Penzance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dartmoor National Park is one of the last great wildernesses in the UK with an inspirational landscape of heather-clad moors and rugged tors. Dartmoor was designated as a National Park in 1951, a vast tract of the largely untamed countryside of huge richness and diversity stretching across 368 square miles. It's a landscape quite unlike any other, populated by lofty granite tors, mysterious hut circles and standing stones, ancient woodlands, sturdy clapper bridges, rushing streams, Dartmoor ponies, bustling stannary towns and secluded villages. This unique area has so much to see and do, but first of all, you must experience Dartmoor by actually getting out onto it, the National Park is most easily accessed by car, although there are options by bus if it’s a particular village you would like to see in general there is little public transport on to the moors. Walk, ride, cycle, canoe or even fish once you are on Dartmoor so that you can soak up its very special atmosphere. Another Dartmoor activity that has become very popular with families is letterboxing - you can find out more about this unique activity at the High Moorland Visitor Centre at Princetown. Dartmoor is also a wonderful landscape for you to enjoy Geocaching, https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/dartmoor-national-park-p234193

Devon Sculpture Park is the UK's leading smaller-scale rewilding project and environmental art centre, just a few miles south of Exeter City. Capability Brown gardens & main exhibition open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/devon-sculpture-park-p2720143

Pinces Gardens stands on the site of William Lucombe's nursery founded in 1720, most famous for his development of the Lucombe Oak. The nursery became Lucombe, Pince & Co. in the 1820s. By the 1880s the nurserymen had established the 45-yard long wisteria arch as the centrepiece of the garden, and a position that it retains today. Exeter City Council has managed the site since 1912. Today, the site is home to Pinces Gardens Bowling Club and the Pinces Gardens Croquet Club. The annual blossom of the wisteria arch attracts visitors every spring. The rose garden, planted in 2008, continues the Victorian theme of the garden. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/pinces-gardens-p763593

St Nicholas Priory is Exeter’s oldest building. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1087, the priory with its extensive grounds was dissolved and partly destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Turned into a rich merchant’s townhouse, the priory was linked to the woollen cloth trade and the busy life of commerce in the city. Turned into homes and later tenements, the city council rescued the building and made it accessible to the public as a living history museum. In the West Wing, visitors can now experience the Undercroft and Tudor Parlour, the medieval kitchen, the Great Hall and Tudor bed-chamber, and special exhibitions by Devon and Exeter Medical Society, who also have their home at the priory. The tranquil meeting room in the North Wing was rescued from near-dereliction in the 1990s by the trust, and now allows a close look at the fine 15th-century arch-braced timber roof. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/st-nicholas-priory-p2424573

There’s more in Exeter’s award-winning museum than you might imagine, its 16 galleries of displays take visitors on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day and from Exeter all around the world. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/royal-albert-memorial-museum-and-art-gallery-ramm-p265663

Exeter Cathedral is a testament to the creativity, skill and devotion of those who built it. Dating back 900 years, it is one of England's most beautiful medieval cathedrals and one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in this country. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/exeter-cathedral-p130543

St Martin’s props up the black-and-white building of Mol’s Coffee House on a corner of Exeter’s historic Cathedral Close. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city, consecrated a year before the Norman Conquest, and was once one of six churches clustered in the cathedral’s shadow. It is the most important and complete church in the centre of Exeter, having escaped both Victorian refurnishing and the Second World War bombing which severely damaged many other Exeter churches. The first church on this site was consecrated on 6 July 1065 by Bishop Leofric, the same bishop who founded the cathedral in Exeter. Its tiny parish –- smaller than the size of a football pitch –- served the workers and traders who crowded into the three- and four-storey houses in the surrounding streets. The roughcast exterior of red volcanic stone with bright, white Beer stone windows makes it look a little bit like a fancy gingerbread house. Inside, it is simple and full of light. Look out for the communion rails with their closely set balusters designed, according to a 17th-century order from the Archbishop of Canterbury, to keep parishioner's’ dogs from reaching the altar! https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/st-martins-church-p1437773

A museum dedicated to the audience's experience of the moving image. Explore the visual culture from magic lanterns to Marilyn Monroe. The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is an ACE Accredited public museum dedicated to our experience of the moving image. Visitors can explore popular visual culture through exhibits of toys, artefacts, images and memorabilia from the seventeenth century to the present day. It is home to one of the largest collections of material relating to the moving image in Britain. We are both an accredited public museum and an academic research facility and we hold a collection of over 75,000 items. Over 1,000 of our items are on display, and everyone is welcome to visit our galleries seven days a week (except bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year) and our research facilities are open to all each weekday. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/the-bill-douglas-cinema-museum-p136653

Exeter's Underground Passages were built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into medieval Exeter. A guided tour of Exeter's Underground Passages is a memorable event - narrow, dark, interesting and exciting. Visit the heritage centre before your guided tour, packed with interactive exhibits and interpretation. These are the only passages of this kind open to the public in Britain! These tours are likely to fill up quickly and are also subject to change at short notice. Pre-booking is advisable and during school holidays is essential to avoid disappointment. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/exeters-underground-passages-p134013

