An Unforgettable Summer In The City By The Sea…
There is nothing quite like the countdown to the Summer Holidays.
Everyone is feeling the wind-down in the air and we are all busy planning our family time; packing it full of activities that everyone will enjoy.
The long stretch of the summer holiday can (more so than any other school break) create some financial stresses though. We try to keep everyone entertained week after week after week! It can not only be daunting, keeping everyone happy, but also can be traumatic on the purse strings if we aren’t too careful!
Choose Plymouth…
Plymouth isn’t only a remarkable city to visit because of its riches and beauty. There are the many trails and walks too; most popular perhaps along the Barbican, to the Hoe, with children’s activities and play-parks scattered like enchanting pit-stops.
Then you have the stunning area around Richmond Walk, Devils Point, Royal William Yard, Mount Batten and too many others to name! All full of beautiful areas for picnics and ball-games, friendly cafes and ice-cream vans, passing ships and statues to admire and above all else; a city famous for its warm welcome to all guests and visitors alike.
Not only is Plymouth alive with greatness on every turn, but there is also a HEAP of amazing activities, events and days out you can all enjoy and plan into the holiday diary which either won’t cost you a penny – or that are fabulously priced!
It’s true to say that there isn’t a week when you can’t do something fun for nothing; but there are also a great many amazing offers and deals that you can take advantage of too.
So Much To See & Do…
The National Marine Aquarium is the largest Aquarium in the UK, and is located here in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. The NMA is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust and all money goes towards their Ocean Conservation initiatives. There are always great events and activities and you really can spend days learning, exploring and growing. Entry to the Aquarium gains visitors a free annual pass, you can then come and go as you please, and use their new garden and attend Ocean Giants without paying again!
There are amazing Boat Trips that capture the pirate in little ones whilst gently learning about Plymouth’s history. There is nothing like the view of Britain’s Ocean City that from the waves.
Culture also plays a massive part in Plymouth’s DNA. With THE premier arts organisation in the South West; the Theatre Royal Plymouth; lots of outdoor theatre; open-air cinema at Tinside Lido and so much more! There really won’t be a moment of boredom from anyone!
So, what could be better?!?
We’ve scoured the width and breadth of Plymouth and the local areas to compile a list of ideas that are free or what we think are great value and that can all be part of your holiday planning starting point! BUT don’t think that’s all that Plymouth has to offer! Here are some great places to unearth action packed days for you and your family this Summer.
Visit Plymouth | Primary Times | HOOP | Eventbrite | One Plymouth | Trip Advisor |
In the meantime; here are some that we rather liked the look of! Don’t forget, we also have some amazing offers to stay and play in Plymouth too!
Month By Month…
July
Between May and September 2019 you have a challenge at the Royal William Yard…That is should you choose to accept it!
A playful Giant Squid has made its home at the Yard and has brought six friends along too! By collecting a free trail passport from any cafe and restaurant in the Yard, you have to find all its friends and collect six letters to spell a nautical word and then claim your reward!
A truly gorgeous setting for this fun activity that the entire family can enjoy; you can easily spend a few hours exploring and enjoying the beautiful area and art instillation; designed by illustrator Jack Viant; graduate from Plymouth College of Art. With bars and restaurants you might choose to eat out, or take a short walk to beautiful picnic spots, or a ferry back to the Barbican. So much to do, see and explore!
The stunning flower installation is back, transforming the Centre into a spectacular meadow and spilling out onto the streets with a wildflower canopy suspended above Old Town Street.
Not only are the streets lined with petals; but there is a fun-filled summer planned too! There is a range of activities alongside that are not only unique, but great for learning whilst having fun too!
On the 22nd & 25th July you can have a go, with the help of Plymouth College Of Art at designing and printing your own tote bag or tea towel using screen printing techniques. Or perhaps you would rather do something a little more active with some Ping Pong In Plymouth; with free table tennis courtesy of the Plymouth City Council’s Sports Development Unit.
There is SO much to do – the colour isn’t only in the flowers; it’s in the memories you will make.
As PROUD supporters of this amazing project we are thrilled to share this amazing free activity.
For 10 weeks this summer a parade of 40 fabulously colourful, unique elephants will be taking you on a trail around the beautiful city of Plymouth and surrounding areas. From the hustle and bustle of the city streets to the peace and grandeur of the Hoe, Elmer’s Big Parade will navigate you around Britain’s Ocean City.
You can download the APP or pick up MAPs and have an entire day of FREE fun, exploring Plymouth and finding the beautiful elephants scattered around Plymouth.
When we talk about ‘old-school-community’ this is exactly what we think. Bunting, stalls and happy smiles; this is a fun day like we did in the old days! A full day of entertainment is planned, bringing the village alive and offering a warm welcome to non-village folk too!
You can look forward to stalls, inflatables, live music, fabulous food and entertainment, as well as a dog show! What could be better!?
