Essential Hotels > England > Devon > Plymouth

Plymouth is a city on the south coast of Devon. The city has grown around Plymouth Sound, a natural harbour positioned between the Rivers Plym and Tamar. It sits in an area of extraordinary appeal. The port is one of the largest naturally occurring harbours in the world. Plymouth nestles scenically alongside the English Channel while sitting only a few miles drive from Dartmoor National Park, and there is plenty to do in and around the city. Plymouth Hoe, a scenic open space facing the seafront, is a popular place to enjoy the view and local landmarks.

The defensive and commercial possibilities of Plymouth’s natural harbour have been utilised for thousands of years. The Mount Batten peninsula on Plymouth Sound has revealed evidence of habitation going back to the Bronze Age. The Romans also benefited from the port, and it is its maritime nature that built the city. By the Middle Ages it was a significant trading point, particularly with regards to the local wool industry. Plymouth has also been witness to major events in world history. The English fleet was held here during the attempted Spanish invasion of England. According to local legend, Francis Drake, Devon’s famous son, was playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe and insisted on finishing his game before setting sail to engage the Spanish Armada. A statue in his honour now sits on the Hoe. Plymouth is also linked to the founding of America. The Pilgrim Fathers left the port aboard the Mayflower in 1620 to found one of the earliest Anglo-American settlements, naming it Plymouth in what is now part of the state of Massachusetts.

Unfortunately, much of the city was bombed during World War II, so much of the city centre is newly built. However, the Barbican area of Plymouth was mostly spared and still retains a historic air. Modern Plymouth is a diverse destination. The port is still in use, for both trading and passenger ferry purposes. At the same time, the University of Plymouth makes it a strong area for academia and conferencing. Finally, Plymouth’s contemporary outlook combined with historic attractions and heritage sites mean that tourists flock to this attractive part of South Devon.