Top 3 Itineraries in Plymouth

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Plymouth.

If you only have a few days, Plymouth weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Plymouth offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Plymouth are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Plymouth’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Plymouth offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Plymouth truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Plymouth belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Plymouth are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Plymouth and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Plymouth itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Plymouth for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Plymouth without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Plymouth!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Bath, Plymouth, Exeter, St Ives, and Newquay is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Plymouth can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Bath, Plymouth, Exeter, St Ives, and Newquay by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Newquay

• Arrival city: Newquay
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Newquay, e.g., Minerva Hotel
• Sightseeing: Trenance Gardens

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Newquay. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Newquay and Trenance

• Destinations: Newquay and Trenance
• Driving distance: 26.27 km, approx. 59 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Newquay, e.g., Minerva Hotel
• Sightseeing: Boating Lake, National Trust - Carnewas at Bedruthan, and Newquay Zoo
• Recommended tour: Paddleboarding Around Newquay's Coastline

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Boating Lake, National Trust - Carnewas at Bedruthan, and Newquay Zoo. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Newquay and Trenance, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover St Ives

• Destinations: St Ives
• Driving distance: 102.04 km, approx. 2 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Newquay, e.g., Minerva Hotel
• Sightseeing: St Ives Harbour, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Porthgwidden Beach, and St Ia's Parish Church
• Recommended tour: Surf Lesson

Spend the day exploring St Ives Harbour, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Porthgwidden Beach, and St Ia's Parish Church. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Porthcurno, St. Michael's Mount, and Penzance

• Destinations: Porthcurno, St. Michael's Mount, and Penzance
• Driving distance: 141.42 km, approx. 2 hours and 59 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Newquay, e.g., Minerva Hotel
• Sightseeing: Saint Michael's Mount, PK Porthcurno, Penlee House Gallery & Museum, and The Minack Theatre
• Recommended tour: Half-Day Coasteering in Newquay Cornwall

Continue your journey through Porthcurno, St. Michael's Mount, and Penzance, where you can explore Saint Michael's Mount, PK Porthcurno, Penlee House Gallery & Museum, and The Minack Theatre. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Falmouth and Helford Passage

• Destinations: Falmouth and Helford Passage
• Driving distance: 167.05 km, approx. 3 hours and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Plymouth, e.g., Future Inn Plymouth
• Sightseeing: National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Trebah Garden, and Pendennis Castle

Drive through Falmouth and Helford Passage, stopping to visit National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Trebah Garden, and Pendennis Castle. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Plymouth.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Plymouth

• Destinations: Plymouth
• Driving distance: 8.27 km, approx. 45 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Plymouth, e.g., Future Inn Plymouth
• Sightseeing: Smeaton's Tower, West Hoe Park, Plymouth Naval Memorial, Royal William Yard, and Hoe Park

Spend time discovering Smeaton's Tower, West Hoe Park, Plymouth Naval Memorial, Royal William Yard, and Hoe Park, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Exeter

• Destinations: Exeter
• Driving distance: 153.67 km, approx. 2 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Plymouth, e.g., Future Inn Plymouth
• Sightseeing: Northernhay Gardens, Exeter Cathedral, and Underground Passages
• Recommended tour: Half Day Guided Canoe Trip in Totnes

Explore Northernhay Gardens, Exeter Cathedral, and Underground Passages at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Bath

• Destinations: Bath
• Driving distance: 233.09 km, approx. 3 hours and 10 seconds
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bath, e.g., Hampton by Hilton Bath City
• Sightseeing: Thermae Bath Spa, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and The Roman Baths
• Recommended tour: Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

Continue your road trip through Bath, enjoying the flexibility to explore Thermae Bath Spa, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and The Roman Baths and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Bath.

Day 9: Wander Through Salisbury and Larkhill

• Destinations: Salisbury and Larkhill
• Driving distance: 345.17 km, approx. 4 hours and 38 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Newquay, e.g., Minerva Hotel
• Sightseeing: Stonehenge, Lord's Walk, and National Trust - Stonehenge Landscape
• Recommended tour: Coasteering Experience in Newquay

Visit Stonehenge, Lord's Walk, and National Trust - Stonehenge Landscape as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Newquay.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Newquay

• Departure city: Newquay
• Driving distance: 414 metres, approx. 6 minutes
• Sightseeing: Pirate's Quest Adventure Golf

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Newquay. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1092 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Plymouth.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Plymouth for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Plymouth with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Plymouth and Plymouth's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Plymouth without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Plymouth

Arrive in Plymouth and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Central Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. The Blues Bar & Grill is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Plymouth's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Plymouth by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Smeaton's Tower, Devil's Point, Mount Wise Park, Plymouth Naval Memorial, and Royal William Yard.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Plymouth in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Plymouth

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. National Trust - Plymbridge Woods are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Plymouth.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Plymouth. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of England!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Plymouth

Spend your last few hours in Plymouth soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Plymouth, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Plymouth travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Plymouth offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Plymouth itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Plymouth weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Plymouth

Arrive in Plymouth around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Central Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Plymouth’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Plymouth with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Smeaton's Tower early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Mayflower Steps Memorial, stopping by National Trust - Saltram for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Plymouth

Make the most of your last few hours in Plymouth before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Plymouth. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Plymouth itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Plymouth, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Plymouth for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Plymouth in a way that feels truly unforgettable!