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.

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.