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What to Pack for Plymouth

What to Pack for Plymouth

Plymouth Southwest England, England Travel Guide

Summer & General Wardrobe

Always pack a Waterproof jacket or a reliable Travel umbrella. Rain showers occur at any time of year. Bring Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers. You will likely do much walking.

Summer Essentials June-August

  • Light clothing like t-shirts, shorts, light trousers, and dresses.
  • Evenings are cooler; bring a Light jacket, cardigan, or fleece.
  • Include Swimwear for beaches, Tinside Lido, or water activities.

Spring, Autumn & Winter Wardrobe

Opt for medium-weight layers. Long-sleeved tops, jumpers or sweaters, and a light jacket or Waterproof coat are useful. A Scarf provides extra warmth. These seasons often feature pleasant daytime temperatures but can become cool quickly.

Winter Essentials December-February

  • Warm layers: Thermal base layers, thick jumpers, a warm waterproof coat.
  • Hat, Gloves, and a scarf are useful.
  • While extreme cold is rare, the dampness from the sea makes temperatures feel colder.

Footwear Recommendations

General Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or trainers prove essential for exploring the city's cobbled streets and various districts.

City Comfort

Outdoor / Hiking

If you plan to explore Dartmoor or the South West Coast Path, waterproof walking boots or sturdy Trail shoes provide better support and protection.

Trail Ready

Evenings

Bring smarter shoes if you intend to dine at more formal establishments.

Dressier Options

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keeping your important documents organized and accessible prevents trip stress. Have both physical and digital copies.

  • Passport & Visa Documents: Always carry your valid passport. Keep printed and digital copies of your visa approval if one was needed.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Bring your policy number, emergency contact details for your provider, and coverage summary. Keep physical and digital copies.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If your license is not in English and you drive, an IDP stands recommended. The UK accepts most valid national licenses.
  • Health Documentation: Have vaccination records for personal reference. For prescription medications, carry a copy of your prescription and doctor's note.
  • Reservation Copies: Copies of accommodation, flight, tour, and car rental bookings. Store on phone, cloud, and print a hard copy.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of family, friends, and embassy/consulate details. Store physically and digitally.
  • IDs for Discounts: Carry valid ISIC for student discounts. Other relevant IDs for senior or press concessions provide savings at attractions.
  • General Tip: Back up all critical documents digitally.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

UK uses 230V at 50Hz, Type G plugs (three rectangular pins). You need a UK travel adapter for non-UK devices. Ensure devices are dual voltage or use a Voltage converter.

Mobile Phone Setup

  • Compatibility: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Confirm your phone is unlocked for a local SIM card.
  • SIM Cards: Easily available from major providers (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three) at phone shops, supermarkets, newsagents. 'Pay As You Go' SIMs with data suit short-term visitors.
  • eSIM Option: Consider services like Airalo for eSIMs to stay connected without a physical SIM swap.

Gadgets & Apps

A standard Travel camera or your Smartphone camera usually captures sights well. A Waterproof camera is good for water activities. Bring extra batteries and memory cards.

Power & Navigation

  • Portable Chargers: Highly recommended for keeping devices charged while exploring. Navigation and camera use drain batteries quickly.
  • Recommended Apps: Google Maps or Citymapper for navigation. TripAdvisor for restaurants/attractions. OpenTable for reservations. Plymouth Citybus app for routes/tracking.
  • Data Backup: Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and documents. An External hard drive or USB stick as a backup.

Digital Security

VPN Services

Consider a Virtual Private Network (NordVPN or ExpressVPN) for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Device Security

Keep devices password-protected. Install reputable antivirus software.

Cloud Storage

Regularly back up photos and important documents to cloud services.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid

A well-stocked personal health kit readies you for minor ailments and holds required medications.

First Aid Kit Essentials

  • Standard Items: Plasters (Band-aids), antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (paracetamol/Ibuprofen), antihistamines, Anti-diarrhea medication. A Compact travel first aid kit is a good item.
  • Prescription Medications: Carry all in original packaging with a copy of your prescription and doctor's note for controlled substances.
  • Over-the-Counter: Small amounts of common remedies for colds, indigestion, or motion sickness. Available locally, but having them on hand saves time.

Outdoor Health

Altitude sickness is not a concern for Plymouth. For boat trips or ferry journeys, bring remedies for motion sickness if prone.

