There are lots of free things for everyone to enjoy in Plymouth. We’ve compiled a list of all the activities, events and things to do so you can have fun and make memories with your family without worrying about your budget.
Family activities
Family fun at The Box
The Box is free to visit with lots of amazing artwork and fascinating objects to explore, so there’s something for the whole family. It’s open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday and there’s no need to book.
Every Friday morning at 10.30am, The Box also runs free storytelling sessions for under 5s.
Plymouth Libraries
Libraries across Plymouth host regular activities for children, including Lego clubs, Rhymetime and storytelling sessions. Find out more about all the events and activities on offer.
Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre
This free attraction gives you the chance to learn all about the 2 iconic bridges that link Devon and Cornwall: the Tamar Bridge and Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s 19th century Royal Albert Bridge. There are interactive exhibits, spotters trails, and dressing up materials.
Playgrounds
There are over 125 play areas across Plymouth where children can have fun for free, with a range of play equipment on offer. Find your nearest playground.
Events
King Charles III England Coast Path celebration
Enjoy free activities across the waterfront on 29 and 30 September to celebrate the King Charles III England Coast Path. Sign up for a guided walk with National Marine Park rangers, listen to live music, get stuck into arts and crafts activities, try rock pooling and learn more about the ocean.
Find out more on the National Trails website.
Bonfire Night
The spectacular celebration is returning to Plymouth Hoe on Sunday 5 November this year as part of the Council’s commitment to helping families access fun for free during the Cost of Living crisis. Enjoy an amazing fireworks display and watch as the huge bonfire is lit.
Find out more on the Visit Plymouth website.
Outdoor activities
Parks
Plymouth is home to so many green spaces waiting to be explored, where you can enjoy spending time in nature for free. Many of them have been awarded Green Flag status which recognises that they are safe, secure, clean and well-maintained. Our parks map will help you find the nearest park to your home.
Woodland walks
There are 13 Local Nature Reserves in Plymouth which are free for everyone to visit, with a variety of woodland walks to follow. Enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature and see what kinds of wildlife you can spot.
Plymouth Hoe
With beautiful sea views and lots of space for children to play, Plymouth Hoe is a great and accessible place to visit on a sunny day.
Walking trails
Delve into the depths of Britain's Ocean City with the free Plymouth Trails App which allows you to learn and explore the streets of this historic city via themed trails. The trails stretch across the city and cover a wide range of interests as they guide you from place to place. At each stop, you can compare how Plymouth used to look with the 'Now and Then' feature. All trails come with an audio option so that you can enjoy the views whilst listening to the content.
Elizabethan Gardens
Step back into the 16th century at the Elizabethan Gardens hidden in the realms of the historic Barbican.
South West Coast Path
Plymouth’s waterfront is part of the South West Coast Path and you can follow the Waterfront Walkway which takes you from Stonehouse all the way to Jennycliff.
Wild swimming
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park offers lots of great swimming spots, with the most popular being East Tinside Beach just off Plymouth Hoe and Firestone Bay near the Royal William Yard. If you’d like to go for a dip this summer, make sure you follow important safety advice.
Ocean City Clean-ups
Help to protect the environment and join the Ocean Conservation Trust at one of their litter picking sessions this year. All equipment is provided and you’ll also have chance to speak to their marine biologists, learning all about ocean conservation and plastic pollution.
Saltram
Situated on the outskirts of Plymouth the free parklands of Saltram provide the perfect opportunity to get outdoors with the family this summer. Go for a walk, run or cycle to enjoy the range of different habitats, including farmland, saltmarshes and meadows.
Parkrun
Get fit with free-to-attend park run events hosted every Saturday in Central Park. Beginning at 9 am, participants are encouraged to take part for their own enjoyment and can complete the 5k distance at their own pace. New entrants are advised to register before they attend. There’s also a Junior Parkrun for 4 to 14 year olds, every Sunday at 9am in Devonport Park.
Woodland workshops
Enjoy creative, sustainable workshops every Friday afternoon from July to December, 1pm to 3pm in Tulgey Woods, Lower Compton. The sessions are run by Conscious Sisters CIC and Tulgey Woods CIC, please contact hello@theconscioussisters.com for more information.
Arts and Culture
The Box Plymouth
As well as its impressive permanent collection, The Box is home to some fascinating exhibitions this year:
- Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Sir Joshua Reynolds, who was born in Plymouth and went on to become one of the most influential painters of the 1700s.
- Rana Begum: Dappled Light is an exhibition exploring light, colour and form, with brightly coloured sculptures and an amazing large-scale ‘cloud burst’ installation.