A Long Weekend Road Trip to Plymouth (UK)

It’s been a busy couple of weeks! First Aaron and I had a long weekend in Plymouth followed by an overnight stay in London. Then I celebrated my birthday with a couple of days out, and finally my sister’s hen weekend in Disneyland Paris. Needless to say my blog has taken a bit of a back seat! 😅

To get me back into the swing of things I thought I’d write a bit about all the trips I’ve been on recently. Starting with our road trip to Plymouth at the end of April – which seems so long ago now!

Read more: Road Trip Essentials

A long weekend road trip to Plymouth

Plymouth is a coastal city found in the South West of England, and although I’ve been there a couple of times before (to visit the university), I haven’t had the chance to do any sightseeing.

Aaron on the other hand grew up in Plymouth and his dad’s side of the family still lives there. So he’s seen it all, so to speak. But not as a tourist.

I think there’s something special about being a tourist in your home town or city and seeing it from another perspective. What about you…?

Read more: Weekend Away Essentials

The city of Plymouth is full of history from the first stone built lighthouse (Smeatons Tower) to the lido, the iconic Beatles bum imprints, and the steps of the Mayflower (where the pilgrims first left for America).

We travelled down on the Saturday and stopped at a little road side cafe called the Hog and Hedge for lunch. As my dad had recently travelled to Cornwall for work and recommended this place to us. It did not disappoint!

The Hog and Hedge is just off the A30 and serves a range of fresh food and drink, barista coffee and offers a takeaway service too. I had a decadent dairy free (vegan) chocolate brownie. It was mouth watering and definitely “more-ish”.

Plymouth Hoe and the waterfront

Once we arrived in Plymouth we headed to our accommodation, a lovely guest house near the waterfront; the Caledonia Guest House (more on our stay there to follow). We dropped off our bags before heading out for a walk around the area, starting off at the waterfront.

We climbed the 93 steps to the top of Smeatons Tower and went out on to the balcony. It was very windy(!), but the views were worth it. I’d highly recommend it if you’re not scared of heights. But please keep in mind that most of the climb is by means of narrow ladders, which may be troublesome for some.

That evening we had a delicious home cooked Italian meal (by Aaron’s step mum), followed by a dairy free orange cake. It was so good.

The Barbican, Plymouth

Next morning we ventured down to the Barbican (harbour area) to try out Cap’n Jaspers, which was a 15 minute walk away. But ended up stopping for an ice cream instead after I saw a sign for a vegan Magnum.

The ice cream shop we stumbled upon was Bertie’s and we soon found out that a Magnum wasn’t the only vegan option! I could choose between chocolate, vanilla, raspberry ripple or a combination of all three. 😍 It tasted just like real ice cream, or how I remember it tasting anyway.

The guy running the ice cream shop was very friendly. Pointing out the various vegan options available and kindly gave Aaron the extra flakes because I couldn’t eat them. After ice cream we continued on to Cap’n Jaspers.

Man Vs. Food – Plymouth edition

Cap’n Jaspers is a food hut (popular with students and bikers) which Aaron’s dad had recommended to us. It did not disappoint! I opted for a jumbo sausage and Aaron attempted the ‘half a yard dog’; it beat him. 😉

We were due to have Sunday lunch with his family later that afternoon so walked around the harbourside a little more before leaving.

Unfortunately the weather had taken a bit of a turn from the day before, it was overcasket and raining. Which you can definitely tell in the photos I took below.

#nofilter

That evening we went for dinner at the Pasta Bar in the Barbicarn. Yep, more delicious food! I swear we did more on this staycation than stuff our faces, lol. 😅

The Pasta Bar is open late so it’s ideal after a day sightseeing or if you arrive in the city in the evening. I tucked into chilli con carne topped penne pasta which was spiced perfectly.

The National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth

We decided to have a bit of a lie-in the following day, so switched off our regular alarms the night before and woke up gradually. It felt so good not to have to get up early on a Monday for a change.

Breakfast consisted of left over cake(!), lol, and a nice cup of tea to go with it. Tea and cake for breakfast? Why not. 😊 Do you ever have different (odd) things for breakfast while you’re away?

