Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Merchant's House
MUSEUM Arguably the most complete Tudor building in
Plymouth, Merchant's House now contains a museum of local history. Its higgledy-
piggledy collection includes an old ducking stool (devices that were used to punish
women for crimes and minor infractions by strapping them to a chair and plunging
them into a river). There's also a replica Victorian schoolroom.
33 St. Andrew's St.
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01752/304774.
Admission £2 adults, £1 children 5-16, £4.80 families. Apr-Oct
Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Closed Nov-Mar. Any city center bus.
Plymouth Gin Distillery
DISTILLERY One of Plymouth's oldest-surviving
buildings, this is where the Pilgrims spent their last night before sailing for the New
World. Plymouth Gin has been produced here for 200 years on a historic site that
dates back to a Dominican monastery built in 1425. Public guided tours (including a
tasting) are offered, and a Plymouth Gin Shop is on the premises.
Black Friars Distillery, 60 Southside St.
&
01752/665292.
www.plymouthgin.com. Admission £6
adults, children free (with adult only). Daily 10:30am-4:30pm, Sun 11:30am-3:30pm. Bus: 54.
Smeaton's Tower
OBSERVATION POINT Built in 1759, this strikingly pictur-
esque, candy-striped lighthouse was moved to its current location atop Plymouth Hoe
in the late 1800s, when it was found to be in danger of collapsing the cliff on which
it once stood. Today it's no longer in use, but has been fully restored to its original
condition. At a little over 21m (70 ft.) tall, the views of Plymouth and the English
Channel from the top are spectacular.
The Hoe.
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01752/603300.
Admission £2 adults, £1 children 5-16, £4.80 families. Apr-Oct Tues-Sat
10am-5pm. Closed Nov-Mar. Any city center bus.
Where to Eat
Tanners Restaurant
INTERNATIONAL This restaurant has a very good
reputation among local diners. It's certainly one of the most handsome places to
eat around here; the converted 15th-century house has mullioned windows,
exposed stone, antique tapestries, and even an illuminated water well. Locally
caught seafood is a specialty, although meat lovers are equally well catered for.
Typical dishes include filet of John Dory with crab butter sauce, and roast duck
breast with squash and balsamic figs. For dessert you may find vanilla crème
brûlée or a traditional carrot cake with cinnamon ice cream. The £20 set menu
(available Tues-Thurs) is excellent value.
Prysten House, Finewell St.
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01752/252001.
www.tannersrestaurant.com. Reservations required.
Fixed-price 3-course dinner (Tues-Thurs) £20; main courses £14-£28. AE, DC, MC, V. Tues-Fri noon-
2:30pm; Sat noon-2pm; Tues-Sat 7-9:30pm.
Tudor Rose Tea Rooms
BRITISH This ultra-traditional restaurant in an old
Tudor pub dates from 1640—when, according to a sign on the wall, “New Street was
new.” The menu is neither innovative nor particularly varied, but it's good, no-nonsense
fare. Lunch dishes include fish and chips, steak and kidney pudding, and sausage and
mash; or you could just come for a traditional afternoon tea, complete with dainty
sandwiches and cakes. Best of all, prices are very reasonable.
36 New St.
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01752/255502.
www.tudorrosetearoom.co.uk. Sandwiches and light lunches £3.50-£5;
lunch main courses £4-£11; afternoon tea £5-£7. MC, V. Daily 10am-5pm (often later in summer).
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