OK, so I am still biased here as I live in Plymouth. But who else better to tell you, than one of the locals? I am 25, and have lived here all of my life. Or to put it mildly, I like to think that I know what I am talking about.
Plymouth first appeared as a town, when the three adjoining ... Read review
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Plymouth first appeared as a town, when the three adjoining smaller towns of Devonport; Stonehouse, and Sutton all came together. For years it was just this, but then as the population grew it expanded its borders. None more so than after the second world war, when it took in all of the surroundings villages out to (but still not including) Roborough. In the 1950s/ 60's, Plympton and Plymstock became suburbs.
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For years, Plymouth has always been since as being a bit of a back water. Anything stops at Bristol, then comes no further. But once the main city centre became pedestrianised, this seemed to lift the spirits with many more top names becoming apparent.
Their attempts at having an indoor shopping centre have been crap, with Sainsburys taking over half of the only indoor one that we had. But 12 months ago, we welcomed Drake ... more
OK, so I am still biased here as I live in Plymouth. But who else better to tell you, than one of the locals? I am 25, and have lived here all of my life. Or to put it mildly, I like to think that I know what I am talking about.
Plymouth first appeared as a town, when the three adjoining smaller towns of Devonport; Stonehouse, and Sutton all came together. For years it was just this, but then as the population grew it expanded its borders. None more so than after the second world war, when it took in all of the surroundings villages out to (but still not including) Roborough. In the 1950s/ 60's, Plympton and Plymstock became suburbs.
It was during World War 2 that Plymouth took a severe beating, resulting in a number of old buildingd being bombed or demolished afterwards. This was during the rebuilding of the main city centre, when the current layout was established. And since then, various changes have occured!
Shopping
For years, Plymouth has always been since as being a bit of a back water. Anything stops at Bristol, then comes no further. But once the main city centre became pedestrianised, this seemed to lift the spirits with many more top names becoming apparent.
Their attempts at having an indoor shopping centre have been crap, with Sainsburys taking over half of the only indoor one that we had. But 12 months ago, we welcomed Drake Circus in to our midst. Drake Circus was seen as being THE latest thing in shopoping, and offered us with many more top quality names. OK, so most of them are for women but we have got an expanded Boots and M&S; Virgin, and many coffee outlets - Staurbucks, or of course for the top in the league Burger King. Based over 3 levels, it is light and airy - something that Plymouth needs! Although, it is based at one end of the town meaning that the other end is dead at present. But the council have plans as always, to refurbish the so-called West End.
There are also a number of out of town shopping areas, offering DIY centres; carpet stores, and the like - including Tesco!
Sightseeing.
Plymouth is in a good position, as it is not only a city in its own rights but it also has the sea beside it - and not to mention Dartmoor, the last greatest moorland in the south west!
Within Plymouth itself, you have the Hoe where Drake sailed from; the Barbican, the only area of Plymouth not affected by the war. You will also find here the famous 'Mayflower Steps', whereby way back in 1620 the Mayflower set sail for the good old US of A. Just adjacent to this, is the good old National Marine Aquarium - Britain's largest, and also Europe's deepest shark tank!
We are only an hour and a half away (if that), from the north Cornwall surfing beaches. Newquay hosts the annual surf championships, not one to be missed!
Of course, there is also Dartmoor. For all you nature lovers; also for those in to exercise, you can mountain bike in places. But the scenary is second to none, and you don't even have to pay for it. However, this is just yet another survey for you to like!
Nightlife
We host the infamous Union Street, which is known by many as being the worst place to go to after 6 o'clock in the evening. The number of clubs have declined in past years, due to drugs raids. But the story still lives on, and the average age of party/ club goers these days must be about 13. No joking, if you wish not to end up in the local A&E department, then stay well clear.
There are a number of smaller pubs and/ or clubs around the city, it just depends on where you are staying. Just check up on what the locals like, and just simply go with that!
Travel
Of course, should you visit then your chosen mode of transport will determine everything.
By road: travel down the M5 to Exeter, and this then merges in to become the A38 which you can follow down for about another 50 minutes. By car this seems ages especially when you are driving, but by bus/ coach it don't matter!
Of course, if travelling down by coach then you will have taxi and/ or bus fares to attend to. Although taxs run 24/7, buses will usually stop by about just after midnight.
There are of course a number of car hire firms who are nationally based, who may just well have a depot near here. Again, check up on it!
Rail: All trains from London down through to Penzance stop here, and the main rail station is actually in thr main city centre.
Air: Only a limited service, just check with your local airport to see what does or doesn't arrive here. The only downfall, is that the airport is on the outskirts of the city.
Sea: Regular Brittany Ferry crossings to Roscoff/ Santander.
Accomodation
This varies from your basic B&B at the Hoe, to your Plymouth's first 5 star hotel just recently opened. The best advice would be to go online, and check out what is available according to your needs. A lot of the middle of the road hotels are based here - such as Novotel; Holiday Inn; Beefeater; Ibis, and the like. Of course, all will vary according to your needs and so therefore research is essential!
Is it family friendly?
Yes! Of course, it all depends on what you want to do but you would obviously take this all in to account of course when arranging this trip.
