Days Out From Plymouth
there are some amazing ways to spend your day, even if you use Plymouth as a base. Here are photo galleries from some of our favourites.
Greenway
Photos of Greenway
Greenway is the summer house of famous author Agatha Christie. It is owned by the National Trust and visitors can tour the elegant Georgian house and see the rooms where Christie wrote, relaxed, ate and slept. At the front of the house are glorious views over the River Dart, with deckchairs for relaxing in on sunny days. Visitors can walk in the beautiful wooded gardens which go down to the river and see The Boathouse which inspired ‘Dead Man’s Folly’ and The Battery which inspired ‘Five Little Pigs’. Greenway is a must-visit destination which should be on every visitor to Devon’s itinerary.
Buckland Abbey
Photos of Buckland Abbey
Buckland Abbey is a 700 hundred year old former Cistercian monastery near Yelverton, famous for being the former home of Sir Richard Grenville and also of Sir Francis Drake. Owned by the National Trust it is a great place to visit with it’s lovely gardens and meadows, orchards and woodland walks, with views over the Tamar Valley. The house itself is partly a museum and contains many fascinating items including the legendary Drake’s Drum. Attractions include an enormous medieval tithe barn, craft workshops and a herb garden.
Saltram House
Photos of Saltram House
Saltram House is a George II era mansion located in Plympton, Plymouth, England. The house that can be seen today is the work of Robert Adam, who altered the original Tudor house on two occasions. The saloon (main drawing room) is sometimes cited as one of Adam’s finest interiors. Complete with all of the original decor, plasterwork and furnishings, Saltram is one of Britain’s best preserved examples of an early Georgian house. It’s also a great place for a day out from Plymouth, any da of the week. A favourite place for family picnics and get-togethers for Plymothians and visitors alike. We love Saltram, and so will you.
Cotehele
Photos of Cotehele
Cotehele is a mediaeval house with Tudor additions, situated in the parish of Calstock, in the east of Cornwall, England. It is a rambling granite and slate-stone manor house on the banks of the River Tamar that has been little changed over five centuries. A wonderful location for a a day trip from Plymouth, take a look at our photos.
Bigbury On Sea
Photos of Bigbury On Sea
Bigbury On Sea is a gorgeous large sandy beach only a forty five minute drive from Plymouth. The beach is beautifully clean as it is completely covered by water at high tide. At low tide visitors can walk across the sand to Burgh Island with it’s iconic Art Deco hotel and Pilchard Inn. If you get trapped on the island by the tide visitors can have the excitement of a ride in the Bigbury tractor across the water to the mainland.Facilities at Bigbury are excellent. There is a large car park plus an overflow facility a short walk away, good toilets and a cafe serving hot food, snacks and drinks with seating overlooking the beach. Not only this there is a beach shop selling everything from buckets and spades to swimming costumes. If you haven’t been to Bigbury On Sea then you won’t believe what you’ve been missing, so try it out the next time the sun shines.
Looe
Photos of Looe
Looe in Cornwall is a picturesque fishing village set on the River Looe only twenty miles from Plymouth. From the visitor’s car park you can wander across a stone bridge which separates West Looe from East Looe. Go down a narrow winding street packed with interesting shops, ranging from fashions, pasties, books and fish and chips, and you will end up at the harbour. Here you will find a lovely sandy beach lapped by gentle waves where children can play. Walk to the end of the quirky Banjo Pier for fabulous views over the sea and back at the village itself. Looe is a brilliant day in Cornwall for all the family.
Exeter
Photos of Exeter
The city of Exeter is only a forty minute drive from Plymouth and is a great destination for a change of scene. The Cathedral Close is lovely with it’s majestic medieval cathedral. The elegant Cathedral Green is bordered by historic buildings, housing shops, restaurants and hotels. If you venture further afield you will find a good variety of shops, including the modern Princesshaye Mall and the Guildhall Mall. A short walk will take you to the River Exe where shops, cafes and restaurant are part of a vibrant quayside atmosphere.
Tavistock
Photos of Tavistock
Tavistock is an ancient stannary town on the edge of Dartmoor, only fifteen miles from Plymouth. It has historic buildings, good shops and a thriving market. The River Tavy runs through the town and is adjacent to the Meadowlands, Tavistock’s main park. The Wharf provides culture with live entertainment, theatre and cinema. Walk by the river, browse the market and shops, then stop for a coffee in one of Tavistock’s many cafes.
