Plymouth is a wonderful place to spend some downtime as a family. It’s a city that’s rich in maritime history and culture, and as such it’s particularly attractive if you’ve got an interest in seafaring and how it’s developed over the years. On the other hand, there’s a range of activities and attractions on offer, so you needn’t be a boat-loved to visit. It’s easy to get to, also: you can catch a train from Exeter and be in Plymouth in around an hour.
Let’s take a look at some of the best attractions the city has to offer.
National Marine Aquarium
Plymouth is home to the largest aquarium anywhere in the UK. It’s home to an incredible diversity of sea life, covering four thousand different species across four million litres of water. There are six distinct zones to explore, covering ocean-going life from the local to the exotic. There are even scuba shows and a soft play area for the children. If you’re bringing the family, then you might look at saving with the help of a family ticket, which sees four people admitted at a discount.
Tinside Lido
This is a swimming pool set right on the ocean front so that you can look right out into the sea as you enjoy a soak. Dating back to 1935, it’s a grade-II listed facility that provides historic interest as well as gorgeous views of the sea itself. It’s obviously at its best in the summer time, but you might visit throughout the year. You’ll find the lido at the very tip of Plymouth Hoe. There’s limited space in the Lido, meaning that it’s advisable to book in advance.
Plymouth Ski Centre
Whether you’re looking to brush up on your snowplough technique in advance of a trip to the alps, or you’d just like to spend a day on a pair of skis, then this outdoor dry slope is the perfect place to visit. It’s open throughout the year and provides group lessons for children between four and seven, and one-to-one instruction for everyone else. There are also toboggan runs and tube-based rides for everyone to enjoy, so you don’t need to learn to ski to have fun, here.
West Hoe Park
If the weather’s nice, then a trip to this little slice of the seafront is in order. There’s something here for everyone: from miniature golf to a miniature railway, to trampolines and a bouncy castle. There’s even a roundabout for wheelchair users. If you’re visiting in August, then you might look at making a trip during ‘Play Day’, which sees the park turned into a festival that kids of all ages are sure to love.