Sun & Insect Protection

  • Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen, even on cloudy days. UV levels are deceptive.
  • Insect Repellent: Useful for summer and outdoor activities, especially on Dartmoor or rural areas.
  • Water Safety: Tap water in Plymouth has drinking safety. No purification options are necessary.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

  • Sea Journeys: If prone to motion sickness, bring remedies for boat trips around Plymouth Sound or ferry journeys.
  • Remedies: Over-the-counter options for motion sickness are available at pharmacies.
  • Hydration: Stay hydrated to minimize symptoms.

Altitude Sickness

  • No Altitude Concerns: Plymouth sits at sea level; altitude sickness is not a factor.
  • Flat Terrain: Most city exploration is on flat ground or gentle slopes.
  • Dartmoor Exploration: Even on Dartmoor, altitudes are not high enough to cause altitude sickness for most people.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Outdoor Gear

Good quality Hiking shoes or boots offer comfort and support on uneven terrain. Walking socks prevent blisters. A Small backpack holds water, snacks, and extra layers.

  • Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or waterproof boots for trails.
  • Backpack: A small daypack for essentials.
  • Layers: Dress in adaptable layers for changing weather.
  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated on long walks.

Water Sports Gear

A swimsuit and Quick-dry towel are essential. For extended sea time, consider a Wetsuit, as water remains cool even in summer.

  • Swimwear: For Tinside Lido or sea activities.
  • Quick-dry Towel: Compact and efficient.
  • Wetsuit: Recommended for longer sea immersion.
  • Waterproof Bag: To protect electronics on boat trips.

Photography & Gadget Gear

Extra batteries and memory cards are useful for extended photography outings.

  • Camera: A standard travel camera or smartphone suffices.
  • Extra Batteries: For long days of shooting.
  • Memory Cards: Ample storage for all your photos.
  • Waterproof Bag: Protection for electronics near water.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Rent Locally

  • Bicycles: Easily rentable from various shops in Plymouth and around Dartmoor for local exploration.
  • Kayaks & Paddleboards: Available for hire from waterfront activity providers in Sutton Harbour or Mount Batten Centre.
  • Dive Gear: For specific underwater activities, local dive centers offer rentals.
  • Heavy Equipment: For specialized or large gear, renting saves luggage space and cost.

Bring from Home

  • Hiking Boots: For serious walking, your own provide comfort and proper fit.
  • Personal Snorkel Gear: If you prefer your own, bring it; otherwise, rent from dive centers.
  • Specialty Clothing: Specific brands or fits not easily found locally.
  • Prescription Gear: Any custom medical equipment.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items enhance comfort, security, and convenience during your travels.

In-Transit Comfort

  • Travel Pillow: Makes long train or bus journeys more comfortable.
  • Eye Mask: Aids rest during transit or bright accommodations.
  • Earplugs: Good for noisy transport or sleeping in unfamiliar places.
  • Reading Material: For downtime during travel or evenings.

Eco-Friendly & Practical

Generally, nothing is difficult to find in Plymouth. The city has major supermarkets, pharmacies, and retail stores. Certain specialty outdoor gear or specific international brands might be more expensive or limited in choice.

Smart Travel Items

  • Money Belt / RFID Wallet: Secure place for valuables like passports, cash, and credit cards.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Refill from safe tap water, reducing plastic waste and saving money.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: Useful, as plastic bags incur a charge in UK shops.
  • Reusable Coffee Cup: For takeaway drinks to reduce waste.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce plastic bottle waste.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo, conditioner, soap bars cut plastic.

Foldable Shopping Bag

Avoid single-use plastic bags.

Portable Solar Charger

Power small devices with sun.

Destination-Specific Items

Local Considerations

  • Rain Gear: A waterproof jacket and umbrella are must-haves due to unpredictable UK weather.
  • Layers: Dress in adaptable layers for varied temperatures, even within a single day.
  • Comfortable Footwear: Essential for exploring cobbled streets and coastal paths.

Optional Comforts

  • Binoculars: For wildlife spotting on Dartmoor or observing ships in the Sound.
  • Local Guidebook: To discover hidden gems and historical details.
  • Multi-USB Charger: To charge multiple devices with one UK adapter.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items and compress clothing.

Distribute heavy items evenly in your luggage. Keep a small bag for dirty laundry to separate it from clean clothes.