Below is an outline itinerary for a seven day stay at the Barbican Base. Detailed descriptions, maps and transport information for these trips and many others are provided within the apartment itself. If you need any additional advice or suggestions during your stay please feel free to call us.




Take the bus (or walk if you prefer) round to Stonehouse and catch the Cremyll ferry across to Cornwall. This will take you up to the grounds of Mount Edgcumbe country house. It would be easy enough to spend the rest of the day here if you so wished, exploring the 16th century house or wandering around its beautiful gardens.

If you prefer, take the coastal walk around to Cawsand and Kingsand, enjoying the views back across to Plymouth. Spend the afternoon wandering the winding lanes of these twin villages, finding local galleries and souvenir shops. Finish the afternoon on the beach, or swimming in the sea, before the Cawsand ferry will take you directly back to the Barbican.




Explore the charms and history of the Barbican itself. Discover Plymouth's oldest street, with its Elizabethean House and secret gardens. Visit the Plymouth Gin Distillery and see how this famous drink was made six centuries ago. Maybe stop here for lunch in the popular Barbican Kitchen.

In the afternoon head across to the National Marine Aquarium, not forgetting to stop at the Mayflower Steps, and remember the great voyage the Mayflower set out on nearly 500 years ago. Spend your afternoon brushing up on your knowledge of marine biology, or simply admiring the amazing wealth of marine life on display. Then head back home and enjoy a good meal at one of the Barbican's fine restaurants.




Take your car (or hire one for the day; there is a car hire depot a few minutes walk from the apartment) and head down to St. Austell cornwall. Just outside the town you will find the massive biomes of the Eden Project, set in their spectacular setting of a disused quarry. Enjoy the unique experience of wandering through the rainforest of the tropical biome, before heading on to the Mediterranean climate and out onto the gardens that cover the quarry's sides. The project is run as an educational and research centre and provides a fascinating insight into the world of plants.

On your way back to Plymouth, why not stop off at one of the picturesque villages on the south coast of Cornwall. Enjoy a traditional fish and chip supper and watch the sun go down.




Why not spend a relaxing day close to home and indulge yourself a little? Plymouth city centre has a huge range of shops and the newly opened Drakes Circus shopping mall is just a few minutes walk away. Treat yourself to a trip to the theatre, or there's sure to be something to suit your tastes on one of the 18 screens in one of Plymouth's two nearby cinemas). If you prefer something a bit more active how about bowling, ice-skating, or perhaps even some sailing in the Sound.

If you don't fancy going anywhere then you can sunbathe on the roof garden, relax in the apartment and maybe release your inner chef in the well-equipped kitchen. If your batteries are suitably recharged by the end of the day, then why not head out to one of the many local bars. The Barbican waterfront is a lively destination on a summer evening.




Although Cornwall's coast is unrivalled across England, that doesn't mean the Devon shoreline doesn't have plenty to offer as well. If you want something close to home, then take the ferry across to Mount Batten and take the coastal path up past Staddon Heights golf club (the course itself affords stunning views over Plymouth Sound, should you wish to play a round). Head on until you reach the beaches of Bovisand where you can enjoy a well earned rest.

Further afield Salcombe, Totnes and Dartmouth are great destinations for a day out.




Pick a day when the weather is fine and Plymouth Hoe itself represents a great way to spend a day. If you're lucky your stay might coincide with the annual Music of the Night in Plymouth Citadel, or the National Fireworks Championships in August (check the events diary for dates). You can climb Smeaton's Tower for fantastic views out to sea and back over the city, and to learn about the history of the Eddystone lighthouses. Stroll along the promenade, picnic on the grass or take a dip in the grand Tinside Lido.




For your final day, head out of the city again. There are so many possible destinations: Dartmoor is a beautiful National Park and there are so many walks to enjoy; the north coast of Devon and Cornwall offer some of the best beaches in the country, whether you're after the golden sands for sunbathing or the perfect waves to surf. Alternatively head down to the further reaches of Cornwall for the art and culture of St. Ives. Or cycle the famous Camel Trail, near Padstow.

Then round off the holiday in style; enjoy exquisite dining at one of the region's most famous restaurants, either Rick Stein's Padstow restaurant or Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant, just outside Newquay. Whatever you chose to do during your Plymouth holiday, you are sure to leave with some unforgettable memories.




And if none of the above takes your fancy, there are plenty of other options to choose from; scenic river cruises up the Tamar, miles of labyrinthine tunnels to explore under the impressive Crownhill fort, a visit to the zoo at Paignton, diving amongst the reef on the sunken HMS Scylla, rowing or sailing in Plymouth Sound, the excitement of championship football, and so much more...