Best Outdoor Activities in Plymouth
If you're looking to explore Plymouth's stunning natural landscapes, plenty of hidden trails and outdoor activities will get your heart racing, whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking to enjoy a relaxing picnic. In that case, there's something for everyone in this beautiful city.
Outdoor Adventure Devon
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. Check out this list of things to do in Plymouth.
Free Outdoor Activities in Plymouth
If a leisurely day out in the fresh air is more your style, why not head to Plymouth? If you're looking for things to do outside, there are plenty of attractions in Plymouth city centre and further afield.
West Hoe Park
There are so many outdoor activities Plymouth for kids. Let them run wild in West Hoe Park! The park not only hosts a large children's play area but also has a miniature railway and putting green, crazy golf, trampolines, a merry-go-round and a bouncy castle.
Alongside stunning views across Plymouth Sound, Plymouth Hoe is a fantastic place to picnic and enjoy some food. Have your picture taken by Smeaton's Tower and gaze down the shoreline to Tinside Lido and Drake's Island.
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.
Central Park
If you're looking for outdoor activities in Plymouth for families, 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.
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 are not available to walk in, so this is one to plan carefully in the holiday itinerary.
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.
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 city when out and about. The app allows users to overlay video and images onto the landscape in front of them and experience a 'then and now' snapshot of the city. The trails can be completed individually, as a couple or with the family. Even activity packs can be downloaded for children to complete during the walking tour.
South West Coast Path
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.
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.
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. It's one of the best free things to do in Plymouth!
Cycling Trails
As well as cycling along Plymouth's Barbican and Sutton Harbour, the city provides a great 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.
Sustrans are developing the National Cycle Network (NCN) in partnership with local authorities and other organisations. Two cycling routes run through Plymouth; NCN 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.
Bike Friendly Hotel in Plymouth
Did you know Future Inns is cycle-friendly? Our facilities include:
Outdoor Attractions in Plymouth
Indoors, you can enjoy escape rooms, afternoon tea or tackling the climbing wall at Plymouth Life Centre
Adventure Park Plymouth
A five-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth is Adventure Park Plymouth. There are plenty of family friendly things to do, trampolines, inflatables, a Virtual Reality Arena, and so much more. Here you can have an adrenalin rush.
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 lets you 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. They are perfect outdoor activities in Plymouth for young adults and teenagers - and big kids, too!
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.
Pennywell Farm
If you're on a Plymouth adventure, Pennywell Farm is one of the best places to visit. It is the biggest activity farm in the South West, with a different activity every 30 minutes. It is home to over 150 animals and has something for everyone, from pig racing to tractor rides! There are plenty of special events throughout the year, too.
Horse Riding
From riding on the beach to more advanced trekking across Dartmoor. With dramatic scenery, challenging routes, vast open skies and breathtaking scenery everywhere you look. If you don't have your own horse or are a novice in the saddle, some excellent stables offer tuition and an experienced guide.
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.
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 activity 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.
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.
Plymouth Boat Trips
Visitors to Plymouth are quick to tell locals how lucky we are to live by the sea - but many of us forget how special it is that Plymouth is Britain's Ocean City and how many gorgeous coves and beaches we could visit along the coach. 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?
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.
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.
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. It is also one of the most popular outdoor activities in Plymouth for couples.
Saltram is a beautiful countryside gem and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Plymouth life. There are so many National Trust in Plymouth properties, estates and gardens to visit, including Antony House, Buckland Abbey and Plym Valley.
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. It's one of the best outdoor activities in Plymouth for adults. However, children will love the garden trail and secret pathways, while adults will love visiting the beautiful, perfectly manicured gardens.
Stay at Future Inn Plymouth
Future Inn Plymouth is a modern and comfortable hotel conveniently located near main access roads and public transportation. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone. Added touches like a complimentary robe and slippers, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, and tea and coffee-making facilities to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking.
Book RoomFuture Club Rewards
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
Restaurant in Plymouth
Fishbone Restaurant is a welcoming and contemporary dining venue. Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and seafood dishes,
ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands such as Atlantic IPA, Offshore, Tarquins Gin, and Plymouth Gin.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
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