Short answer: The Box is free — a mammoth, a 4D history film and proper exhibitions, and the best free indoor day out in Devon. The National Marine Aquarium ticket gives free re-entry for a year, so half a visit is fine.
The Box, Plymouth's museum and gallery, costs nothing. A mammoth, a 4D history film and well-judged exhibitions. It is the best free indoor day out in Devon and it is barely known outside the city — allow longer than you think.
The National Marine Aquarium on Sutton Harbour is the UK's largest, with deep-water tanks, glass tunnels, sharks and rays. The ticket gives free re-entry for a whole year, which makes it far better value than it first looks and means you need not do it all in one go.
Closed Wednesdays. No dogs.
A vast 1830s naval victualling yard converted into restaurants and bars. Thick granite walls, covered spaces and a ferry across to Cornwall — the most atmospheric place in the city to wait out a downpour.
Cobbled streets, galleries and independent shops, compact enough to move between doorways. The Mayflower Museum is on it with interactive bits for younger children.
Dartmoor Zoo stays open through the winter, and an annual pass costs about the same as a single visit. They will let you drive up the hill if walking is difficult.
Fig & Thyme Kitchen on the Barbican does the best brunch — arrive at opening. Pier One on the Hoe opens at seven with a log burner in the middle of the room.
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