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.
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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
intel 08.08.2001 ·
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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.
Chris_Padden 09.03.2002 ·
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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
intel 08.08.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Plymouth in General
Advantages: ICE CREAM FACTORY, reasonably priced kids meals, good deals. Disadvantages: Quite expensive, can only visit salad bar once, pasta not very nice.
hays298 18.10.2005 (18.10.2005)
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Review of Pizza Hut, Devon
Oct 19th, 2007
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