Your guide to shopping in Plymouth
Your guide to shopping in Plymouth
Shopping in Plymouth certainly offers a variety, from the modern undercover shopping mall to quaint cobbled streets, fresh with the tang of sea air. With a fantastic mix of brand names, creative, independent boutiques, pop up’s and art galleries, Plymouth is a shopper’s paradise.
Completely rebuilt after the Second World War and primarily pedestrianised in the early 1990s, Plymouth is traditionally the leading shopping centre of the South West. The Plymouth shopping experience is a mix of big-name brands and unique independent shops. With such a wide variety, there really is no need to go anywhere else.
Drake Circus
The fully covered shopping mall, Drake Circus, opened in October 2006 and is home to over 70 big named stores and some of the biggest in the South West.
Drake Circus is situated in the heart of Plymouth, easily accessed by car and public transport. A shopmobility service is available, providing powered scooters and manual wheelchairs to visitors. Many of the stores are dog-friendly and ideal for those visiting the area on holiday or for those who hate to leave their beloved pooch at home.
There is even a Sensory Shopping Hour on the first Saturday of every month between 9am-10am. The stores turn off their music, and dim the lights where possible to create a Dementia Friendly and autism-friendly shopping experience for customers.
The Barcode at Drake's Circus
The Barcode is Plymouth's newest shopping experience. It spans more than 100,000 square foot with more than 400 car parking spaces (including electric car charging spaces, parent and child, disabled and motorcycle parking). Its name is inspired by the ‘barcode’ nickname given to it by local residents, thanks to its striking monochrome design.
Six new leisure and restaurant attractions officially opened their doors in October 2019, including Zizzi, Nando's, Five Guys, Cineworld, Cosy Club and Paradise Island Adventure Golf.
The City Centre
The wide city centre pedestrianised streets are home to a fantastic array of high street brands and much-loved independent stores providing everything from homewares and food and drink to clothes, jewellery and electricals. Luxury independent jeweller Michael Spiers, whose flagship store is on Cornwall Street, is where Sir Alan Sugar chooses to shop for his watches.
If you are looking for more big brands, make sure to head to the high street, with stores including House of Fraser and Flannels, all home to an impressive range of designer brands.
Royal William Yard
The beautiful Grade I listed Royal William Yard is home to a small collection of independent shops, including the creative hub of Ocean Studios, wine merchants Le Vignoble and womenswear store ID Fashion. The award-winning Yard is home to a stunning range of leading restaurants, bars, galleries and independent shops.
Ocean Studios sells artistic creations from local makers, including the new Made In Plymouth range, all authentically local products that are designed and produced in the Plymouth area. The range includes tea towels, coasters, jewellery and homeware – all with an extra unique Plymothian twist.
The Barbican & Sutton Harbour
Plymouth’s beautiful waterfront is home to a vast range of art galleries, antique shops and quirky independent boutiques. If you are trying to buy a gift for the person that has everything, this is the place to head.
A wander along Southside Street in the Barbican will lead you to lots of art galleries selling a range of originals and prints, plus unique glass and homewares, cards and posters. Explore The House That Jack Built, home to an eclectic collection of shops selling gifts, or head to Chocaccino for delicious handmade chocolates.
The Plymouth Gin Distillery is here, too, so you can pick up a bottle of the city’s favourite tipple or some extra special glasses. If it is wine lovers you are buying for, head over to Sutton Harbour to explore the HonkyTonk Wine Library, selling wines from around the world.
Plymouth Market & West End
Plymouth’s West End is a treasure trove of independent shops and the 150-stall Plymouth Market, making it the place to head for unique gifts and fresh produce. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the food stalls while you are there, offering a huge variety of tempting treats, including sourdough pizza and freshly cooked Asian dishes.
The folk of Plymouth have enjoyed retail therapy in a market since 1253, when the town was granted the right to hold one. A bit has changed since then, but there is still a fantastic mix of things to buy and to eat under the Grade II listed roof of Plymouth Market.
And as an extra bonus, Plymouth’s West End parking is some of the cheapest in the city. Western Approach and old Toys ‘R’ Us car parks charge just £1 an hour or £5 for the whole day, while Plymouth Market has its own car park designed for short trips.
Shop till you drop in the city by the sea
Shoppers can stay at Future Inn Plymouth
The City Centre is a 15-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth. Alternatively, it would take between 25-30 minutes on public transport, catching one of the many buses that go to the City Centre from William Prance Road. If you would prefer to cycle, it takes around 25-minutes by bike. Did you know Future Inns is a cycle friendly hotel?
Future Inn Plymouth is an ideal base for the night offering various sized rooms including rooms that can sleep up to four adults or a family. Perks include;
Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.
Book your stay online or with our Reservations Team on 01752 701000 or reservations.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk.
Future Inn 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!
Fuel up before you hit the shops
Fishbone Restaurant is ideal for fuelling up before or after your retail therapy. You can expect homemade food using local produce. Every day the team serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening a-la-carte or traditional roasts on Sunday. A large selection of drinks is also available including 2 for £15 cocktails. Under 5's eat for free with a paying adult. Those staying at the hotel get room service 24/7.
Bookings can be made on 01752 701000 or fishbone@futureinns.co.uk. Alternatively, you can book online:
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