Plymouth’s ‘Park in the Sea’ and why you have to visit!

Awarded £9.5million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund back in 2019 to develop Plymouth’s vision of a ‘Park in the Sea’. 

As an island surrounded by the sea, and with 90% of people stating that National Parks are important, it seems crazy that we haven’t turned to the ocean before – as a community – as a place to enjoy, protect and be championed in this way.  

Plymouth Sound is unique among the UK’s coastal waters for the variety of marine wildlife, its multiplicity of use and the concentration of marine engineering, science and research expertise. It is one of the world’s largest natural harbours, behind San Francisco and Sydney, and is home not only to rare marine mammals but also to marine wildlife found nowhere else. 

The National Marine Park works across the city – and further afield -  to bring together everyone, whether that’s businesses, the community, education or land owners to make Plymouth Sound a leader in marine conservation, growth and technology and, a great place to visit, live and work.  

A city with its eyes firmly on the rich value of the waterfront and sea.

Plymouth is celebrating its natural wealth and maritime history, working with businesses to make its economy thrive and develop, which means a whole lot of things to see and do. 

On the waterfront you’ll find floating pontoons (in season) for wild swimming, paddle-boarding, sailing, kayaking, diving, bird watching walks, fishing, rock pooling and more beside the water. Take in the stunning views, the world of boats and yachts in the marina, eat and drink in waterfront eateries and bars, take a dip in the lido or just walk the coastal path. History is visible around every corner and stories are told in the city’s museums, attractions and monuments, just take a walking tour to delve in further.  

Top places to visit: 

• National Marine Aquarium 
• Tinside & The Lido
• Mount Batten
• Mount Edgcumbe
• The Box
• Mayflower Museum & Tourist Information Centre
• Harbour and Barbican
• Royal William Yard.  

Come and experience it for yourself!

Facts and figures about Plymouth Sound.

• It’s home to over 1,000 different species of marine life 
• Over 6,400 hectares is designated a Special Area of Conservation, it also has a Special Protection Area, a Marine Conservation Zones plus numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 
• It’s home to HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe 
• Brittany Ferries operate out of Millbay Port and across the Sound at Cattedown there are commercial wharves as well as an international fish market. 
• Plymouth is home to an internationally important marine research cluster – including Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the Marine Biological Association and the University of Plymouth