Entertaining guided tours inside the Castle take you through secret doors and even across a haunted landing! Outside there are acres to explore and discoveries to be made. Children can earn themselves a Powderham medal on our nature trail, get stuck in to arts and crafts in the Nature Nook and even plant a seed to take home in our Potting Shed. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/powderham-castle-p2290733

The museum which is fully registered with the Museums and Galleries Commission features the history of the town and port of Topsham including shipbuilding and ship owning, and the wildlife of the Exe Estuary. It incorporates a late 17thC house furnished in period. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/topsham-museum-p137673

Voted Devon’s best family attraction, Crealy Theme Park & Resort offers fun and excitement every day! During your day out, experience over 60 amazing rides and attractions including the adrenaline pumping rollercoasters Twister and Maximus, as well as water rides Tidal Wave and Vortex. Crealy also homes over 100 animals and for rainy days, you can enjoy over 75,000 square feet of the indoor play area and indoor rides and a rollercoaster! Crealy also offers a host of live events throughout the Devon School holidays including Summer shows, the SpookFest at Halloween and the extremely popular Christmas Spectacular. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/crealy-theme-park-and-resort-p154963

A family home and a great estate. Glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland with fine 18th-century house Would you give away your family home for your political beliefs? Sir Richard Acland did just that with his Killerton Estate when he gave it to the National Trust in 1944. Today, you'll find a friendly Georgian house set in 2,600 hectares (6,400 acres) of working farmland, woods, parkland, cottages and orchards. There's plenty of calm space in the glorious garden, beautiful year-round with rhododendrons, magnolias, champion trees and formal lawns. You can explore winding paths, climb an extinct volcano, discover an Iron Age hill fort and take in distant views towards Dartmoor. Off the beaten track, you can discover three of Killerton's hidden gems. Nestled by the River Clyst sits Clyston Mill, a working watermill. In the heart of Broadclyst you'll find Marker's, a medieval house steeped in history, and just a stone's throw away from Killerton House is a 1950's post office with a charming cottage garden. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/national-trust-killerton-house-and-gardens-p131423

No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary. There’s a tranquil corner of the Jurassic Coast near Sidmouth that hundreds of donkeys call home, and they’re all waiting to meet you. This free-to-visit, the award-wining attraction has something special to offer, whether you’re looking for quality time with the kids, or somewhere calming to kick back with coffee and cake. Explore everything the sanctuary has to offer, from award-winning gardens and scenic coast path walks to engaging exhibits and losing yourself in the maze - all year round, whatever the weather. With activities, trails, tours, talks and demonstrations, there’s so much to explore with your own herd. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too! And there are lots of family events and donkey experiences throughout the year, including overnight camping if you fancy a ‘Bray and Stay’! Take sanctuary in the Taste of the West award-winning restaurant and enjoy fresh, local, seasonal produce while soaking in the unparalleled coast and country views. Hearty breakfasts, luscious lunches and tempting afternoon treats are dished up daily - best served with friends, family and fabulous views. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/the-donkey-sanctuary-p125753

Rhossili Bay is the first beach to be awarded Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice for the second year running, not to mention the 3rd best beach in Europe and 9th best in the world! Rhossili has also been described as ‘The supermodel of British beaches’ by The Independent and has also won accolades from UK Travel Writers and awards for being the best spot to have a picnic! And The Times nominated Rhossili as ‘The UK's No.1 dog-friendly beach’. At low tide, there is a huge expanse of beach. It is possible to walk across the bay to Llangennith or even cross onto the Worms Head. When crossing over to Worm's Head, please report to the Coastwatch Centre before you go. If your return journey is cut off by the high tide, it is very important that you do not attempt to swim back to shore. There is always some sand, even at high tide. It is very popular with surfers. Many different birds nest on the cliffs, so don't forget your binoculars. https://www.visitwales.com/product/1843187

Whiteford is a quiet, family orientated leisure park with a large children’s adventure playground, site shop and a laundrette. There is no ‘club-house’ or bar on the premises in keeping with the charm and grace of the area http://tourismswanseabay.co.uk/swansea-tourism/whiteford-bay-leisure-park

Perhaps the most spectacular Castle in the area is Picton. The original castle was probably built during the 12th century and over the years has been extended and altered into the building we see today, a half fortified manor house and half fully developed medieval castle. Besides the actual castle visitors can visit the gallery along with the extensive gardens and restaurant. http://www.haverfordwest.org/picton.html

The Pembrokeshire coast is wild, gorgeous and beautifully looked after. For family activity holidays, it’s a nature lab one minute and an adventure playground the next. It’s heaven for wildlife-watching, watersports and walking, and lovely for romantic escapes, too. When you’re ready to chill out after all that fresh air, there are cosy pubs, spa treatments and fabulous sunsets to enjoy. http://www.visitwales.com/explore/national-parks/pembrokeshire-coast

Haverfordwest Priory was founded in 1200 on land donated by Robert Fitzancard, the Lord of Haverfordwest. Like many of the buildings from this era it was dissolved by Henry 8th and after passing through many owners is now under the care of Cadw. Recent excavations of the site have uncovered Britain’s only surviving ecclesiastical garden from the medieval period. http://www.haverfordwest.org/priory.html