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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Birling Gap, East Sussex

Birling Gap

in the county of East Sussex

Stain Glass Window.

Barrow in Furness

in the county of Cumbria

St Marys Church, Baldock, Hertfordshire

Baldock

in the county of Hertfordshire

Pictures of Plymouth

in the county of Devon

About Plymouth

This is a city that evokes stirring memories of England's great maritime past. Think of Plymouth and immediately great seafaring figures from the past spring to mind; in the 17th-century the Pilgrim Fathers stopped here en-route for the New World in the Mayflower, Captain James Cook and Charles Darwin sailed from here and standing on the Hoe is a prominent statue of Sir Francis Drake which commemorates his connections with the town.

Plymouth is built between the esturies of the River Tamar and the River Plym and spanning the Tamar to the north of the city are two bridges. The Royal Albert is a railway bridge, completed in 1859 to a design by Brunel and the other is a single span suspension road bridge built to a graceful, modern design very much in keeping with the new city that was rebuilt after the devastations of the second world war when Plymouth suffered appalling bomb damage.

The great naval dockyard at Devonport on the western side of the city was established in 1691 and remains the largest of it's kind in England today. Further round the coast is Sutton Harbour, named after the fishing village that became Plymouth in the year 1231. The voyage of the Pilgrim Fathers' is commemored by the steps in the harbour which carry their ship's name. King Charles II ordered the building of a Citadel which was completed in the 1670's It stands, as if to guard the harbour, on the eastern edge of the Hoe and from it's ramparts are fine views across the sound.

Some beautiful Tudor houses are to be found in the Barbican area, many of which were built by wealthy merchants who made vast fortunes from the sea. The fine Elizabethan House in New Street was once a merchant's home. Also, in New Street, is the Mayflower Stone.

All around Plymouth is the flavour of the sea and the great events connected with it and perhaps the most vivid of these memories is the picture of Sir Francis Drake who is famously reputed to have completed a game of Bowls before joining his ship to engage the fleet of the Spanish Armada.in 1588.

These day's Plymouth is often used as a stopping off point for tourists travelling to Europe, it is though a lovely resort in it's own right. There are many wonderful old buildings to be seen, much to do and to explore. Navy days' are held at the end of August when the town is bright with the sight of young men and women in their immaculate naval attire. There are theatres, museums, art galleries and excellent up to the minute shopping facilities with all major high street stores being represented. There is an aquarium and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. There are sailing schools and sailing clubs. You should not leave without taking in a fishing trip or a trip along the river for this beautiful city and the famous coastal spots that surround it are best enjoyed off shore.

Recommended towns & villages near Plymouth

Newton Ferrers, Devon

Newton Ferrers (13 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon

(5.8 miles, 9.4 km, direction SE of Plymouth)

A place of sheer enchantment with narrow streets crammed with characterful properties, leading down to the estuary where many small boats are beached and moored...

How much narrower can they get?

Looe (221 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall

(14.0 miles, 22.6 km, direction W of Plymouth)

In far off medieval times both East and West Looe were granted a charter and each retained its own identity for several centuries...

Dartmeet, on Dartmoor

Dartmeet (14 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon

(16.4 miles, 26.5 km, direction NE of Plymouth)

A popular tourist and beauty spot on Dartmoor. It is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East Dart and West Dart...

The harbour from the sea wall.

Polperro (213 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall

(17.4 miles, 28.1 km, direction W of Plymouth)

Jagged rocks rise as if to guard the entrance to the picturesque harbour of this enchanting fishing village which has for decades been a magnet for tourists and a mecca for artists from all over England...

Clapper Bridge at Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon

Postbridge (19 Pictures) in the county of Devon

(18.5 miles, 29.8 km, direction NE of Plymouth)

Postbridge is a tiny hamlet, yet this richly wooded area, at the heart of the moor has become a natural starting point for the thousands of visitors who annually come to explore the splendour and wonders of the moor...

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Nearby attractions..

A picture of The Merchantant's House

The Merchantant's House (1 Pictures)

(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)

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Old Mother Hubbard's Cottage in Yealmpton, Devon

Old Mother Hubbard's Cottage (1 Pictures)

(6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction E)

Many myths surround the legend of Old Mother Hubbard, did she exist or didn't she? but the cottage she is supposed to have.....

The Tower, Buckland Abbey, Devon

Buckland Abbey (4 Pictures)

(7.7 miles, 12.3 km, direction N)

Buckland Abbey is situated near Yelverton at the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. It was built as a 13th century Cistercian.....

Burgh Island

Burgh Island (23 Pictures)

(12.1 miles, 19.5 km, direction SE)

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Looe Monkey Sanctuary, Cornwall. April 2005

The Monkey Sanctuary (23 Pictures)

(12.4 miles, 20.0 km, direction W)

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Merrivale rows also know has the Plague Market, - On Dartmoor

Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement (3 Pictures)

(13.3 miles, 21.4 km, direction N)

Set in a dark, brooding corner of Dartmoor, the Merrivale Rows show a vast variety of shape and formation. The site is also.....

No picture available

The Old Guildhall and Gaol

(14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction W)

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