View of the harbour from the aquarium’s picnic area.

The National Marine Aquarium is famously known as the largest in the UK, and can be found in the Barbican. My favourite part of the aquarium was the large shark tank where we were lucky enough to see them swimming overhead. Along we a sea turtle! Aaron’s favourite animal.

Afterwards we tracked down Plymouth Gin so I could snap some photos before heading into to the city centre. Neither of us drink gin so we didn’t go inside.

We walked through the main shopping centre, Drakes Circus and I couldn’t resist popping into Lush cosmetics. I picked up the train from their new Father’s Day range.

After our brief shopping trip, we headed back to the Barbican for lunch and a boat trip. But unfortunately they were closed for the day. 🙁

Tip: If you’re thinking of taking a boat trip – book it early, as many close at 3.30pm!

For lunch we ate at a little sea food restuarant by the harbourside, who also offered fishing boat trips. They’ll even cook your catch for you afterwards which is a great touch.

With a long day of travelling ahead of us, we decided to head to the cinema to watch Avengers: End Game. No spoilers but I laughed, I cried and throughougly enjoyed every minute of it.

Totnes

As it was our last day, Aaron’s dad had kindly offered to show us around the historic market town of Totnes which is situated on the River Dart.

The town itself was, quirky, with a hippie vibe to it. We saw a couple of street performers playing a ukulele and many people dressed in harem pants.

Following the unique, quirky vibe of the town, every other street post was decorated with a hand knitted cactus!

Totnes is full of independent shops. So if you love getting away from the highstreet, it’s the place to be. We saw homemade fudge shops, antique shops, a toy store and vast array of cafes.

The cafe we stopped in had decorated their tables with old Nokia phone cases! Which I loved; it was a nice bit of nostalgia and I stopped some I used to own.

Do you recognise any of these?

Have you ever been to Plymouth? What are some of your favourite places to visit? Let me know in the comments. 😊

30 Comments

  • Helen C

    July 5, 2019 at 12:14

    Sounds like you’ve been a busy bee, Kim! Lovely of you to share your trip to Plymouth. Good food is such an important aspect of a holiday, in my book. Those ice-creams and pasta dish look lovely. I would like to have a wander around Totnus, for the independent shops. I recently went to Helmsley, and they had a lovely market and shopping area. I love seeing knitting around towns, we have some near us in Saltburn, and they always put a smile to my face! Glad you have had such a great time. 🙂 xx

    Helen | Helen’s Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 09:41

      It was definitely lovely to see the knitted cacti dotted around, they added to the quirkiness of the town. I’m hoping to go back and explore a little more. Thanks for your comment Helen. x

  • Kelly Diane

    May 21, 2019 at 12:19

    I love Plymouth, there is always so many things to do. The aquarium is one of my favourite things to do because I love watching the jellyfish. It sounds like you had a lovely time away Kim 😃

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 13:02

      Thanks Kelly! 😊 It really was a great tip and we’re already planning our next one to Devon. The aquarium was one of my favourites too. x

  • A Cup of Wonderland

    May 20, 2019 at 17:33

    I’ve never been to Plymouth but it looks gorgeous and like there is so much to do there! That chocolate brownie looks divine! I wanted to reach into the screen and grab it and take a huge bite, it looked that good!

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:58

      I know what you mean! I’m tempted to go back just for the food lol. There’s a lot to do around Plymouth too – day trips to Cornwall and Paignton Zoo for example. x

  • what corinne did

    May 20, 2019 at 17:32

    I have never been to Plymouth or that much south of england for that matter! Plymouth looks so pretty! it must be fantastic on a long weekend! and the food!

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:56

      Funnily I’ve never explored much of the North of England, lol. So I completely understand. I’d definitely recommend Plymouth for a little break if you can. Or anywhere along the South coast really. x

  • Jenny

    May 20, 2019 at 17:28

    I’ve been to Cornwall once before but that was with the school for a surfing holiday in year 9! So I’d love to go again on my own. This looks like my ideal little trip. I’d love to go to the aquarium!

