Holiday rentals in Plymouth

As rich in maritime history as it is in traditional Devonshire charm, Plymouth is a vibrant port city in southwest England. Despite being the second-largest city in the region and home to a world-leading university, Plymouth feels comfortable and welcoming, with plenty to see and do.

The Pilgrims departed from Plymouth in 1620 for North America, and the city’s seafaring heritage is felt as much in the streets and architecture as it is along the old ports and docks. Although much of the city was heavily bombed in the Blitz, several of the remaining limestone and granite buildings date from the 16th century. Today, the city is home to various independent retailers alongside the top high street names. Tearooms and cafes proudly present Devonshire cream teas — scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Plymouth is ideally located for exploring nearby Dartmoor National Park, the South West Coast Path, and the sandy beaches of Devon.

Plymouth’s location on the South Devon coast means it enjoys mild temperatures year-round, though it also has more than its fair share of rainfall. Book your holiday cottage in Plymouth during the late spring and summer months for the best chances of dry, sunny days. If you’re visiting in early May, you may get to enjoy the Plymouth Pirates Weekend, a fun all-ages festival celebrating all things pirate-related.

Autumn brings cooler temperatures, but this may be the perfect time to explore some of the nearby nature reserves, as long as you remember to bring a waterproof layer or two, as rain becomes more common during this time of year. The Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival, a celebration of the city’s heritage with performances and stands offering all manner of freshly caught delicacies, takes place in September. Winters can be cold and wet, so this may be the time to explore some of Plymouth’s indoor attractions or to cosy up in your rental cottage with a cup of tea.

Barbican

A cobbled quayside lined by the Elizabethan warehouses of the city’s former port, the Barbican area is now buzzing with independent shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Get your traditional seaside fixes of ice cream and fish and chips, or check out some of the trendy street food offerings. Around the corner from the high street, you’ll find the Mayflower Steps, from where the Pilgrims departed for North America in 1620.

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is only a 20-minute drive from Plymouth. Here you’ll find nearly 600 square kilometres of rugged landscape with wetlands, tors, forests, and wild ponies, as well as medieval farmhouses and Bronze Age stone circles. Around the moors, you’ll find letterboxes along the trail where hikers leave letters or postcards for others to find, a fun local tradition.

Drake’s Island

This 2.6-hectare limestone island in Plymouth Sound has been a strategic defence point for more than 900 years. Take the ferry from Mount Batten pier for tales of happenings at the 17th-century prison, cannons firing at enemy ships, and mysterious tunnels. As well as the resident seals basking on the rocks, there are reportedly 15 supernatural spirits living on the island.