Western Europe

The Mayflower Steps are close to the site in the Barbican area of Plymouth, south-west England, from which the Pilgrims are believed to have finally left England aboard the Mayflower, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to settle in North America on 6 September 1620. The traditional site of their disembarkation in North America is Plymouth Rock. The Mayflower Steps are flanked by the British and American flags and mark the final English departure point of 102 passengers who set sail on the Mayflower in 1620. The actual steps the pilgrims left from no longer exist. A granite block bearing the ship’s name marks the approximate site, while a tablet commemorating the voyage was erected alongside in 1891. The 'Steps' today consist of a commemorative portico with Doric columns of Portland stone that was built in 1934 and a small platform over the water with a brushed steel rail and a shelf with some nautical bronze artwork and historical information. It is on a small pier that was built about a century ago when some very old houses that were blocking construction of a road around the seaward side of the Citadel leading to the Hoe were cleared together with the significant Watch House. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/the-mayflower-steps-p1398993

Designed by Victorian architect Sir John Rennie and constructed between 1825 and 1831, Royal William Yard is steeped in history. Considered to be one of the most important groups of historic military buildings in Britain, it is also the largest collection of Grade 1 listed military buildings in Europe. The Royal William Yard is a thriving hub for many Plymouth businesses and retailers. The Yard is one of Plymouth’s premier lifestyle destinations and is an arts and culture destination with regular public events taking place including outdoor theatre productions and open-air cinema, arts and crafts markets and the launch of Community Interest Company Ocean Studios offering opportunities for over 100 artists in residence. Accessible by land and sea, the Yard has its own harbour with mooring facilities and Royal William Yard’s own ferry service, which makes regular daily trips from the Yard to the Barbican Landing Stage and back. Visitors to the Yard can explore a multitude of independent retailers, restaurants and lounge bars. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/explore/areas-to-visit/royal-william-yard

Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland on the edge of Dartmoor with some stunning views of the surrounding countryside, Dartmoor Zoological Park is a unique zoo with a fantastic collection of animals. These include tigers, lions, cheetah, jaguar and lynx (the largest variety of big cats in the region), bear, wolves, tapir, capybara, racoon, meerkats, monkeys, a fantastic collection of bugs and reptiles and much more. Home of the Hollywood film “We Bought a Zoo”, Dartmoor Zoo is a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation, education and research. It works hard to ensure that the development of the zoo does not have an adverse effect on the beautiful woodland environment which makes it quite unique among zoos. As a consequence, they have plenty of open spaces for the kids to run free and visitors are very welcome to bring a picnic and simply enjoy the surroundings. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/dartmoor-zoological-park-p1362693

This delightful little garden is an oasis of tranquillity in a sea of shoppers and tourist activity, in a street that was new in the 16th century when wealthy merchants built their houses here. Although a popular tourist stop it is tucked away and can be quiet and completely empty even on a hot August day. Very low box hedges contain beds of colourful flowers and fragrant herbs in the old Elizabethan manner. Underfoot are cobbled paths and areas of old slate. Stone seats are very welcome to the weary shopper, although unfortunately, this is not a place for those whose mobility is limited, as there are lots of stone steps and no room for ramps. Relaxing beside the cooling fountain, it is easy to think yourself back in Elizabethan Plymouth. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/elizabethan-gardens-p1417583

Today the enclosed and tranquil waters of Sutton Harbour are filled with the modern fleet of fishing vessels, yachts and leisure craft. But, it is not difficult to imagine the scene as it would have been in the past when the Harbour (then a tidal basin) was similarly filled with the timber vessels, masts, rigging and drying sails of Elizabethan and Georgian sailing ships. The "China House" in particular, still projecting out from the wharves to the right, would have been the focus of considerable maritime trading activity as exports of fine China were, at one time, loaded directly on to vessels there. Sutton Harbour Marina is in a central sheltered location and combined with the excellent facilities and first-rate customer service it makes for a truly enjoyable experience – the place to berth in Devon. With one of the finest deep-water harbours in the country, Plymouth makes for an exceptional sailing destination. The Sutton Harbour lock gate is operated 24/7 monitoring both tide height and weather conditions, ensuring safe mooring in Plymouth for winter or summer berthing. From The Marina, at Sutton Harbour, some of the best cruising waters in the UK are right on the doorstep. Situated in the old quarter of Plymouth, the places to eat and drink, places to shop and to be entertained, make this the natural choice for mooring a boat in Plymouth. Plus, The Barbican, The Hoe, The Lighthouse ‘Smeaton’s Tower’ and Plymouth Lido are only a short stroll from The Marina at Sutton Harbour. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/sutton-harbour-p1692913

The Gallery at Plymouth College of Art features a high-quality contemporary programme of exhibitions and events, which seeks to enrich teaching and learning at the college, whilst also welcoming a wider public audience to enjoy and debate contemporary arts. The Gallery’s exhibition programme is shaped by the curriculum, with focus given to art, design and digital media, reflecting the rich and diverse cultural community of the college and the city. The Gallery specialises in supporting artists at various stages of their careers, enabling them to produce new exhibitions, and offering exciting opportunities to enhance their professional practice in fresh and interesting ways. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/the-gallery-at-plymouth-college-of-art-p1765393

