Holiday rentals and lettings in Plymouth

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Plymouth?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Plymouth: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Plymouth: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Plymouth?

• Plymouth is Britain's "Ocean City" on the Devon coast, with a historic waterfront made up of the Hoe and the Barbican.
• Holiday lettings range from harbour-side cottages and waterfront apartments to family homes near Dartmoor.
• The Barbican and Royal William Yard are the top spots for seafood, restaurants and evenings out.
• The city is an ideal base for day trips to Dartmoor National Park and the Cornish coast.
• Summer is busiest and sunniest, while spring and autumn offer quieter stays and lower prices.

Plymouth offers a broad spread of places to stay, from characterful cottages near the harbour to modern apartments along the waterfront and welcoming B&Bs close to the city centre.

• Wi-Fi for staying connected and working remotely
• Private gardens or balconies with sea or city views
• Fully equipped kitchens for self-catering stays
• Free or nearby parking, handy for exploring Devon
• Pet-friendly options for holidays with the dog

For a coastal escape further afield, browse self-catering holiday homes or peaceful Cornwall cottages within easy reach of the city.

What are the best areas to stay in Plymouth?

Each part of Plymouth has its own character, whether you want sea views, historic streets or quick access to Dartmoor. You can also look at cosy cabins for a rural feel. The table below highlights the best areas to help you choose.

What do our guests say?

Guests regularly praise the friendly welcome, the clean and comfortable spaces and the unbeatable proximity to the waterfront. Many highlight how easy it is to walk to the Barbican and the Hoe, and how well located their letting was for both the city and days out in the surrounding countryside.

Plymouth, Britain's "Ocean City" on the Devon coast, is a historic naval port with a famous waterfront, the Hoe and the Barbican, and a gateway to Dartmoor and Cornwall. Its blend of maritime heritage, sweeping sea views and lively harbour dining makes it a rewarding base for a coastal holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Plymouth?

Plymouth is well connected by road and rail, so reaching the city and its holiday lettings is straightforward.

• By car: The A38 Devon Expressway links Plymouth to Exeter and the M5, making the drive from across Devon and beyond simple.
• By train: Direct services run from London Paddington and Bristol along the scenic coastal line, with Plymouth station a short ride from the seafront.

🥗Where to eat in Plymouth?

According to Google Maps reviews, Positano is one of the best rated restaurants in Plymouth. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Marta and James rate Bonne Santé, a relaxed restaurant and cocktail bar on the Barbican: a lovely spot for fresh, health-focused plates and a drink overlooking the historic harbour.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

Plymouth is a year-round destination, but each season offers something different. Summer brings the sunniest weather and liveliest waterfront, while spring and autumn are quieter and winter is calm and atmospheric.

Summer (June–August)

• Warmest, sunniest weather for the beach and boat trips
• Busy waterfront with festivals and outdoor dining
• Book lettings early as this is peak season

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Mild weather and fewer crowds along the coast
• Great for walking the Hoe and exploring Dartmoor
• Lower prices than the summer peak

Winter (November–March)

• Quiet, atmospheric harbour and bracing coastal walks
• Cosy pubs and restaurants across the Barbican
• The best availability and lowest rates of the year

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Take an early-morning stroll along the Hoe before the crowds arrive, then head down to the Barbican for a coffee by the water. It is the perfect way to start a day and see the city at its most peaceful.

1. Stroll Plymouth Hoe and climb Smeaton's Tower
2. Explore the historic Barbican and Mayflower Steps
3. Visit the National Marine Aquarium
4. Discover Royal William Yard
5. Take a boat trip or day-trip to Dartmoor

1. Stroll Plymouth Hoe and climb Smeaton's Tower

   Plymouth Hoe is the city's grand seafront park, offering sweeping views across the Sound towards Cornwall. Wander the wide promenade, watch the boats come and go, and climb the candy-striped Smeaton's Tower, an eighteenth-century lighthouse relocated here from the Eddystone reef. From the top you are rewarded with a panorama of the waterfront. The Hoe is also a favourite for picnics, sunbathing at Tinside Lido and simply soaking up the coastal atmosphere.

2. Explore the historic Barbican and Mayflower Steps

   The Barbican is Plymouth's oldest quarter, a maze of cobbled streets, Tudor houses and independent shops. It was from the Mayflower Steps here that the Pilgrim Fathers departed for America in 1620, a moment marked along the quayside. Today the harbour is lined with seafood restaurants, art galleries and the Plymouth Gin Distillery. It is an atmospheric place to wander, dine by the water and dip into centuries of maritime history at every turn.

3. Visit the National Marine Aquarium

   Britain's largest aquarium sits right on the Barbican waterfront and is a superb day out for families and marine lovers alike. Journey from a Plymouth Sound rock pool through to the vast Atlantic Ocean tank, home to sharks, rays and shoals of fish. Interactive displays explore ocean conservation and the wildlife of the local coast. With regular talks and feeding sessions, it offers an engaging, rain-or-shine experience for visitors of all ages.

4. Discover Royal William Yard

   Once a Royal Navy victualling depot, Royal William Yard is now one of Plymouth's most striking waterfront destinations. Its grand Grade I listed buildings house restaurants, bars, galleries and a boutique cinema, all set around a historic harbour. Arrive on foot along the coast path or by ferry from the Barbican, then linger over lunch with a sea view. The blend of imposing architecture and relaxed dining makes it a memorable stop.

5. Take a boat trip or day-trip to Dartmoor

   Plymouth's location makes it a perfect base for adventure. Hop aboard a harbour cruise to see the naval dockyard and Plymouth Sound from the water, or catch a ferry across to Cornwall. Inland, Dartmoor National Park is only a short drive away, with its dramatic tors, wild ponies and countless walking trails. Whether you prefer the sea or the moors, Plymouth puts some of the West Country's finest scenery within easy reach.