Advantages: Its great here in the summer Disadvantages: It rains a lot
...sitting in a building in Plymouth city centre watching the rain pour down from the heavens, the cars driving past the window and a post lady getting wet as she delivers her mail to the busy citizens of Plymouth. Hmm, from my window I can see the YMCA gym - lots of fit people in there - pretty cheap too! I envy those people currently in there sitting under a sunbed or in a sauna. How nice it would be to be there now...
Snap out of it! Okeedokee, ... ...from a bigger city than Plymouth you will probably think its crap for shopping. I personally think it is so I go shopping in Bristol...other than that if you like surfing there's a few surf shops dotted around the place which are pretty cool. Being a little weird, I like kooky things so my favourite shops are Blue Banana, Rhubarb and Some Bizzarre Clothing. Plymouth doesn't cater for non Kevs and Sharons so anyone into rock music might find it a ...
mandymoo 05.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Plymouth in General
Advantages: Locality of beaches, great to eat and drink. Good base to explore Devon and Cornwall Disadvantages: Long drive from most of the country, bad city centre
...it's all merged into one, Plymouth originally consisted of three towns.
The Barbican (where I live), Stonehouse and Plympton.
The Barbican was and still is the major fishing harbour for the town.
Stonehouse was where the huge, armarda defeating, Navy were based, and still are, and Plympton....well thats just Plympton!
I expect you know this already but Sir Francis Drake was supposed to have been playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe when he was informed ... ...HOUSE - great views over Plymouth Sound and the Hoe. Remember to request a room South facing over Plymouth Sound. Wise to ask for one as high as possible.
COPTHORNE - Good city centre location and the nearest to the train station.
GRAND - Best by far, but also the most expensive. Situated nicely on the Hoe with good views from upper rooms. Typical of the 'Grand' hotels across the country.
MAYFLOWER - Just off the Hoe but still offering good views ...
intel 08.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Plymouth in General
Advantages: lots read opinion Disadvantages: not as many read opinion
...the south west of England, Plymouth is on the Devon /Cornwall boundaries. A city with a huge population (Several million) Plymouth is deemed as a desirable place to visit and live. Its geographical position means that the Naval dockyard and busy port can operate without too much hindrance. Also, it is known for its active nightlife and famous for important historical reasons(Mayflower sailing, Sir Francis Drake etc). Residing in Plymouth for 99% ... ...write a knowledgeable account of Plymouth in general, as with any city there are good and bad aspects. Getting here is easy, by coach to Bretonside bus station, by train(ha ha)by plane, yes we do have a tiny airport, or by car.(Head down the M5 follow the A38 and turn off before the big bridge). Flattened by the Germans in World war two, Plymouth has risen from the ashes. There is a monument in the middle of one of the town roundabouts, which serves ...
headgardener 07.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Plymouth in General
Advantages: Interesting. History. Maritime Flavour. Good Shops Disadvantages: Can get very busy. Prices can get high in touristy areas
...This is why I like Plymouth in South West England very much. Frankly it is not a city that I know exceptionally well but I have visited it on three separate occasions and liked what I saw.It seems to me to be a very relaxed,laid-back sort of place that somehow succeeds in successfully combining the old with the new. Plymouth is a nice mixture of modernity and old world charm. Due to the German Air Force during World War II, much of the city centre ... ...The dining out scene in Plymouth is good-apart from the usual fast food joints such as four branches of Kentucky Fried Chicken, three branches of McDonalds and two Burger King outlets, there are old English tea rooms,fish and chip restaurants, pubs serving up reasonably priced bar food , English cafes and a goodly array of ethnic eateries, as one would expect in a cosmopolitan maritime city. Although unfortunately I havent been able to sample them ...
ashford 21.06.2001 (13.09.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Plymouth in General
Advantages: Nice areas of the city (waterfront, Hoe and Barbican) local city that provides all you need and a nice center for other areas Disadvantages: Looks pretty bad and there are nasty sides to it.
...Cornwall Geographically Plymouth is way down in the south west on the border between Devon and Cornwall on the south coast. Of course that means it is in Cornwall though locals deny this and Exeter people claim this, hence the title. The river Tamar passes through Plymouth to its mouth and estuary and this is the border line between the counties. It is the largest city in Devon in terms of population close to 200,000 people. Despite that Exeter is ... ...county council buildings, while Plymouth is the industrial city. Getting there is easy, though is a long drive from any part of the county, about five hours from London. By car the main road into Plymouth is the A38. Just get onto the M5 motorway and keep going south towards the south west. Past Exeter the motorway turns into the A38 and branches in two one to Torquay and other to Plymouth. It is easily signposted and good roads all the way. The ...
Chris_Padden 09.03.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Plymouth in General
Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around
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For those of you that don't know me very well (which is probably quite a few of you because I'm still only a little green dot!), I work part time in a Pizza Hut inPlymouth. As you can see this review is in the category "Devon Restaurants", which seemed like the best place for me to ask Ciao to put it, because of this I am going to review my Plymouth Pizza Hut, but also Pizza Hut's ingeneral, from both a consumer and employee point of view.
A bit of background?
Pizza Hut is the largest pizza restaurant company in the world. It has 12,000 outlets in 90 countries. The first UK Pizza Hut was opened in 1973 in Islington.
First impressions?
The Pizza Hut I work at inPlymouth has a building to itself, its got light brown walls and a darker brown roof with the Pizza Hut sign on and is shaped like a little hut almost! The area outside ...
