MileHacker Logo
Plymouth Travel Hacks

Plymouth Travel Hacks

Plymouth Southwest England, England Travel Guide

Money-Saving Strategies

Savvy choices extend your budget during your Plymouth exploration.

Discount Cards and Passes

  • Plymouth has no specific city-wide tourist pass.
  • National Trust or English Heritage memberships for frequent UK visitors.
  • Memberships cover sites like Buckland Abbey, Cotehele, and Royal Citadel access.
  • Savings apply to entry fees at participating UK locations.

Free Activities and Attractions

  • Stroll along Plymouth Hoe and the historic Barbican area.
  • Visit Charles Church, a significant WWII ruin.
  • Explore The Box museum's permanent collections.
  • Walk sections of the South West Coast Path.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

  • Seek out early bird menus or fixed-price lunch options.
  • Many places offer weekday or early evening specials.
  • Some pubs feature meal deals, combining a main and a drink.
  • These deals represent good value for your meal.

Transportation Savings

  • Walk whenever possible; Plymouth's main areas are compact.
  • Use Plymouth Citybus Day Rider for unlimited daily bus travel.
  • Book train tickets in advance for lower "Advance" fares.
  • National Express coaches often cost less than trains for intercity trips.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning helps maximize your time exploring Plymouth.

Skip-the-Line Options

  • For the National Marine Aquarium, book tickets online.
  • Online booking helps avoid ticket queues upon arrival.
  • This approach saves valuable time for your visit.
  • Direct entry allows more time inside the attraction.

Best and Worst Times for Popular Attractions

  • The Box can be busy mid-morning and early afternoon.
  • Visit The Box at opening or late afternoon for calm.
  • Barbican is quieter early morning for photos.
  • Smeaton's Tower may have a queue; arrive early or late.

Express Transportation Alternatives

  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt.
  • These options offer faster, more direct routes.
  • Faster travel to specific points is a benefit.

Efficient Routing Suggestions

  • Group attractions by their geographic location.
  • Explore Barbican and Sutton Harbour together.
  • Combine the Hoe and city centre visits.
  • Dedicate separate time for Royal William Yard.

Local Insights

Gain insights into Plymouth's unique local character.

Common Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Underestimating weather changes: pack layers and waterproofs.
  • Not booking trains in advance: walk-up fares cost more.
  • Ignoring Dartmoor: explore its natural beauty nearby.
  • Missing local pasties/cream teas: savor these culinary traditions.

Local Customs that Visitors Should Know

  • Queuing is valued; wait your turn patiently.
  • Politeness is appreciated; use "please" and "thank you."
  • In most traditional pubs, order food and drinks at the bar.
  • Table service is typically not the norm unless it's a gastropub.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

  • "Mind the gap" is a common platform announcement.
  • Talking about the weather is a common and safe small talk topic.
  • A polite demeanor is always welcome.
  • No specific Devon dialect phrases are widely known by non-locals.

Phrases that Impress Locals

  • Learning Cornish phrases (e.g., "Kernow Bys Vyken!" - Cornwall Forever!).
  • Plymouth is in Devon, but the Cornish border is near.
  • Cornish phrases might amuse locals, especially if you venture into Cornwall.
  • A polite demeanor makes a positive impression.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your trip planning to your travel companions for the best experience.

Solo Traveler Safety and Social Opportunities

  • Plymouth is a safe city for solo travelers.
  • Hostels present good places to meet other travelers.
  • Pubs on the Barbican welcome social interactions.
  • Consider guided walking tours or boat trips for connections.

Family-Friendly Adaptations and Kid-Specific Tips

  • The National Marine Aquarium engages children.
  • Tinside Lido has fun outdoor swimming in summer.
  • Central Park includes large play areas.
  • Look for family tickets for better value at attractions.

Managing Group Logistics and Reservations

  • Book group accommodation and popular restaurants well in advance.
  • Inquire about group discounts for attractions for savings.
  • For large groups, private transfers or coach hire may suit better.
  • This can be more economical and convenient than individual public transport.

Accessibility Considerations for Different Travelers

  • Always pre-check with venues and transport providers.
  • Confirm accessible routes, restrooms, and services.
  • This helps ensure your specific needs are met.
  • Contact establishments directly for current accessibility details.

Tip: Pack for all weather!

Plymouth's weather can change quickly, even in summer. Always bring layers and waterproof clothing for comfort.

Resources & References

These tools help with planning, navigation, and staying updated.

Digital Resources

Online tools for planning and real-time updates.

Print Resources

Traditional resources for detailed information and offline access.

Emergency & Medical Information

Essential contacts for safety and health during your visit.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Plymouth Citybus app: bus tracking and tickets.
  • Uber/Bolt: for ride-sharing services.
  • Google Maps/Citymapper: for navigation.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Visit Plymouth: official tourism site (visitplymouth.co.uk).
  • Great Western Railway (GWR.com) for train travel.
  • National Express (nationalexpress.com) for coaches.

