The Waterfront Walk, Done Properly

4-5 km2-3 hours with stopsMostly flat

Plymouth's single greatest free experience is the waterfront itself. This is the route locals walk visitors along - west from the Barbican to Royal William Yard, sea on your left the whole way.

Stage 1: The Barbican & Mayflower Steps

Start at the Mayflower Steps. Loop the harbour past the fishing fleet, then follow the water south past the Marine Biological Association - the seafront path begins properly here.

Stage 2: Under the Citadel to the Hoe

The path curls beneath the Royal Citadel's vast 17th-century walls - look up. You'll emerge at the eastern end of the Hoe foreshore, where the swimming platforms and Tinside Lido appear below the promenade.

Stage 3: The Hoe Promenade

Climb to Smeaton's Tower for the classic panorama, then walk the full length of the promenade. Detour: the Beatles' balcony on the Colonnade, and the war memorials that give the Hoe its quiet weight.

Stage 4: Millbay & the Hidden Stretch

Past West Hoe park, the route threads around Millbay's regenerating docks - follow the waterfront signs. This is the stretch visitors miss, and it's where the Sound opens up widest.

Stage 5: Devil's Point

The reward: Devil's Point park, with the finest sea view in the city - straight down the Sound, Drake's Island in the middle distance, Cornwall across the water. The small beach here is a favourite local swim spot.

Stage 6: Royal William Yard

Through the gate in the wall (or round by road) into the Grade I listed naval yard - bakeries, galleries and waterside restaurants. You've earned lunch.

The Practical Bits

• Getting back: seasonal water taxi from the Yard to the Barbican (the scenic finish), or bus/taxi
• Step-free: the route is largely step-free using the road-level alternatives at the Citadel section
• Fuel stops: Barbican cafes at the start, Hoe kiosks midway, the Yard at the finish
• Best light: morning for the Barbican, golden hour at Devil's Point