Now then! Here’s one that might not have sprung to mind without a little hint! Help Plymouth choose the best Town Crier for our Mayflower 400 celebrations! It’s on the Thursday 25 July and kicks off at 6pm with some Morris Dancers!
You don’t have to be part of the competition, nor do you have to know someone that is; this is an evening like no other! Starting at 7pm, each entrant will perform 3 elements and a panel of judges, plus the public themselves, YOU, will choose the winners. There will be entertainment and a bar and it should be a loud lot of fun!
On the 20th July at Tavistock Meadows, just a short drive from Plymouth, there is a free festival including eco-friendly stalls, talks, poetry, arts and crafts, live music, forest school, a film showing, drumming, face painting, yoga, children’s activities and much more.
AUGUST
Enjoy a Summer of Fun in Plymouth, with free entertainment for families to enjoy taking place every Saturday in July & August 2019. Expect to find a variety of entertainers, workshops and performers appearing on the city streets.
The Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival returns for a third year to the Parade on the Barbican, between the 9th and the 11th August. It’s a firm family favourite and you can not only enjoy great music; but sensational food, views and an atmosphere like no other!
If you haven’t been before you should definitely go; if you’re staying during the festival talk to reception and they will help you navigate the 8 minute walk!
For the full programme check out Visit Plymouth’s website now!
This is your chance to see a live brass band concerts this summer on Plymouth’s historic harbourside. Listen and watch the sensational sounds of the Soundhouse Brass, Plymouth’s award-winning brass band. They will be playing live concerts on the city’s historic waterfront in Sutton Harbour ALL summer and it’s a truly captivating experience.
Every Thursday evening in August, Soundhouse Brass will be performing on the harbourside in the heart of Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
The world famous British Firework Championships is set to return to Plymouth’s Waterfront on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 August 2019.
Enjoy spectacular pyrotechnics that will illuminate Plymouth Sound as six top firework companies battle it out over two nights, each putting on an awe-inspiring ten minute display in an attempt to be crowned the winner.
Head to Plymouth Hoe for the best view and enjoy the show.
On Saturday 10th August, the colourful loud and proud Pride Festival returns to Plymouth, celebrating and promoting the diversity that exists within the LGBTQ communities.
All are welcome to join them to show support and acceptance of our diverse people and talent but also have so much FUN!
Now this is truly a sensational event in the Plymouth diary and one NOT to miss! Join in the fun at the Fastnet Race Village, at Plymouth Yacht Haven on Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 August to celebrate the finish of this historic race.
There will be live music, family friendly activities, tasty local food and opportunities for you to try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding.
The 2019 Plymouth Hoe Bike Nights are held on Thursday evenings from 6pm until 9pm during BST on Plymouth Hoe Promenade on the following dates: 04/04, 18/04, 02/05, 16/05, 30/05, 13/06, 04/07, 08/08 & 22/08. Where you can expect to see hundreds of different type’s motorcycles, motorcycle trade stands, fast food catering and on selected dates a live band.
You’ll have a ‘roaring’ time!
This summer Carnival has well and truly landed in Plymouth; specifically the enchanting West End Of Plymouth as the sights, sounds and smells of Carnival comes alive!
Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth Market will host a day full of FREE family fun on Saturday 31 August around the West End of the city centre.
SEPTEMBER
Perhaps not for the little ones, but this is set to be an award-winning kind of evening!
Join prize-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves, the author behind ITV’s Vera and BBC One’s Shetland.
Ann will be discussing her latest book – The Long Call – the captivating first novel in a brand new series set in North Devon.
Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Although free you do need to register.
Park Fest 2019 is part of a series of events through the South West celebrating all things park life!
As well as the usual park activities from football, tennis, table tennis and rugby we are taking over Devonport Park on September 8th 2019 with a full day of Live Music, inflatables, market stalls, story telling and a whole host of entertainment!
Up to date details can be found on the Facebook event page.
Plymouth Seafood Festival is back for its 8th year in 2019 and is set to bring The Barbican and Sutton Harbour alive with entertainment, activities and dishes to celebrate the city’s fantastic caught seafood.
Plymouth is the first city in the world to be awarded the Fish2Fork Blue City status for its commitment to sourcing sustainable fish. Between Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 September 2019 there will be opportunities to watch inspirational, regional and celebrity chefs who will delight you with their tantalising dishes at the Cookery Theatre. Wonder the array of local food and craft stands and be entertained.
The perfect day in the most beautiful setting at Mount Edgcumbe, Cremyll. Have-a-go activities, dog displays, live music and so much more. No need to take a four legged friend, it’s just great fun for all the family.
Let your imagination go WILD!!!
Wild Tribe Children’s Festival will pitch up again around the Soapbox Children’s Theatre in September 2019. This fun packed festival brings art, science and the environment together in the form of entertainment, workshops and activities. The theme for this year is tiny to huge exploring the tiniest things in life from insects and plankton to the bigger picture including dinosaurs and space.
We hope you found this useful and look forward to welcoming you and your little ones to Plymouth soon! Happy Holidays!