landmark
National Marine Aquarium
The UK's largest aquarium in Plymouth dedicated to ocean conservation with Atlantic Ocean and deep reef exhibits.
1 km · about 5 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Plymouth
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Plymouth
Plymouth works well as a base: 5 minutes from Torpoint, 16km from Burrator Reservoir.
Plymouth is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 260,203, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Plymouth sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Plymouth to your route.
About Plymouth
Plymouth ( PLIM-əth) is a port city and unitary authority in Devon, England. It is located on the county's south coast between the rivers Plym and Tamar, about 36 miles (58 km) south-west of Exeter and 193 miles (311 km) south-west of London. It is the most populous settlement in Devon.
Plymouth's history extendsRead more
back to the Bronze Age, evolving from a trading post at Mount Batten into the thriving market town of Sutton, which was formally renamed Plymouth in 1439 when it was made a borough. The settlement has played a significant role in English history, notably in 1588 when an English fleet based here defeated the Spanish Armada and in 1620 as the departure point for the Pilgrim Fathers to the New World. During the English Civil War, the town was held by the Parliamentarians and was besieged between 1642 and 1646. In 1690, a dockyard was established on the Tamar for the Royal Navy and Plymouth grew as a commercial shipping port throughout the Industrial Revolution.
After absorbing nearby settlements in 1914, the borough was awarded city status in 1928. During World War II, it suffered extensive damage in the Plymouth Blitz, leading to post-war rebuilding that significantly shaped its modern appearance. A further expansion of its boundaries in 1967 contributed to its current status as the 30th-most populous built-up area in the UK and the second-largest city in the South West after Bristol, with a population in 2025 of 271,361.
Plymouth's economy, historically grounded in shipbuilding and seafaring, has transitioned towards a service-based economy since the 1990s. It maintains strong maritime connections, hosting HMNB Devonport, the largest operational naval base in Western Europe, and offering ferry links to Brittany and Spain. The city is also home to the University of Plymouth, reflecting its educational and cultural significance. Today, the city is governed locally by Plymouth City Council and is represented nationally by three MPs.
Where to Stay in Plymouth
Compare prices across Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and more. Select your dates to see availability.
Filter presets
Pick your must-haves once: provider links open pre-filtered. Each filter lists which sites it applies to.
Compare before you book!
Prices can vary significantly between platforms. We recommend checking at least 2-3 sites to find the best deal for your stay in Plymouth.
Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Plymouth.
Loading map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Plymouth?
Plymouth offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Plymouth?
Plan your road trip to Plymouth with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Plymouth as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Plymouth located?
Plymouth is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 50.3715 latitude, -4.1430 longitude.
What is the population of Plymouth?
Plymouth has a population of approximately 260,203 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.
Plan a Road Trip
Add to your itinerary
Start planning your road trip with Plymouth as a destination. Create a custom route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Start Road TripWhat's Nearby?
Discover destinations like Tinder
Swipe through stunning destinations near Plymouth. Save your favourites and add them to your trip.
Explore now
Quick Information
- Population
- 260,203
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.3715, -4.1430
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Plymouth
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Rame Head
A conical headland on Cornwall's south-east tip crowned by a 14th-century chapel, with views across Plymouth Sound.
8 km · about 15 min drive
natural wonder
Burrator Reservoir
A wooded reservoir on the south-western edge of Dartmoor, encircled by a narrow lane popular with cyclists.
16 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Burgh Island
A tidal island reached by a sea tractor at high tide, with an Art Deco hotel that inspired Agatha Christie.
20 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Vixen Tor
One of Dartmoor's tallest tors at around 30 m, on private land near Merrivale and long the subject of an access dispute.
21 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Wistman's Wood
Stunted, moss-drowned oaks growing between granite boulders form one of Britain's last high-altitude temperate rainforests, long linked with Druid legend. A 20-minute walk from the Two Bridges car park on Dartmoor.
26 km · about 30 min drive
national park
Dartmoor National Park
Wild and ancient moorland dotted with granite tors, Bronze Age settlements and roaming Dartmoor ponies across 368 square miles of Devon.
27 km · about 30 min drive
famous road
B3212 across Dartmoor
The open moorland crossing from Moretonhampstead to Yelverton past Postbridge and Princetown, with ponies on the road.
27 km · about 30 min drive
Driving roads near Plymouth
- Right hereRame HeadA conical headland on Cornwall's south-east tip crowned by a 14th-century chapel, with views across Plymouth Sound.
- 27 kmB3212 across DartmoorThe open moorland crossing from Moretonhampstead to Yelverton past Postbridge and Princetown, with ponies on the road.
- 27 kmDartmeetThe confluence of the East and West Dart rivers, a popular riverside spot beside a steep-sided moorland road.
- 30 kmPostbridge Clapper BridgeA 13th-century granite slab bridge over the East Dart, the best-preserved clapper bridge on Dartmoor.
- 41 kmBrown WillyThe highest point in Cornwall at 420 m, a long granite-topped ridge in the middle of Bodmin Moor.
- 59 kmAtlantic Highway (A39)Spectacular coastal road running through north Devon and Cornwall past dramatic cliffs, surfing beaches and picturesque harbour villages.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Plymouth.
Plan a trip around Plymouth
Plan a Road Trip from Plymouth
Create your perfect itinerary with our calendar-based planner. Add stops, discover attractions along the way, and share your trip with friends.
Start Planning