Plymouth Hotels

Set in dramatic Devon scenery, Plymouth is a bustling maritime city combining the best of urban and rural life. There are wild coastal vistas around Plymouth Sound and the ragged moorland of Dartmoor is a mere step away.

From the launching point of The Mayflower in the Elizabethan Barbican to splendid Plymouth Hoe, the city is awash with history. Climb Smeaton's Tower for views over The Sound and learn about Plymouth's gin tradition at Black Friars Distillery. There are modern attractions too, at the Plymouth Mayflower Exhibition and National Marine Aquarium.

Funky boutiques and accessory shops dot the Independent Quarter, a group of over 200 independent shops surrounding Pannier Market, the place to buy West Country groceries and local seafood. Shop for hip brands like Topshop or old favourites like Marks & Spencer in the new shopping centre at Drake Circus.

When the weather's good locals go walking or cycling in nearby Plymbridge Woods or in the forested landscape park of Saltram House. There's a riot of colour in the Garden House, a flowerstrewn eightacre walled garden near Yelverton in Dartmoor.

Drama fans head straight for the modern and innovative Theatre Royal and its sidekick the Drum – home to classic British theatre, challenging new work, dance festivals and musicals. It's at the cultural heart of the city. Catch up on the art scene and modern cinema at Plymouth Arts Centre. Renovated Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery showcases fine and decorative arts as well as local and natural history.

There's a world of international dining options at the Barbican with Mexican, Indian, Greek and Chinese all on the menu. Residents dress up and head for Sutton Harbour for fine dining with local touches, or dress down to enjoy fresh seafood and fish 'n' chips by the Waterfront.

Adrenaline junkies get the best view of Plymouth Sound and the Devon coastline as they swoop past on a ridged inflatable boat tour.