Things To Do
in Plympton
Plympton is a historic market town and suburb just east of Plymouth in Devon, England, known for its medieval High Street, Tudor architecture and a relaxed village atmosphere. Once an independent borough, it now serves as a quiet residential centre with easy access to Plymouth's waterfront, shops and cultural attractions. The town combines green lanes, small parks and ancient buildings with practical commuter connections to the city and surrounding countryside.
Plympton makes a convenient base for exploring Plymouth, the South West Coast Path and nearby Dartmoor while offering local pubs, tearooms and a slower pace than the city centre.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Plympton Castle, where you can marvel at the ancient stone walls and take in views of the surrounding area. As you stroll through the castle grounds, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Stop by a nearby café for a traditional English breakfast to fuel your exploration.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk to the Plympton St. Maurice Church, an architectural gem that showcases the town's rich history. Spend time exploring the quaint shops and boutiques in the neighborhood, where you can find unique crafts and local products. As the afternoon sun casts a warm glow, consider visiting the Plympton Railway Station to learn about its historical significance.
In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at a local pub that serves hearty British fare, allowing you to experience authentic Plympton hospitality. After your meal, take a stroll along the River Plym, where the gentle sounds of the water create a serene backdrop. End your day by enjoying a nightcap at a cozy bar, reflecting on the historical gems you discovered.
Begin your adventure with a refreshing hike through the Plym Valley, where lush greenery and picturesque trails await. Breathe in the fresh air as you meander along the riverbank, keeping an eye out for local bird species and other wildlife. Stop for a picnic breakfast at one of the many scenic spots along the trail.
Continue your exploration by visiting the nearby Saltram House, a National Trust property that boasts beautiful gardens and art collections. Take a guided tour of the house, learning about its history and the families that lived there. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea in the gardens, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the tranquil sounds of nature.
As the sun sets, head back to Plympton and dine at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table offerings. Savor dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of Devon’s produce. After dinner, if you're up for it, catch a local performance at a community theater, immersing yourself in the local culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at pub | $5-7 |
| 🚆Single local bus fare | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short trip | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Plymouth’s attractions while retaining a peaceful, village atmosphere
- Great access to coastal paths, beaches and Dartmoor for outdoor activities
- Historic architecture and a quaint High Street with local hospitality
- Good transport links to Plymouth and the wider South West
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Plympton itself
- Weather can be changeable and wet, limiting some outdoor plans
- Public transport outside peak times can be less frequent for rural connectors
- Fewer large supermarkets or specialty shops within the immediate town
Places to Visit in Plympton
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque Tudor and Georgian facades, narrow lanes and an old-market-town feel make it ideal for street and architectural photography.
Historic stonework, churchyard views and atmospheric interiors are good for detail shots and quiet compositions.
Converted naval buildings, mooring, and dramatic skies at golden hour provide strong architectural and maritime images (short drive from Plympton).
Coastal cliffs, rockpools, waves and panoramic sea views — excellent for wide landscapes and seascapes, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Tors, moorland expanses and ancient stone features offer rugged landscapes and moody weather-driven shots.
Food in Plympton
Plympton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Scones served with clotted cream and jam — in Devon the cream is traditionally spread first, then jam. Try at local tearooms on the High Street or in nearby villages.
Must-Try!
Mussels, crab, scallops and locally caught fish appear on many menus around Plymouth and the coast — best at waterside restaurants on the Barbican and Royal William Yard.
Locally produced farm ciders and craft ciders from Devon and Cornwall are popular in pubs; sample them at Plympton inns and Plymouth bars.
Stews, pies, fish and chips and seasonal vegetable sides are common in Plympton pubs — comforting and locally sourced when possible.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A short trip into Plymouth brings you to a revitalised indoor market with local producers, baked goods and occasional street-food stalls — great for sampling regional produce.
Small farmers' stalls, seasonal markets and pop-up food events in Plympton and neighbouring villages showcase cheeses, baked goods and cider — watch local noticeboards for events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness, saying 'please' and 'thank you' and orderly queueing are expected in shops, on buses and in service lines.
Follow the Countryside Code: close gates, keep dogs under control, take litter home and respect farmland and livestock.
Order at the bar unless table service is offered; tipping is modest and informal in pubs.
Safety
Tipping in Plympton
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: around 10%–12% in restaurants if service is good (some places add a service charge), rounding up for taxis and a few pounds in pubs if doing table service.
Cards are widely accepted (chip-and-PIN and contactless); mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common. Small shops may prefer contactless or cash for very small purchases; ATMs are available in Plymouth.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and sunniest months with long daylight, beach-friendly weather and busy coastal spots; book popular attractions and restaurants in advance during school holidays.
Crisp, colourful countryside and quieter coastal trails; early autumn remains pleasant while later months bring more rain and cooler evenings.
Mild but wet and windy compared with the rest of the UK, with shorter daylight; inland Dartmoor can be chilly and exposed — pack warm layers and waterproofs.
Blossom and renewed greenery make it a lovely time for walks and wildlife watching; variable weather means bring waterproofs and flexible plans.
Plympton at Night
Hiking in Plympton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive north brings you to rugged moorland, tors, rivers and marked trails ranging from short walks to extensive multi-day routes; prepare for variable weather and navigation.
Coastal stretches offering dramatic cliffs, rockpools and seabird watching; sections are suitable for day hikes and combine well with beach visits.
A local woodland with gentle trails following the River Plym — good for family walks, seasonal flora and easy mountain bike routes.
Wooded river valleys and historic landscapes with waymarked walks, ideal for combining heritage visits with countryside walking.
Airports
How to reach Plympton by plane.
Approximately a 50–70 minute drive from Plympton depending on traffic; offers domestic and some European flights. Access by car is most straightforward; buses and trains to Exeter can connect to shuttle services.
About 1–1.5 hours by car; useful for domestic and seasonal European routes, particularly convenient for West Cornwall and summer travel.
Around 2–2.5 hours by car; larger range of international flights and low-cost carriers — reachable by rail/bus connections or driving.
Plymouth’s own commercial air links are limited; most travellers use Exeter, Newquay or Bristol for scheduled services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute into Plymouth for work, public services and industry.
Plympton is popular with families seeking local schools, parks and a village community feel.
A noticeable retired population enjoys the quieter lifestyle and access to healthcare and amenities in nearby Plymouth.
While Plympton itself is quieter, Plymouth hosts university students and young adults who use city amenities and cultural venues.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby union is popular across Devon and in Plymouth with local clubs and community fixtures.
Local grassroots football and support for regional teams are common; Plymouth Argyle is the major nearby professional club.
Sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in Plymouth Sound and coastal areas; clubs and hire operators cater to beginners through to experienced sailors.
Surfing is popular at nearby beaches (e.g., Whitsand Bay and spots further along the coast) when conditions suit.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Plympton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most pubs and cafés offer vegetarian options including salads, vegetable mains, and cheese boards; tell staff they’re vegetarian and they’ll often adapt dishes.
Vegan choices are increasingly available in Plymouth-area restaurants and cafés; smaller tearooms in Plympton may have limited options so check menus or call ahead.
Gluten-free options are generally available in larger restaurants and many cafés; cross-contamination can occur in older kitchens, so confirm with staff if you have coeliac disease.
UK food businesses are used to allergy requests — ask for an ingredients list and staff can advise on common allergens like nuts, dairy and shellfish.