Plymouth

Plymouth is Devon's largest city with cobbled streets and Elizabethan charm. The appealing and well-preserved Barbican is a largely Tudor quarter situated by the harbour.
A pedestrianised centre with shopping streets, resuaurants and cafes is close to the bus station and situated south of the train station.

Sir Francis Drake set out from Plymouth in 1577 in the Golden Hind on his epic voyage around the world returning three years later to knighthood. Drake played a key role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, the fleet sent to invade England by Philip II.
Captain James Cook set out from the Barbican in 1768 on another famous voyage in search of a southern continent.

The Plymouth hoe promenade gives wonderful, seafront views over Plymouth Sound and is where Sir Francis Drake is said to have played bowls while the Spanish Armada invaded.

Plymouth's social life includes something for everyone with two nightclub nights and events each day of the week. There are pubs a-plenty down the North Hill run with several having late licences throughout the week and most encompassing a laid-back atmosphere. The university falls into the top ten universities in the UK in terms of size and is the biggest by far in the South West.

Various attractions are available to see in Plymouth from the renowned National Marine Aquarium to the Plymouth Arts centre. An annual firework competition is held in August and is an impressive sight to see. Plymouth Dome gives an insight into Plymouth history and uses modern technology and a theatrical approach including a traditional Tudor street along with rowdy locals.

Nearby Exmouth is a peaceful seaside town with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to visit for a day to unwind. As a coastal town, a whole range of water related activities are on offer from scuba diving to sailing, with the popular beaches of Cornwall are only a short distance away.