Buckland Tout Saints Hotel

Exeter, right, we're talking...

by Miffy

Exeter, right, we're talking about Exeter.
Many tourists don't know that in hidden places around Exeter there are some fantastic community mosaics, mostly made or devised by mosaics expert Elaine Goodwin. My mum wrote a book about them! This isn't a commercial but you can see it on Amazon at http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0950587389/qid=1015956189/sr=1-4/ref=sr 1_0_4/026-3129144-4998842 (v cheap!).
We had a lovely half day last time I was down, walking round and having a look. They are unusual in that they often include non-tile objects like badges, scrabble tiles, etc - I'm going to add some photos v soon. There are quite a lot in St Thomas (the area over the river) but you might need a local to point them out to you. My teenage years were spent sitting on the Cathedral Green or in Hoopern Fields with big gangs of friends. In the summer there are often guitarists on the Green.

St. Michaels Mount just a...

by Linky_Pinky

St. Michaels Mount just a short boat trip out to the island from Marzion, or walk across the causeway when the tide is out.
Fantastic place
Boat trip £1 each way
Entrance to the Castel/Abbey £4.60 Well worth it!

An Historical Mining Village

by Maeniel

This place is best thought of as an outdoor museum. The entire copper mining village has been kept as close as possible to the way it would have looked at the time.

You are given the free reign to walk around the buildings and places of the village, such as the quay where the goods would have been transported down-river via barge or the Assayers office where he would have tested the minerals. You can also visit the kilns and waterwheels, some of which still work today.

Activities that they put on for visitors include a trip down the mine shaft in a train (it gets cold down there so wrap up), A trip by horse drawn carriage along the road that would have been a major throughfare of its time and on some days there are chances to dress-up in the costumes of the ages.

If nothing else, it is a very scenic area of Dartmoor and makes for a great day out. Make sure the weather is good though, as a lot of it is outdoors.

The Barbican

by freya_heaven

The oldest remaining area of Plymouth is the Barbican on the harbour side. Today is home to bars, galleries, antique shops and the like. Wandering along some of the old narrow cobbled streets gives you a good impression of times gone by. The Barbican is ideally located between the city centre itself and the Hoe waterfront area. It is still a working harbour with fishing boats and glass works also plenty of attractions to keep a visitor busy, most of which are listed on this page. I have been lead to believe this area takes on a more sinister feeling at night time with the bars and nightclubs in the area, but I have not experienced this myself. During the day it is perfectly safe & pleasant.

Plymouth

by Maeniel

"Home Sweet Home."

Old Plymouth, Olde Englande.
Can tell you a lot about this place. Spent my entire 'whelping-time' here. This is my nearest home city
Can tell you the best things to do in one day, one week or an entire month, if you so find yourself trapped. At first glimpse, you would think nothing of this city, but be prepared to get away from the city centre to appreciate this place. Do not come down here and expect any fabulous towers, just a lot of history and the great culture. Want more info, I can definitely give it to you. Send me a message. I'll help with any itineries, questions or problems.

"Naval History At Its Finest"

A Major Port, this city has a proud and extensive naval history. Everywhere you go, you will find it. As it happens, you cannot miss it. Most, if not all, of the publics houses around here have a nautical theme in some way, as do a great deal of local traditions and customs. Do not come here and not visit the sea-front sections of the city. Just head down to the Barbican and Hoe areas, overlooking the sea and just walk around, get lost, and see some great sights!

For a guided tour of the Barbican & Hoe areas, check out the travelogue.

"Get Away From The City Centre"

Upon first arrival, Plymouth will strike you as a commercial city, after all, the entire city centre is pedestrianised. However, with the exception of Truro, this is the most South West of all of Englands cities and is nestled right in the middle of every environment you could possibly want. Use Plymouth as a base from which to launch excursions to the nearby coutryside. It has everything for everybody - Beaches, Historical Houses, Woodlands, Moorlands, Tors, Rivers and Rural Villages!