Note on Digital Information

Always check official websites and apps for the most current information on events, opening hours, and travel requirements.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services Police, Fire, Ambulance

  • Dial 999 (free from any phone).
  • For life-threatening situations.
  • Use for immediate danger or serious crime.
  • Available 24/7.

Non-Emergency Police

  • Dial 101.
  • For non-urgent police matters.
  • Report crimes not requiring immediate response.
  • General police inquiries.

NHS Non-Emergency Medical Advice

  • Dial 111.
  • For health advice when it's not a 999 emergency.
  • Connects you with trained advisors or nurses.
  • Guidance on nearest medical services.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

Derriford Hospital

  • Plymouth’s main general hospital.
  • Equipped with an A&E (Accident & Emergency) department.
  • For serious medical needs.

Cumberland Centre

  • Houses a Minor Injuries Unit.
  • Suitable for non-life-threatening injuries.
  • For conditions not needing emergency care.

Lost Documents & Safety

Embassy and Consulate Information

  • Keep contact details for your country’s embassy or consulate.
  • Store these details digitally and in print.
  • Most foreign embassies in the UK are in London.

Lost Document Procedures

  • If passport or documents are lost/stolen, report to police immediately.
  • Obtain a crime reference number.
  • Contact your embassy for emergency travel documents.

Further Reading & Exploration

Cultural & Historical Immersion

  1. Seek out documentaries on the Mayflower voyage for historical context.
  2. Explore films set in Devon or Cornwall to capture the regional atmosphere.
  3. Discover British naval history documentaries.
  4. Explore folk music from the West Country.
  5. Look for local art exhibitions and performances during your visit.

Community & Information

  1. Join travel forums on sites like TripAdvisor for local tips.
  2. Visit Reddit communities like r/Plymouth or r/Devon.
  3. Ask questions and share experiences within these forums.
  4. Podcasts on "Plymouth history" or "Dartmoor" for narrative insights.
  5. Official UK government site (gov.uk) for visa and health info.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

General guidebooks covering South West England or Devon. OS Explorer Map OL28 Dartmoor for hiking. Local Plymouth maps at tourist centers.

Books About the Destination

"The Mayflower" by Rebecca Fraser. "Plymouth: A History" by Crispin Gill. Agatha Christie for local atmosphere (nearby Torquay).

Local Publications

"Plymouth Live" (online/occasional print) for local news. Free local magazines often at tourist info centers or hotels.

Safety Notice: Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations

Chronological Planning Timeline

  • 3+ Months Before:

    Book international flights, research visa requirements, purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

  • 1-3 Months Before:

    Book major accommodations, plan a rough itinerary, book specific tours, book long-distance train/coach tickets (for "Advance" fares).

  • 1 Month Before:

    Arrange currency, notify bank of travel, check phone roaming, print/store digital copies of documents.

Required Advance Bookings & Home Prep

  • Required Bookings:

    Secure international and domestic transport, popular accommodations, theatre/fine dining, specialized tours.

  • Pre-Trip Research:

    Read on Plymouth's history (Mayflower, naval, WWII), familiarize yourself with UK driving rules (left-hand traffic).

  • Home Preparation:

    Secure home (locks, alarms), suspend mail or arrange collection, inform a trusted friend of your itinerary and contacts.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

Clear immigration, collect luggage, locate pre-booked transport, connect to local mobile network.

Secure your connection with NordVPN

Orientation Strategies

Locate ATM/currency exchange, purchase a local SIM if needed, find a supermarket for essentials, pick up a physical map from tourist info.

Travel rewards cards

Currency & Purchases

Withdraw cash from an ATM or use your credit/debit card for initial purchases; most places accept card payments.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir and Shipping Considerations

  • Purchase souvenirs well before departure to avoid rush.
  • For large items, arrange shipping with local postal services.
  • Some shops may offer shipping services for your convenience.
  • Consider packing organizers for efficient packing.

Timing and Return Trip Essentials

  • Allow ample time for travel to the airport or station.
  • Adhere to airline or ferry operator check-in guidelines.
  • Reconfirm your return flights or train bookings.
  • Pack carefully, checking airline restrictions on hand luggage.

More Planning Aids

Websites for Travel Insurance

  • World Nomads: Worldnomads.com
  • (Consider other reputable providers)
  • Compare coverage for medical emergencies.
  • Check cancellation and baggage clauses.

Packing Organizers

  • Eagle Creek: Eaglecreek.com
  • Helps keep luggage tidy.
  • Maximizes space.
  • Makes unpacking easier.

Language Learning

  • Babbel: Babbel.com
  • While English is spoken, a few local phrases are fun.
  • Learn basic greetings or thank you.
  • A polite demeanor is always appreciated.
← Previous
Plymouth Itineraries
← Back to Plymouth
Next →
Plymouth Travel Resources

Next Up: Plymouth Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Continue to Plymouth Travel Resources