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:55

      For some reason we always opted for Dorset or Kent whenever we went to the coast. So I’ve explored very little of the South West too. I’d definitely recommend Plymouth though if you get the chance, even just for a day trip. x

  • Samara

    May 20, 2019 at 17:19

    Not been to Plymouth, but looks awesome. I love the photos you’ve taken at the aquarium and all that talk about food has made me hungry. That brownie looks lush x

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:53

      It was such a lovely place to visit, even just for a day trip if you get the chance. Thanks for your lovely comment. xx

  • Yvonne Miller

    May 20, 2019 at 17:17

    Looks like a great time

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:52

      Thank you, we really enjoyed it. 😊

  • Bexa

    May 20, 2019 at 12:06

    This sounds like a wonderful trip! I’ve not been to Plymouth in years but remember it was such a nice place to visit, the views are beautiful! I’m impressed you can get vegan ice cream too and that brownie looks delicious! I also fully agree with tea and cake for breakfast, you gotta treat yourself whilst on holiday, right? 🙂 Thanks for sharing your adventures Kim, fab post and great photos, I’m glad you had a lovely time! <3 xxx

    Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:49

      Haha, I’m glad you agree with my unconventional breakfast choices! 😅 I always indulge a little when I’m on holiday. 🙂 We’re hoping to go back to Devon later on in the year. xxx

  • Lisa

    May 20, 2019 at 10:43

    We visit the NMA at least twice a year (thanks to Flora). Once on our way down to Cornwall and once on the way back home again, haha. Seriously, it’s such a fabulous place and you’re right, the shark tanks are amazing. I’d love to visit Plymouth Gin though as I do drink gin – maybe one day. And I know what you mean about Avengers: Endgame, I cried too. Fab road trip, Kim, thank you for sharing your foodie tips too 🙂 Lisa x

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:24

      Thanks Lisa. 🙂 That shark tank was just amazing. We spent ages sat there just watching them swim by and Aaron got excited everytime we spotted the turtle. It’s funny that Flora gets you to go everytime you’re in the area, lol, that’s like me and insisting we go to the dinosaur museum if we’re ever in Dorset. x

  • Victoria Austin

    May 20, 2019 at 00:26

    It sounds like you had a lovely trip, Plymouth is fab. Mum discovered the Hog and Hedge a while ago for somewhere to try but we haven’t yet. Those ice creams look yummy too!

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:17

      Thank you lovely. 🙂 xx It was a great trip and I’d definitely recommend the Hog and Hedge, if only for their cakes… 😍

  • Soph

    May 19, 2019 at 21:46

    Ooh the food looks so good, I fancy an ice cream now! It looks like you got really lucky with the weather and had such a good time, I’d like to visit Plymouth at some point!
    Soph – https://sophhearts.com x

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:16

      The food was so good!! I wish i could go to that ice cream shop every day to be honest. The weather was pretty good – windy but not too cold. xx

  • Lauren

    May 19, 2019 at 14:31

    It looks like you had a lovely time. Plymouth is such a lovely place. Looks like a beautiful day too. The UK has some beautiful places! I was born in Devon and not far from Plymouth. Thank you for sharing your trip and your experience Kim! Xxx

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:14

      Thanks Lauren. I really loved it and the weather wasn’t too bad either. 🙂

  • Britt Kascjak

    May 19, 2019 at 02:21

    The views look absolutely gorgeous, I could just sit there and take it in all day.
    And that brownie… You’ve got my mouth watering!

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:12

      It really was beautiful and the weather wasn’t too bad either. Thanks for your comment lovely. xx

  • Sophie Wentworth

    May 18, 2019 at 22:17

    I’ve never been to Plymouth but it looks lovely! And I think I need to get myself there. That brownie had me convinced anyway then I saw your vegan ice cream?! I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty hungry now x

    Sophie
    http://www.glowsteady.co.uk

    1. Kim

      May 21, 2019 at 12:08

      The food was delicious(!), and I was so impressed by all the vegan options available. I’m craving that ice cream now, lol. xx

  • Ashley

    May 17, 2019 at 13:08

    I love a good road trip! I haven’t been to Plymouth before – it looks like a great place with lots of yummy food! xxx

    1. Kim

      May 17, 2019 at 21:58

      The food really was delicious! There were loads of options, especially if you’re a lover of sea food. xx

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