The Mayflower Steps
Is a twentieth century commemorative feature built close to the site where the pilgrim fathers left aboard the repaired mayflower, before crossing the atlantic ocean to live in north america. today boat trips leave from there for tours of plymouth sound, although the original site is believed to be where the admiral mcbride public house now stands. although the mayflower steps still are where tourists stand and look
Plymouth Gin Distillery
(http://plymouthgin.com) on the barbican. the distillery is open every day, the distillery is thought to be the last place where the pilgrim fathers stayed before leaving for america. it is known for having good displays - it can be enjoyed by people who don't drink alcohol; you of course get to taste the gin produced there too. surprisingly popular with families.
Plymouth Pavilions
Known simply as the pavilions this earmarked to be demolished entertainment centre hosts big bands time to time, ten pin bowling, laser games, ice skating and the pavillions funpool containing flume rides, jacuzzi, wave machine and even an indoor beach. the centre is to the west of the city centre on union street.
Plym valley cycle path
Accessible from the north east of the city this path follows the plym valley firstly alongside an old railway line and then on it through beautiful countryside all the way to tavistock; there is little infastructure along the path, so any food or drink should be picked up before leaving plymouth there is a large supermarket nearby. (http://www2.plymouth.ac.u...) on the first large viaduct out of plymouth peregrine falcons can often be seen in summer in the nearby quarry, this makes the path popular with bird watchers.
Take a boat tour
Plymouth boasts one of the best natural harbours in europe and maybe even the world, taking to the water can give you a new view on the city. most boats leave from the barbican, often on the 'mayflower steps' a variety of boat trips are available, lasting between 1-3 hours, taking in the navy dockyard, brunel's bridge and the hoe foreshore but various different destinations are available. sound cruising (http://www.soundcruising....) run most trips
Sport
Plymouth has two professional sports teams - plymouth argyle football club and plymouth albion rugby union club, both of which play in their respective sports' second tier. both are relatively speaking cheap to get into and are good family days out, although you may wish to exercise caution if argyle's local rivals exeter, bristol city or cardiff are in town. trouble is unlikely due to a high police prescence and if you use your common sense you are likely to be safe. be sure to check the fixture lists before setting out.
Plymouth is home to nearly a third of all state schools in Devon, some of which are counted among the best in the country - for example, Hele's School (http://www.heles.plymouth...), which may also be the source of your visit due to the remarkable amount of foreigners this secondary school receives. Plymouth still has three selective grammar schools and a small independent school. For those of university age, Plymouth University is well known for its marine biology, computer science and surfing courses, and is consistently ranked as one of the top 3 amongst the ex-polytechnics.