Plymouth has a rich history and maritime heritage, reflected in many old cobbled streets to explore and visitor attractions including Blackfriars Gin Distillery (Plymouth Gin), National Marine Aquarium, Smeaton's Tower, Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery, Elizabethan House, The Merchant's House, Crownhill Fort, Saltram House, The Royal Citadel, and Plymouth Hoe.

The City is also home to a number of high profile events - including the British Fireworks Championships and World Championship Class 1 Powerboat Racing - as well as smaller, locally based events and festivals.

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with the Dartmoor National Park to the north, the natural harbour of Plymouth Sound to the south and the rivers Plym and Tamar on either side, Plymouth offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities to help people make the most of the city and its surroundings during their visit. Plymouth provides the perfect base whilst staying in the South West with easy access to the neighbouring counties of Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. From scuba diving in the Sound to taking a stroll through the woods there are sports and recreation opportunities for everyone.

Plymouth University accommodation

The University of Plymouth has recently benefitted from significant investment into its accommodation, much of which has now gained 3* VisitBritain accreditation. For example, Frances Drake Hall was only completed in 2008.

It should be understood that the university halls are designed primarily for students: not children or for adults expecting a high level of luxury. However, with this in mind, the halls do meet level of comfort that we expect most visitors to be happy with, and we will welcome any feedback where this is not the case.

Dates of academic vacations

Rooms are available during the summer vacations: late-June to early-September.

Getting to Plymouth

By road

London to Plymouth by road will take about 3.5 hours. The A38 links the motorway network from Exeter (M5) to Plymouth and the South West. There are good coach services from most major cities to Exeter and Plymouth. Parking is available near the University in a secure council owned car park. Permits can be purchased from reception on arrival.

By rail

Plymouth is on the national rail network and the journey time is between 3 - 3.5 hours from London Paddington. For more information, please see https://www.nationalrail.co.uk.

By air

Plymouth city airport is located approximately four miles outside the city centre: taxis from the airport cost approx £15.00. 

The coastal city of Plymouth is steeped in an intriguing wealth of history going back to the Bronze Age, when its first settlement grew at Mount Batten. This settlement continued to grow as a trading post for the Roman Empire, until the more prosperous village of Sutton, the current Plymouth, surpassed it.

From the Plymouth Hoe, on which as legend has it, Sir Francis Drake finished his game of bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada; to the Barbican’s Mayflowers Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers eventually departed bound for the United States. In 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers left Plymouth for the New World and established Plymouth Colony — the second English settlement in what is now the United States of America. During the English Civil War the town was held by the Parliamentarians and was besieged between 1642 and 1646.

Throughout the Industrial Revolution Plymouth grew as a major shipping port, handling imports and passengers from the Americas and the construction of ships for the Royal Navy. The county boroughs of Plymouth and Devonport, and the urban district of East Stonehouse were merged to form a single county borough of Plymouth collectively referred to as The Three Towns. The city's naval importance later led to its targeting and partial destruction during World War II, an act known as the Plymouth Blitz. After the war the city centre was completely rebuilt.

Today the city is home to over 250,000 people, making it the 15th most populous city in England.