Together with the B-Bar, Barbican Theatre offers a diverse programme of theatre, dance, comedy, live music and spoken word. From hilarious Christmas performances for the whole family (as well as just for the adults) to chilled-out soul and jazz music in the relaxed atmosphere of the B-Bar, this vibrant little venue really does have something for everyone. As well as putting on high-quality performances for the public to enjoy, Barbican Theatre is also a regional centre of excellence for young, new and emerging theatre and dance artists. Their Performance Training programme enables 12-25s to learn dance and theatre skills, whilst residency workshops give practitioners the opportunity to learn from nationally touring artists. They are committed to developing talent on and off the stage and work with emerging artists in theatre, dance, production and technician, directing, writing, choreograph, producing and many other areas of performing arts. But there’s more to this waterside theatre than meets the eye. For 39 years, they have also been empowering schools and local communities through the arts, raising awareness of important social issues. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/barbican-theatre-p1884723

Bovisand beach is a sheltered bay of yellow sand with cliffs either side. Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is popular with locals and families. There is a large expanse of flat sand when the tide is out, ideal for ball games and warms the water with the incoming tide, and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. On a good day, you can see across to Plymouth sound, and there are plenty of walks to enjoy along the coastline. The beach is situated on the South West Coast Path. Walk north walk to Plymouth (5 miles) or, a little further, walk south-east to the River Yealm passing other beautiful bays - Heybrook and Wembury. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bovisand-beach-p432713

The story of the Mayflower Pilgrims is an enduring tale of courage in the face of adversity. Though these early settlers of the New World play a significant role in America's past, they left their mark in Plymouth too. These early religious refugees, who sailed into Plymouth by chance, were only in port for a few days. Evidence of their stay can be found on the streets around the city and Mayflower is a familiar name heard by many. The Mayflower set sail for the New World in 1620. However, this epic journey begins some years earlier in the Midlands, in a small village called Scrooby. The gallery features a model of the Mayflower Ship built on a 1:11 inch scale by apprentices at Devonport Royal Dockyard for the 350th year anniversary of the Mayflower Pilgrims sailing from Plymouth. The model features 360 fathoms of rigging, 332 handmade blocks and six handmade sails totalling 64 square feet in area. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/mayflower-museum-p928703

Visit the UK's largest Aquarium and be amazed by our fascinating underwater world and how we all play a part in conserving it. All-day tickets come with a free 12-month pass so pay once, and return as much as you like throughout the year! The National Marine Aquarium is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the Ocean. A visit to the Aquarium will take you on a journey across the world's Ocean, from the shores of Plymouth Sound to the coral reefs of the tropics of Australia. With over 4000 animals to meet including sharks, stingrays, octopuses, jellyfish and a cheeky turtle, there will be something different on every visit. Their Ocean Conservation Trust’s public Host team deliver an action-packed talk schedule, including feeds, workshops and their famous not-to-be-missed interactive Dive Show every day at 2 pm. With four main zones, their exhibits include the UK’s deepest and largest tank, the UK’s largest native exhibit, the UK’s largest single viewing panel and many more interactive displays. If you’re looking for a day to keep the little ones engaged, then you can break up the learning & inspiration with some hands-on fun in Aquarium’s new Loola Land Soft Play or catch some sun in their stunning garden with sea views and games. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/national-marine-aquarium-p126153

Black Friars Distillery, the working home of Plymouth Gin since 1793, is the oldest working gin distillery in England and is situated in the heart of the historic port city of Plymouth. The building dates back to the early 1400s with the oldest part of the building – the Refectory, a medieval hall with a fine hull-shaped timber roof, dating back to 1431. Take a guided tour and learn about the art of making the world-famous Plymouth Gin, enjoy a tutored tasting of the range and then relax in the Refectory cocktail lounge – the ultimate place to enjoy a cocktail and where the Pilgrims are said to have spent their last night before setting sail in the Mayflower to the New World. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/plymouth-gin-distillery-p241563

On Plymouth's historic Barbican, you'll find an ancient doorway to 32 New Street which takes you back in time to Drake's Plymouth. This beautiful house is being expertly restored for the Mayflower 400 anniversary and is set to be one of the key legacy projects for Britain’s Ocean City. The House was built just before 1600 on the street that was originally called Ragg Street due to links with the cloth trade. The house was home to merchants and businessmen who wanted to work and sleep by the bustling harbour. In the Victorian period, the House was a slum, housing up to 58 people at a time. 32 New Street was rescued from demolition in 1926 with support from the people of Plymouth and opened as a historic house museum in 1930. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/elizabethan-house-p131323

A well known beach in the city of plymouth. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bantham-beach-p271883

A centerpiece on Plymouth's Hoe, Smeaton's Tower has become one of the South West's most well-known landmarks. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/smeatons-tower-p258003