I was born and bred in Plymouth and moved away at 26 years old because of work. I visit family about once a month and in my mind Plymouth is the best city in the world, but it does have faults. I have attemped to give an insight in Plymouth under varying sub headings so the reader can pick out info relevant to them.
HISTORY
Plymouth has alot of it. The Pilgrim Fathers sailed from here from Mayflower steps, still evident today. The most famous person is Sir Francis Drake who led the battle against the spanish armada from his bout the Golden Hind. His home Buckland Abbey is only a few miles inland towards Dartmoor. Allegedly, Sir Frances finished his games of bowls before sailing,
but apparently it was low water and he could not sail even if he wanted to. Upon the famous Plymouth Hoe is a statue honouring him.
Another large piece of history is the world wars. Plymouth was only 2nd to coventry for the most bombed place. It is WWII and following that Plymouth inherited much of its character. Following being flattened Plymouth was rebuilt and most of that rebuilding is still the same today. PLymouth is also famous for its naval dockyard, Devonport. A large and leading naval port in England. It is home to numerous warships and nuclear submarines.
LOCATION
Plymouth is the largest city south of Bristol, with a population of roughly 300,000. Most car travellers would use the M5 and then A38 Devon Expressway to reach. The biggest problem is Plymouth is so far south with 2 hours by car to get to Bristol alone. Because of this it makes Plymouth both tedious and boring to get to and from. There is good rail and air service in and out with the local airport only a few miles from the town centre.
However, Plymouths location does have some benefits. As a coastal city the sea is never far away, and though Plymouth itself lacks any kind of beach there are many blue flag beaches within 10 - 20 miles. The desolute and barren Dartmoor National park is only a few miles drive from the sea. it is here that Plymouthians have the luxury, sea and countryside within minutes and miles of one another. One of Dartmoors most famous landmarks is Dartmoor Prison, Princetown - the prison was built in the middle of nowhere for that if anyone did escape the 100s of square miles of moors did not give any hope of freedom.
WEATHER
Usually, always mild. Plymouth rarely has any snow and most locals have to retreaat to the moors to find any significant accumalations. The winters can be quite wet. The summers never usually boast scorching hot days unlike the midlands. Plymouth is cooled by sea breezes that are most welcome on summer days.
SHOPPING
It used to be good, but over the years complexs like the Bull Ring and Cribbs Causeway have corned the market. However, Plymouth is fighting back and is currently undergoing a major rebuild of it shopping centre. The most major rebuild since the war. A large indoor complex is being built and not without contention. Plymouth shopping is traffic free and large, although Plymouth lacks any quality shops. The shops meander their way all the way from the town centre to the barbican and sea front.
NIGHT LIFE
Vast and very busy on thurs,fri and sat evenings. The barbican once a busy fishing community has now over the last 10 years or so been converted into a more cosmopoliatan feel with bistros and bars and a scatteering of small clubs. The main night life is centred at the bottom of town at union street, a half mile stretch of big clubs and fun bars. It is bright its noisy and it is busy. Thousands flock here each weekend to experience it. What Plymouth cannot get away from is come 2am this area is full of drunken louts, male and female. All walking in the road or throwing up. There is always a heavy police prescence more so when a naval boat has docked.
TOURISM
Plymouths history is its main pull for tourists. That and the barbican and plymouth hoe, both on the sea front. They are full of statues, plaques etc commerating history. The National Marine Aquaruim is on the barbican, a huge aquarium that boasts one of the largest single tanks in europe with a collection of sharks. The jewel of plymouth though is it is home to the National Firework Competition. A 2 night spectacular in August that attracts tens of thousands - it is an amazing 2 nights.
In summary Plymouth is an amazing place, steeped in history with a ever growing modern feel. Despite the drive it is worth going
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Hello! We are living in Launceston at the moment, and as I'm from the West Midlands, like 5 mins away from the Merry Hill centre, I cannot wait for the new mall to be finished!! I have lived in a lot of places, and I must say Plymouth is pretty good! Bye for now!
Imaspecialboy 21.10.2005 22:15
Hmmmm reminds me of HMS RALIEGH basic training days : /
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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
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hays298 18.10.2005 (18.10.2005)
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