Plymouth Travel Guide — Hotels, Restaurants & Things to Do 🇬🇧
Discover Plymouth, Britain's Ocean City — your complete guide to hotels, restaurants, pubs, attractions, Dartmoor National Park and Plymouth Argyle matchday tips.
Get Around with Need-A-Cab
At Need-A-Cab Taxis, we've been driving locals and visitors around Plymouth for over 60 years — and no one knows our city better. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, a night out, or to explore the coastline, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your stay.
🌊 A City Steeped in History
Plymouth has witnessed some of Britain's greatest stories — from the Mayflower Pilgrims setting sail to the New World in 1620, to Sir Francis Drake famously finishing his game of bowls on The Hoe before facing the Spanish Armada.
Walk along the Barbican's cobbled streets, and you'll feel the echoes of history in every building — once home to sailors, merchants, and adventurers. Visit the Mayflower Steps, explore the Elizabethan House, or stand on Plymouth Hoe overlooking the same stunning views that have inspired explorers for centuries.
🏨 Places to Stay — From Luxury to Local Comfort
Whether you prefer sea views, boutique charm, or city-centre convenience, Plymouth offers accommodation for every taste and budget.
Friends of Need-A-Cab — Recommended Hotels
🏖️ Crowne Plaza Plymouth – Stunning views over Plymouth Hoe and the Sound, with a rooftop Marco Pierre White Steakhouse.
⚓ The Duke of Cornwall Hotel – Victorian elegance and a perfect base for theatre trips or city exploring.
🌅 Moxy Plymouth – Modern, vibrant, and right in the heart of the city.
🛏️ Premier Inn Plymouth City Centre (Sutton Harbour) – Reliable comfort beside the Barbican and waterfront.
🏨 Leonardo Hotel Plymouth – Contemporary comfort in the heart of the city, perfect for business and leisure.
🌊 Copthorne Hotel Plymouth – Elegant waterfront hotel with stunning views over the Sound.
🏡 Mariners Guesthouse – Family-run, friendly, and just a short stroll from the Hoe.
🍴 Where to Eat — From Local Flavour to Fine Dining
Plymouth is a foodie's dream — a true coastal city with some of the best seafood in Britain, paired with modern bistros and family favourites.
Friends of Need-A-Cab — Recommended Restaurants
🦞 The Boathouse Café – Freshly caught fish straight from the harbour.
🍷 The Hook & Line (Royal William Yard) – Nautical décor, excellent seafood, and cocktails with a view.
🥩 Marco Pierre White Steakhouse – Premium dining with panoramic views from the Crowne Plaza rooftop.
🍕 The Stable – Pizza, pies, and craft cider overlooking Sutton Harbour.
🌮 Tacos & Tequila – Bold flavours and fun vibes in the city centre.
🐟 Rockfish Plymouth – Award-winning sustainable seafood right by the water.
🥩 Steak and Omelette – Classic steaks and hearty omelettes in a friendly Barbican setting.
🥩 Miller & Carter Plymouth – Expertly cooked 30-day aged steaks in a relaxed, elegant setting at Sutton Wharf.
🇬🇷 Grecian on the Barbican – Authentic Greek cuisine with over 50 years of heritage, featuring charcoal-grilled meats and fresh seafood.
🍻 Where to Drink — Pubs, Bars & Nightlife
From cosy traditional pubs to stylish waterfront bars, Plymouth has a thriving nightlife scene.
Friends of Need-A-Cab — Recommended Pubs & Bars
🍺 The Dolphin – A Barbican institution serving proper pints and classic pub charm.
🍸 Custom House – Elegant cocktails in a beautifully restored historic building.
🌆 Slug & Lettuce (The Hoe) – Great drinks, sea views, and lively atmosphere.
🍷 Le Vignoble (Royal William Yard) – Wine lounge and tapas bar perfect for relaxed evenings.
🕺 The Treasury – Late-night cocktails and a classy vibe in the old city treasury building.
🎡 Things to Do & Places to Visit
You'll never run out of things to see in Plymouth — from culture and nature to shopping and events.
Top Attractions
🌅 Plymouth Hoe & Smeaton's Tower – Iconic lighthouse views over the Sound.
⛵ The Barbican & Sutton Harbour – Cobbled streets, galleries, cafés, and the Mayflower Steps.
