iKnow Devon
Plymouth Airport Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, Near Plymouth Devon UK
The area around Plymouth, including Plympton which actually used to be bigger than Plymouth at one time, shouldn't be overlooked on the tourist trail as there's an array of historic Devon houses to visit, plus some beautiful gardens. There's the obvious and well used Plymouth City Airport as well, which is only 4 miles north, just 20 minutes from Plymouth City Centre.
Take time walking fans to explore the glorious Tamar Valley Discovery Trail too, which links the edge of Plymouth with Launceston and Cornwall, and takes in both the River Tavy and Tamar, plus numerous places of interest around Plymouth such as Cotehele Estate and the Danescombe Valley and Kit Hill Country Park.
Plymouth City Airport
Plymouth City Airport is your ticket to easy access into both Devon and Cornwall, situated as it is on the edge of both counties. Schedules flights service is superb here, and a range of flights to other UK destinations is offered, plus regular flights to the Channel Islands. Used Plymouth City Airport then as a great fast route from other UK airports like Gatwick and Manchester Airport into Devon and Cornwall, (saves on the driving and airfares are extremely cheap these days!), or use Plymouth City Airport to connect up with other major UK airports to continue on to international destinations.
Flights to Jersey run about six times every week, to Dublin about five times a week, to Manchester usually two times every day and to London Gatwick four times every day. Other scheduled flight destinations from Plymouth include Leeds Bradford Airport, Cardiff Airport, Bristol Airport, Cork, Dublin, Newcastle, Aberdeen and Liverpool. The two main airlines servicing flights from Plymouth City Airport are Air Southwest and Air Wales. Both these airlines offer an on-board taxi booking service for Plymouth which comes in very handy!
Facilities at the modern Plymouth City Airport Terminal are excellent, with big name Avis offering car hire services (check Plymouth Airports website right for details), plus there is a good café on-site offering a selection of snacks, hot drinks and there is a licensed bar. Parking at Plymouth City Airport costs £5 per day, which is very reasonable. Check in times are usually 30 minutes before each flight is due to depart from Plymouth City Airport.
Plymouth City Airport, Crownhill, Plymouth, PL6 8BW. General enquiries: 01752 204090. To check whether your flight is running on time from Plymouth City Airport, telephone the Customer Services desk at Plymouth City Airport on 01752 242620.
The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail
The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail is a long distance route of approximately 30 miles (48 km) and winds it's route up the Tamar valley from Plymouth to Launceston. This marked way is actually a historic boarder, once the mark between Saxon Devon and Celtic Cornwall. Lauceston, where the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail terminates, was the ancient capital of Cornwall. It's one of Devon's great Trails, with real variety. It crosses both the River Tavy and River Tamar and if you like you can throw in a ride on the scenic Tamar Valley Line or take a ferry crossing.
As well as the main Tamar Valley Discovery Trail there are many little village circuits, pertaining to various themes such as houses and gardens, industry, wildlife or the railways, which meander off the main trail. Find details of a selection of these on the Tamar Valley trail website to the right.
Gardens, Historic Houses and Attractions around Plymouth
Saltram House near Plympton was actually used as the site for the recent film, of the Jane Austen novel, 'Sense and Sensibility' with our Gwenyth! It's a superb large Georgian Mansion, now open to the public with an arts and crafts gallery, very events throughout the year, and beautiful gardens, a riverside and woodland walks. A great family day out. Saltram House, off A38, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1UH. Tel: 01752 333500.
Crownhill Fort is a rather elaborate 19th century fortress built as part of Plymouth's North Eastern defences to defend the Royal Dockyard at Devonport from an attack by the French from the north of the city. The only action it saw though was a quick burst in the Second World War. Well worth a look, and now fully restored. They have artillery days here, check their website for details. There's lots going on for kids here at Crownhill Fort, including a selection of Victorian games, various fun trails, a kids agility challenge and costumed staff can usually be seen about. Crownhill Fort, Crownhill Fort Road, Plymouth, PL6 5BX. Tel: 01752 793754.
Dartmoor Wildlife Park in Sparkwell near Plymouth is another great family day out. It's all here - big cats, a falconry centre, a South American animals section, and many different types of deer. There's an education centre also on-site, as well as a good family restaurant - The Jaguar Restaurant, and all amenities on-site including toilets and parking.
Dartmoor Wildlife Park, Sparkwell Nr Plymouth Devon PL7 5DG. tel: 01752 837645. Open from 10.00am to 6.00pm daily.
Click Search
