Don’t worry, freshers! If you’re coming to Plymouth for the first time and aren’t sure what’s around, we’ve written this handy guide for fun things to do.
If you’re looking for things to do once the Freshers Events are finished, check out our list:
1. Take a boat trip
As Britain’s Ocean City, we have so much to offer in the way of ocean exploration!
Whether you want to use a ferry to get to Cornwall, take a boat trip of the Sound, enjoy a bird & wildlife cruise, or go snorkelling, there are a range of providers available. Most can be found on the Barbican, although you may need to book in advance online.
Prefer to be in the water than on it? Check out local Water Sports! You can join a water-based sports club, or try on your own with local groups or organisations like the Mount Batten Centre.
2. Play in a sports arcade (or watch a game)
We’ve got some superb sports facilities available here! If you’re not in the SU Gym, head over for a free student swim at the Life Centre. You can catch a live match at Plymouth Argyle or Albion RFC. If you’re a golfer, we’re blessed with an array of sprawling courses.
Want something for a rainy day? Head to one of our indoor sports bars and arcades like Boom Battle Bar, Spinners, or Continue Arcade.
3. Explore your surroundings
Despite being a bit hilly in parts, it is a very walkable city. This means it’s easy to get around on foot and take in the view without needing to access public transport.
The Plymouth Trails App has a variety of easy-to-follow walking trails. They cover a range of themes like Nature, Historical Landmarks, Powerful Women, LGBTQ+, Maritime, and Pubs.
Download The App To Start Exploring
If you want to go a little further afield, we’re blessed to be surrounded by the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park. Encased in the thick heath are lots of trails, villages, and country pubs.
Heading further South, you can go by road, sea, or train over to Cornwall. Steeped in history, Cornwall offers a real variety of things to see and do.
4. Attend one of many festive events
Plymouth has a year-round calendar of events to enjoy. Whether you prefer a hot chocolate at the Christmas Markets or tasting your way round the streets in the sunshine, there’s a seasonal event for everyone. Check out VisitPlymouth for a full list of events throughout the year, here are just a few examples:
5. Eat your way through the city
One thing you won’t be short of is places to eat. It’s a hidden gem in the South West, amalgamating flavours from across the globe.
It offers everything: cute brunch spots like Fig & Thyme, a great cup of coffee from independent cafés like Ope, city-famous bagels from Harman Bagels, pizzas at Roam, sushi from Kyowa, lunch with a view at The Terrace, or a steak dinner at Nora’s.
Don’t miss The Market! With a huge variety of cafés and restaurants, there are lots of amazing places to eat just a stone’s throw away.
6. Soak up the sun in one of the many parks
We’re a city by the sea, but we still benefit from plenty of green space. You can use the Plymouth City Council map to find your nearest park, or head into some of the bigger and more popular ones:
Hoe: Sea views, ice cream vans, and a choice of places to sit. On a sunny day, you can’t beat a spot here.
Central Park: Take a leisurely stroll, stop off for a coffee, play pitch & putt, book a sports pitch for a game with friends, or attend Park Run every Saturday at 9am.
Devonport: Get an incredible view of the dockyard while enjoying the wildflower meadow, or stop off at the café for a refreshing drink.
Tothill: Perfect for a Tennis match on their free courts, it also benefits from some beautiful shady spots to sit and relax.
7. Visit an attraction
The Box is free to enter and located opposite campus, on North Hill. It contains some unbelievable local history, including a fascinating Natural History exhibition. It’s also an art gallery and host to seasonal exhibitions. Recent artists have included Grayson Perry and Beryl Cook.
The National Marine Aquarium can be found by crossing the footbridge on the Barbican. It’s the largest in the UK and houses over 5,000 animals. They offer student discounts and, the best bit, when you book a ticket you get a free annual pass!
Dartmoor Zoo is roughly a 25 minute drive from campus. This 33 acre zoo is home to some incredible species like Lions, Meerkats, Leopards, Tigers, Kookaburras, Ostrich, Zebra, Otters and Peacocks. They also do a Free annual pass with their concession Student ticket.
8. Catch a film or show
We are an arts-friendly city! We’ve got a host of stages and screens for you to enjoy films, musicals, operas, and more right on your doorstep:
Theatre Royal: situated on Royal Parade, TRP is a centrally located space with three stages. It hosts a range of shows from theatre, musicals, drama, ballet, and opera.
Barbican Theatre: a co-creative theatre that is passionate about moulding a sustainable future for the arts. With local comedy nights, gigs, choirs, drag shows, plays and tributes, if you love the arts be sure to check out their calendar.
Plymouth Arts Cinema: The only independent cinema in the city, PAC showcase the very best from world, arthouse and mainstream cinema.
Everyman, Vue, Cineworld: Take your pick! With three large cinemas to choose from, you’re bound to find a screen showing what you want at a time that works for you.
Plymouth Arena: recently re-branded, the Arena houses the big stuff. Headlining comedians, packed-out gigs, prized public speakers, and more.
9. Get to know our rich local history
As a significant port on the South Coast, Plymouth has a long and rich history. As you might expect, there’s a great deal of maritime history laced through our cobbled streets. But it doesn’t stop there!
If you’re a history lover, we highly recommend a visit to The Box. Providing a comprehensive guide to life in Devon through the years, you’re bound to stumble on some novel information (and it might save you in a Friday Quiz Night).
Roaming slightly further, Royal William Yard (RWY) is a re-purposed victualling yard. Replete with independent bars, cafés, restaurants, shops and more, RWY is well worth a visit. On the first Sunday of every month, they have a Food & Craft market, which is the perfect excuse for a visit.
You don’t need to venture far to find history, though. Take a look at one of the many walking trails through the city and you’ll discover a fascinating story that makes Plymouth the city we know and love.
Want more? Try Explore!
If you’re looking to try new things, our Explore sessions might be your thing. Whether you want to play a new sport, discover new areas by Beryl Bike, enjoy new local attractions like the Eden Project, or just meet a new group of people, these free sessions are designed to get you out and about.
Look Out For Explore: Events