🧭 Royal William Yard – Stylish restaurants, art galleries, and ferry links to Mount Edgcumbe.
🎭 Theatre Royal Plymouth – One of the UK's top regional theatres with West End shows.
🐠 National Marine Aquarium – Britain's largest aquarium, perfect for families.
🏰 Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park – A scenic ferry ride away, with gardens, walks, and sea views.
🛍️ Drake Circus & Barcode – City-centre shopping, cinema, and dining complex.
🏝️ Drake's Island – Historic island in Plymouth Sound, once a military fortress, now undergoing restoration with guided tours available.
🚢 HMS Raleigh & Devonport Dockyard – Britain's largest naval base, home to the Royal Navy for over 400 years. Various tours and heritage attractions available.
🏔️ Explore Dartmoor National Park
Just a short drive from Plymouth lies Dartmoor National Park — 368 square miles of wild moorland, dramatic granite tors, and ancient history.
Natural Beauty & Wildlife
- Dartmoor Ponies – Spot the iconic wild ponies grazing on the moors
- Granite Tors – Climb High Willhays, Yes Tor, and Haytor for panoramic views
- Ancient Woodlands – Discover Wistman's Wood, one of the UK's oldest forests
- Rivers & Reservoirs – Walk along the Dart, Teign, or explore Burrator Reservoir
Historical Sites & Activities
- Stone Circles & Ancient Settlements – Visit Grimspound, Merrivale, or Fernworthy
- Castles & Ruins – Explore Okehampton Castle and Lydford Castle
- Walking & Hiking – 450+ miles of public rights of way
- Cycling & Horse Riding – Enjoy designated trails through stunning landscapes
🏔️ Dartmoor National Park – Visit the official website for visitor centres, maps, and guided walks.
Need-A-Cab Tip: Planning a Dartmoor day trip? Book your taxi in advance — mobile signal can be patchy on the moors. We can drop you at popular walking spots and collect you at a pre-arranged location.
⚽ Plymouth Argyle FC — Matchday Guide for Away Fans
Plymouth Argyle, known as "The Pilgrims," plays at Home Park in Central Park — one of Britain's most scenic football grounds.
📍 Getting to Home Park
- By Train: Plymouth Railway Station is a 15-20 minute walk from Home Park (uphill, so allow extra time)
- By Car: Limited parking near the stadium — arrive early or use city centre parking
- Parking: Devonport High School for Girls (PL2 3DL) offers matchday parking (£10) — pre-booking recommended
- By Taxi: Book with Need-A-Cab for drop-offs right outside the stadium
🏆 Stadium Facilities
- Away Supporters: Barn Park End offers covered seating and good facilities
- Capacity: Approximately 17,900 all-seater stadium
- Concessions: Pies, burgers, hot dogs, and drinks available inside
- Family Activities: Mayflower Fan Zone with Family Activity Zone for all supporters
🍺 Pre-Match Pubs & Eateries
- The Britannia Inn – Wetherspoon pub, 10-minute walk, popular with away fans (arrive early!)
- Hyde Park Social Club – 10-15 minute walk, Sky Sports, TNT Sports, small entry fee
- City Centre – Numerous restaurants and pubs within walking distance
⚽ Plymouth Argyle Official Website – Buy tickets, check fixtures, and view the supporters guide.
Need-A-Cab Matchday Tips: Plan your journey in advance — matchdays get busy! Pre-book your taxi home for a stress-free journey. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to avoid traffic and enjoy the atmosphere.
💚 Why We Love Plymouth
Plymouth is more than just a city — it's a community.
It's where local businesses thrive, where students, sailors, and families share the same sunsets, and where every street tells a story. From historic harbours to modern marinas, Plymouth is proud of its past and excited for its future.
At Need-A-Cab Taxis, we're proud to be part of that story — keeping Plymouth connected, safe, and moving 24/7.
🚖 Explore Plymouth with Need-A-Cab
Whether you're heading to a hotel, restaurant, pub, or seaside walk — we'll get you there safely, quickly, and at a fair price.
No surge pricing. No surprises. Just local drivers who know every corner of the city.
💚 Need-A-Cab – Plymouth's Local Taxi Service. Feel Safe. Be Safe