• Barbican Plymouth

    The perfect place to find an original souvenir of Plymouth

Barbican Plymouth

The Barbican in Plymouth | The city's top attractions are found here

 

Whether you are visiting Plymouth or if you live nearby, this is the place to discover. The historic Barbican is a delightful old port full of narrow cobbled streets, Elizabethan warehouses, specialist shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. 

What to do in The Barbican

There are lots to see and do for all ages! Many of the city’s top attractions are situated on Plymouth's Barbican. These are all found amongst stunning architecture and historic homes and buildings.

Barbican Theatre

The Barbican Theatre offers a diverse programme of theatre, dance, live music, comedy, live entertainment and spoken word. There are often chilled-out soul and jazz in their B-Bar. This vibrant little venue has something for everyone. 

National Marine Aquarium

On the Sutton Harbour side of The Barbican is the National Marine Aquarium. The UK's largest Aquarium is where you can be fascinated by the underwater world. With over 4,000 animals to meet, including over 70 sharks, stingrays, octopuses, jellyfish and a very cheeky turtle. 

Plymouth Gin Distillery 

Plymouth Gin Distillery is one of the oldest buildings in Plymouth and is protected as a precious national monument. Not least because it’s now also an important centre of excellence for gin cocktail making. Step inside The Rectory for a drink, or go on one of the Gin Distillery Tours. 

Elizabethan House

Dating from the late 1500s, when Plymouth was a thriving port, The Elizabethan House has survived the slum clearances of the early 1900s and the Blitz of World War Two. It has recently undergone vital structural and strengthening works. The new attraction takes visitors on an immersive yet authentic journey through its history and offers an insight into the history of Plymouth’s Barbican area.

Elizabethan Gardens

This delightful little garden is an oasis of tranquillity. Although a popular tourist stop, the Elizabethan Gardens is tucked away and can be quiet and completely empty even on a hot August day. Very low box hedges contain beds of colourful flowers and fragrant herbs in the old Elizabethan manner. Underfoot are cobbled paths and areas of old slate. 

Merchants House Museum

The Merchants House is the best-preserved 16th-century dwelling in Plymouth. Tucked away from the bustle of modern Plymouth, down a quiet side street, is the attractive timber-framed house. There are seven rooms, each themed to represent a distinct period in Plymouth's history. 

Plymouth Shops

Plymouth is the leading shopping centre in the South West. The Plymouth shopping experience is a mix of big-name brands and unique independent shops. Throughout The Barbican are independent retailers offering retail therapy and unique gifts. 

Shopping guide to Plymouth

Barbican Plymouth History

The Barbican is one of the few parts of the city that survived the destruction during The Blitz in World War II. The Plymouth Barbican Association has worked hard to restore and maintain some of the oldest surviving buildings. You can also see 'The World's Smallest Magic Shop', which can be found amongst other unique shops such as 'The House That Jack Built', which has a diverse range of quality gifts unavailable on the high street. Jacka Bakery is also the oldest bakery in the UK.

Mayflower Museum

Over four floors, The Mayflower Museum explores the story of the Pilgrims' voyage aboard the Mayflower to the New World on 6 September 1620. The Mayflower Museum is located above the Tourist Information Centre on The Barbican.

Mayflower Steps

The Mayflower Steps are near the Mayflower Museum in the Barbican. The Pilgrims are believed to have finally left England aboard the Mayflower here before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The Mayflower Steps are flanked by British and American flags. The actual steps the pilgrims left from no longer exist. A granite block bearing the ship’s name marks the approximate site, while a tablet commemorating the voyage was erected alongside it in 1891.

The Barbican Events

Some of Plymouth's biggest events take place in The Barbican. These include Plymouth Pirate Weekend, Christmas Markets, Plymouth Seafood Festival and the British Fireworks Championships.

Further information

 


Bedrooms at Future Inn Plymouth

Hotel near The Barbican Plymouth

Getting to the Barbican. The Barbican is a 20-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth.  Alternatively, it would take around 34 minutes on public transport, with regular buses going from outside the hotel. Or 26 minutes by bike. Did you know we're a cycle-friendly hotel?   

Future Inn Plymouth is an ideal base for the night, offering various-sized bedrooms, including rooms that can sleep up to four adults or a family. In fact, under 12s stay for free. Perks include free car parking, free wifi and a complimentary robe and slippers.

Make a Reservation

Book direct for the best rates guaranteed, with rooms from £67 per room per night.

Book your stay online, where we guarantee the best rate, or with our Reservations Team on 01752 701000 or reservations.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk.

Future Inn Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. For every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. Plus, get double points when you dine in the restaurant. Points can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem when you dine in the restaurant (you'll also get double points, too!) and a member's discount rate. It's also completely free to join!


Dishes on the menu in Fishbone Restaurant

Food and Drink in Plymouth

Fishbone Restaurant is ideal for fueling up before or after visiting the Barbican. Every day the team serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening a-la-carte or traditional roasts on Sunday. An early-bird dining menu starts at 4pm and you can indulge on 3 courses for £25

A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands. Our Devon and Cornwall drink selection includes Atlantic IPA, Offshore, Tarquins Gin and Plymouth Gin. An extensive gin and mixer menu and 2 for £15 cocktails.

Bookings can be made on 01752 701000 or fishbone@futureinns.co.uk.  Alternatively, you can book online:


Plymouth

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