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AUP Students' Union

Getting To Know Plymouth

Updated: Jan 16, 2021

Many of you may have only visited Plymouth a few times before and some of you might have never been here before, so I thought I'd write about some of the great things Plymouth has to offer, to give you something to look forward to when you get here.


Plymouth City Centre has a lot to offer from shopping, places to eat and drink, and leisure activities. The centre is full of great shops and places to eat out, even more with Drakes Circus and The Barcode. There are bars, clubs and pubs to suit everybody, including our neighbours The Roundabout where you can get an exclusive 10% of with your PCA ID.


Picture of the Barcode in Plymouth

The Barbican is also full of great independent bars and coffee shops, as well as lots of great places to grab fish and chips right by the sea. It is also home to the largest aquarium in the UK, the National Marine Aquarium, which is a great place to visit with visiting family and friends or a fun day out for you and your flatmates. It's also right by the Hoe, which is a great place to hang out, BBQ, skate or visit Smeaton's Tower.


Picture of Smeaton's tower

If you're fancy something a little more fancy, why not take a walk to nearby Royal William Yard? There is lots of local independent shops, and places to eat out including Wagamama, Seco Lounge and Wildwood. Whilst you're there, pop to the picturesque Devil's Point for a quick dip in the sea or Devil's Point Tidal Pool. Want something more adventurous? Book yourself in with South West SUP and learn stand up paddle-boarding!


Picture of the ocean

If you want to get away from the city for a while, and the sea just isn't doing it, Dartmoor National Park is only a short drive away. Dartmoor is full a natural beauty and a great place to explore, with mystical areas like Wistman's Wood and even a zoo!


Picture of murky woods

If you fancy a little casual guided tour of the City Centre, Hoe and Barbican areas (concluding with fish and chips) then we're running several as part of our Freshers celebrations. You can find out all about them and book your tickets here.


Picture of fish and chips

Now let's hear from our Student Union Team where their favourite place or places in Plymouth are...


"I'd have to say the Hoe and sea front because it's such a nice place to go for a walk or sit and think for a while, not to mention you can go for a lovely swim in the sea if the weather is nice." - Paige, Student Union Manager


"My favourite place is probably the big white steps on the sea front by the Hoe." - Harry, LGBTQ+ Representative


"This is a hard one because there are so many places in the city that I enjoy and have visited over the 13 years that I have been in and around the area but for me, it is the Civic Centre. I am a massive fan of Brutalist architecture, and the surrounding greenery that contrasts the dullness of the concrete. It is also a good place to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by." - Ray, Student Union Photographer


"There's a little patch of rocks on the seafront down from the Hoe, that's one of my favourite places. There's also Madeira Road around the Hoe; the staircases that take you up behind the Citadel and that vantage point with all the benches, that's a great view." - Nath, Student Union Ambassador


For me it's so hard to pick when there's such a wonderful variety of places in and around Plymouth. I love Dartmoor and the countryside landscape as much as I love the sound of the sea and the breeze on the Hoe. One of my favourite places to eat out is definitely Harbourside Fish and Chips on the Barbican, highly recommend!


Best,

Harriet,

Student Union President

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