Heritage

History on your doorstep

In the heart of the city explore the historic delights of the Elizabethan House, which is laid out like an Elizabethan sea captain's residence and the Merchant’s House - full of curiosities and information about Plymouth in the Victorian era and the Blitz. See the beautiful John Piper stained glass windows of St Andrews Church - the mother church of Plymouth or learn about the colourful history of Plymouth Gin. Experience the tranquillity of the Barbican’s Elizabethan Garden or discover more about the history of the city and how objects from all over the world have ended up here at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, which will celebrate its centenary in 2010.

Visit our Museums pages for more information.

In the footsteps of heroes

On Plymouth Hoe, stand where Sir Francis Drake played bowls as the Spanish Armada approached and climb the 93 steps of Smeaton’s Tower, the old Eddystone lighthouse. Follow the voyage of the Pilgrim Fathers and learn about life around Sutton Harbour at the Plymouth Mayflower exhibition.

Beautiful houses and gardens

For a more gentle trip into the past, why not take the Cremyll foot ferry to the formal gardens and parkland of Mount Edgcumbe, or enjoy the stately homes and fabulous gardens of the National Trust’s Saltram House, Buckland Abbey or Cotehele. Step back in time at Morwellham Quay and experience life in a Victorian Village and take the tram to the underground mine.

Visit our heritage and history pages for more information.