Major city · United Kingdom
Plymouth
Give Plymouth 2 nights as a base: the Hoe and Barbican take a day, then use it for Dartmoor or Cornwall. Skip it as a day trip from Exeter.
Plymouth is England's largest south-coast city and a working naval port, not a resort. The Hoe, the Barbican and the Sound are walkable in a day; the real value is the position, 30–60 minutes from Dartmoor, the Tamar and the Cornwall border. Two nights covers the city and one day out; three if you want both Dartmoor and the coast.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (rain and short days); school holidays for crowds
- Airports
- EXT · BRS · LHR · LGW
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Plymouth999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Plymouth, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyPlymouth is a normal British city and safe by day; the Barbican and Union Street get rowdy late on weekends…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEXT Exeter Airport (About a 45-min drive; or bus to Exeter then train.).
- Getting aroundWalk the centre: the station to the Hoe is about 15 minutes down Armada Way, and the Barbican is 5 minutes further.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Street or quick mealPasty or sandwich lunch£4–8 (≈ US$6–11)
- BeerPint of beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus single, short hop£1–2.50 (≈ US$2–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or aquarium entrycheck£0–25 (≈ US$0–35)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel or pub, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel or pub, a night, per room£200 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £85 (≈ US$120) · High £150 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EXT Exeter Airport (About a 45-min drive; or bus to Exeter then train.) · BRS Bristol Airport (Direct Stagecoach coach to Plymouth, about 3 h; or bus to Bristol Temple Meads then a 2-h train.) · LHR London Heathrow (Heathrow Express to Paddington, then direct trains take 3.5–4 h.) · LGW London Gatwick (Train to Reading, change for Plymouth; about 5 h door to door.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Feb (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest Jun (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Plymouth: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
14 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the centre: the station to the Hoe is about 15 minutes down Armada Way, and the Barbican is 5 minutes further. Citybus and Stagecoach run local buses from Royal Parade; short single fares are around £1–2.50. Water taxis and the Cremyll Ferry leave from the Barbican Landing Stage, roughly £1.50–4.00. Taxis queue at the station.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Dartmoor National Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h to the edge
Train or bus to a gateway town, then local bus or taxi; a car is far easier
Moorland walking and tors; weather turns fast, so take a map and waterproofs.
Cawsand and Kingsand
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Ferry from the Barbican Landing Stage
Villages on the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall; check the return sailing before you go.
Mount Edgcumbe
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Cremyll Ferry from Admiral's Hard
Country park and house across the Tamar; the ferry can be busy with school traffic around 16:00.Country park and house across the Tamar; the ferry can be busy with school traffic around 4:00 PM.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Great Western or CrossCountry train from Plymouth station
Cathedral, quayside and a compact centre; see the Exeter guide.
Tavistock
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus or car on the A386
Market town and Dartmoor gateway; thin bus service on Sundays.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Barbican and Sutton Harbour
Historic streets, the aquarium and the Mayflower Steps on foot; noisiest at weekends.
City centre (Armada Way / Royal Parade)
Chain hotels, coach and bus stations, 10–15 min walk to the Hoe.
The Hoe and Millbay
Sea views and the ferry terminal; quieter, a 15-min walk to the shops.
Plymouth railway station area
Cheapest beds and easiest for early trains; 10–15 min walk into the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel or pub1 × 2 nights × £110 | £220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £85 | £340 |
| Train London Paddington → Plymouth, one way2 × £60 · check; advance tickets are far cheaper than walk-up | £120 |
| Local bus day ticket2 × £6 · check | £12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £71 |
| Trip total≈ £196 per person per day, bed included | £783≈ US$1,100 |
check
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Plymouth excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main meal | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Pasty or sandwich lunch | £4–8 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Pint of beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Local bus single, short hop | £1–2.50 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Museum or aquarium entrycheck | £0–25 (≈ US$0–35) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Plymouth has no airport: it closed in 2011. Plan on Exeter, Bristol or a London airport plus rail.
- Devonport Dockyard is a working naval base: no photography, and some areas are closed to the public.
- The Hoe and Barbican are exposed to wind and rain off the Sound; carry a shell even in summer.
- Water-taxi timetables thin out in the evening and in winter: check the last boat back before you cross.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 999
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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PlymouthPlymouth
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance999
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Plymouth; the US, Canadian, Australian and Irish embassies are in London. Check for consular appointments.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Plymouth → Exeter: about £10–20 (≈ US$14–30) advance, 1 h 15 min (check)
- Cremyll Ferry, Admiral's Hard → Mount Edgcumbe: about £2–4 (≈ US$3–6), 10 min (check)
- Taxi, station → Barbican: about £8–12 (≈ US$11–16) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- Please — Please
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- The bill, please — The bill, please
English is spoken everywhere; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Plymouth. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (rain and short days); school holidays for crowds · month by month →
- 4 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for EXT, BRS and LHR: last trains from Paddington field-checked, coach fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the Hoe, the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, the city centre, Royal William Yard.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (National Marine Aquarium, Smeaton's Tower, Royal Citadel, Royal William Yard) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and water-taxi fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Plymouth
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