbour.
Climb Smeaton’s Tower
An iconic landmark on the South West coastline, Smeaton’s Tower was originally built on the Eddystone reef, but was moved brick by brick to its current location on Plymouth Hoe in the early 1880’s when the rock it was standing on began to erode. For spectacular views over Plymouth Sound and the city you can climb to the lantern room.
Explore The Box
If you’re looking for cheap or free things to do in Plymouth, then look no further than The Box. Entry to this fantastic museum, art gallery and archive is absolutely free! Visit their website to see what summer exhibitions they have on and plan your visit.
Head to the Beach
If you’re ready for a break from the city, then there are some spectacular beaches just a short distance from Plymouth, including Wembury Beach, which is just a 25 minute drive from the city centre. This sandy cove is the perfect spot to swim, sunbathe and watch the world go by. It’s a dog friendly beach all year round, and if you’re feeling active, it’s great for surfing too.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.