Things to Do in Plymouth: Attractions, Activities and Entertainment

Plymouth packs a lot into one coastal city. There are historic streets to explore, waterfront views to enjoy, and plenty of indoor entertainment when the British weather inevitably has other ideas.

History lovers can follow the story of the Mayflower, while underwater fans can dive into the wonders of the ocean. If you fancy something more social, you could play bingo, tackle an escape room or find out who becomes far too competitive over crazy golf.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or looking for new ideas close to home, here are some of the best things to do in Plymouth.

Fun Things to Do in Plymouth for Adults

Buzz Bingo Plymouth

For an easy-going social activity with plenty of excitement, head to Buzz Bingo Plymouth at Charles Cross.

The club runs bingo sessions throughout the day and evening. You can play using traditional paper tickets or electronic touchscreen tickets, making the game suitable for experienced players and complete beginners.

Bingo is only part of the fun. The club also has slot games, along with food, drinks and snacks to keep you going between sessions. It is a handy option when you want several parts of your outing sorted under one roof.

There is no need to book, so you can pop in for a casual afternoon or make it the main event on a night out with friends. Session times, ticket prices and promotions can change, so check the Plymouth club page before visiting.

Don't worry if you've never played before though, because our New to Club guide explains how everything works. The team will also be happy to help you get settled and avoid any opening-round confusion.

Escape Rooms

Escape rooms turn puzzle-solving into a race against the clock. Your group enters a themed room and works together to uncover clues, unlock secrets, and complete the challenge before time runs out.

They are brilliant for groups because everyone can get involved. One person might crack a code while somebody else spots the clue that has been sitting in plain sight for 20 minutes.

Plymouth has several themed escape experiences, including the likes of Escapism, Roomsmiths, and Cronologic. All rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Bowling and Indoor Games

Bowling is a simple choice when you need an activity that suits couples, friends and larger groups.

Tenpin Plymouth Barbican combines bowling with karaoke, laser tag, pool, arcade games, food and drinks. This makes it easy to turn one game into a full afternoon or evening of competitive fun.

Reserve your lane in advance during evenings, weekends and school holidays. You can technically blame the shoes for a bad score, but your friends probably will not believe you.

Crazy Golf

Indoor adventure golf offers all the rivalry of regular golf without the long walks, strict dress codes or pressure to understand what a birdie actually is.

Paradise Island Adventure Golf at The Barcode has two tropical-themed 18-hole courses. Expect plenty of twists, turns, obstacles and opportunities for one member of the group to take the scorecard far too seriously.

As it is completely indoors, crazy golf is also one of the most reliable Plymouth activities for a rainy day.

Theatre and Live Entertainment

Theatre Royal Plymouth hosts a busy programme of musicals, drama, comedy, dance, concerts, opera and pantomime.

It is worth checking the listings even if you do not usually consider yourself a theatre person. The programme ranges from major touring productions to smaller shows and workshops, so there may be something that catches your eye.

Book a matinee and head for dinner afterwards, or make an evening performance the centrepiece of a proper night out.

Best Things to Do in Plymouth

Plymouth Hoe

Plymouth Hoe is one of the city’s most recognisable spots, offering wide views across Plymouth Sound.

You can walk along the promenade, relax on the grass or take the classic photograph beside the red-and-white Smeaton’s Tower. When the lighthouse is open, visitors can climb to the lantern room for an even better view across the water and city.

The Hoe is free to explore and looks lovely around sunset. Just bring an extra layer, as that sea breeze does not mess about.

The Barbican

The Barbican is Plymouth’s historic old port, filled with narrow cobbled streets, Elizabethan warehouses and reminders of the city’s maritime past.

Today, those streets are home to independent shops, galleries, cafés, restaurants and pubs. You can browse for souvenirs, stop for something to eat or simply wander beside Sutton Harbour.

Comfortable shoes are a good idea on the cobbles. This is an area best explored slowly, with enough time for an unplanned coffee or ice cream stop.

National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is one of the best-known indoor attractions in Plymouth. It is home to more than 5,000 marine animals, as well as the UK’s deepest aquarium habitat and largest viewing window.

Visitors can see sharks, rays, colourful fish and other ocean creatures while learning more about marine conservation. Talks and presentations from the Ocean Discovery Rangers add extra detail throughout the day.

Allow several hours for your visit, especially if you want to catch the talks. Booking is recommended during busy periods.

Royal William Yard

Royal William Yard blends Plymouth’s naval history with modern waterfront life.

The former Royal Navy victualling yard contains an impressive collection of Grade I listed buildings. These now sit alongside restaurants, bars, shops, a cinema, watersports and a marina.

It works well for a relaxed stroll, dinner with friends or drinks overlooking Plymouth Sound. Events also take place throughout the year, so check what is happening before you go.

Mayflower Steps

The Mayflower Steps mark the approximate site from which the Mayflower passengers are believed to have left England in 1620.

The original departure point no longer survives, but the memorial provides an important link to Plymouth’s maritime story. British and American flags stand on either side, while plaques explain more about the voyage.

The steps are close to the Barbican and National Marine Aquarium, making them easy to include in a waterfront walk rather than planning a separate journey.

Plan a Fun Day Out in Plymouth

Plymouth offers far more than its famous waterfront. You can discover centuries of history, come face to face with marine life or enjoy some friendly competition without going anywhere near the sea.

For adults looking for a relaxed and social activity, Buzz Bingo Plymouth brings bingo, slots, food and drinks together in one convenient venue. Add one or two of the city’s other attractions, and you have all the ingredients for a