10 free things to do in Plymouth
If you are on a budget and looking for some free things to do in Plymouth, we have selected our favourite attractions and activities that won't cost you a penny.
Take a leisurely stroll through the heart of the city's heritage, The Barbican & Sutton Harbour. A vibrant place full of cobbled streets, over 200 listed buildings and even has its own Elizabethan Garden free for you to sit in and enjoy the abundance of beautiful plants & flowers.
The Hoe is the natural heart of Plymouth, with stunning views across Plymouth Sound and home to the iconic Smeaton's Tower, makes a great spot for a picnic or just to relax. Take the children to the West Hoe Park, located a short distance away from The Hoe. This large children's play area features a miniature railway and putting green, crazy golf, trampolines, merry-go-round and a bouncy castle.
The city centre is beautifully green and has a hub of independent retailers and high street names perfect for some window shopping. The city centre is also host to numerous events, including Lord Mayor's Day, Flavour Fest, Fairgrounds, Christmas Market and plenty more!
Walk through the largest park in Plymouth, Central Park. The park has open meadows, woodlands and up and down hills with fantastic views over the city towards Plymouth Sound and Cornwall. Take the children to the Seven Continents Adventure Playground containing dino swings, climbing frames, a large pyramid net, drums, sound wheel and a wheelchair roundabout.
Take a city walk, a country stroll, a tranquil coastal walk or a more serious hike a little further afield in the Dartmoor National Country Park. Plymouth has many trails and guides making for a great day out.
Explore Saltram, one of the National Trust's hidden treasures. The magnificent house with its original contents gives a fascinating insight into rich and sophisticated country-estate life. Take in stunning views of the 500 acres of grounds and its range of different habitats, including farmland, beaches, salt marshes, meadows, woodland and an estuary.
Discover Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park set within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall and one of the regions most popular historic tourist destinations. The free area of the park includes the National Camellia Collection and the majority of the formal gardens.
Enjoy the city's free exhibitions venues such as Plymouth Arts Centre, which has a rolling programme of high quality shows on display, as does the Peninsula Arts at the University of Plymouth. Admission to these exhibitions is usually free and all the venues are within a short walking distance from each other so it's easy to visit more than one in a day.