Nightlife in Plymouth
Plymouth's evenings are spread across the harbour, the centre and a few stretches beyond. Here is how they differ, and how to plan the journey home before you set out.
Where people go out
The Barbican is where many people start, with pubs and restaurants around the harbour and an easy atmosphere early on. The city centre has the larger bars and clubs, while Union Street, running towards Stonehouse, has long been associated with late and lively nights. Each area has its own crowd, so it helps to know which one you are heading for.
The Barbican is where many people start, with pubs and restaurants around the harbour and an easy atmosphere early on.
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How late it runs
Closing times vary by venue and licence, and some places stop earlier on weeknights. If you have somewhere to be afterwards, check opening arrangements the same day rather than relying on what was true last month.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Plymouth itself.
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Getting home safely
Use licensed taxis only, and book your return as soon as you arrive, because ranks can run dry late on a busy night. Before getting in, compare the badge on show with the plate on the vehicle. Buses and trains thin out in the late evening, so look up the final departure for your route in advance.
Use licensed taxis only, and book your return as soon as you arrive, because ranks can run dry late on a busy night.
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Keeping the evening comfortable
Keep a charged phone, carry a small amount of cash for a taxi and stay on lit, busier routes between areas. The walk from the Barbican to the centre is manageable in daylight but feels longer at the end of the night. If your plans change, tell someone you trust where you have gone.
Keep a charged phone, carry a small amount of cash for a taxi and stay on lit, busier routes between areas.
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Choosing a calmer evening
Not every night out has to centre on bars. A drink beside the harbour early on, followed by an early finish, is a perfectly normal plan and leaves you in good shape for the journey home. People who prefer quiet often stay around the Barbican and the Hoe and leave the busier streets of the centre and Stonehouse to others. Decide in advance where the evening will end rather than leaving it to chance.
Not every night out has to centre on bars.
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Planning around a booking
If your evening is tied to a booking, build in extra minutes for transport and avoid starting a long night out beforehand. People under 18 have no place on this site.
If your evening is tied to a booking, build in extra minutes for transport and avoid starting a long night out beforehand.
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Plymouth areas worth knowing
- The BarbicanHarbour pubs and an early start
- City centreLarger bars and clubs
- Union StreetBusier and later
Frequently asked questions
It is a manageable distance, but the quieter stretches are better avoided late. A short licensed taxi ride is the simpler choice.
It is better known for late and lively nights, so those wanting something calmer usually choose the harbour or a quieter bar elsewhere.
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