While AirBnB has fast become the go-to option for travellers, and is a great option, Plymouth and the surrounding areas also have some fantastic hotels and accommodation to suit anyone and their families coming to visit for the Open Day experience.

Plymouth is home to a fair share of budget hotels, with a few Travelodges and Premier Inns scattered around the city centre and further afield. If you fancy something a bit more classy, nestled in the heart of the city centre and just a stone’s throw away from Plymouth Hoe, the Duke of Cornwall Hotel is a convenient and comfortable choice for your family when visiting the university.

If you don’t mind travelling a little further from outside the city centre, and want to treat yourself, Boringdon Hall is a great hotel to visit for a pamper during your stay. Also boasting the luxurious Gaia Spa, why not enjoy some self care during your trip to Plymouth with a massage, facial or mani/pedi?

Plymouth is a great destination for foodies, with a host of different cuisines to suit every budget around the city. From Michelin star restaurants to cheap and cheerful street food, we’ve included some of our favourites that you could check out during your visit.

Plymouth Market is home to a host of different eateries and cuisines. From authentic Thai food at A Taste of Thailand to traditional Turkish street food at Tantuni, the market has been a staple of Plymouth shopping since 1959, so why not continue the trend and support local independent businesses?

Literally a stone’s throw away from the main campus building, Prime Cafe offers the tastiest breakfasts and lunches all within Plymouth’s cultural quarter.

The best sourdough pizza this side of Italy! Neapolitan style. Seriously good pizza especially washed down with a craft ale from the pub. If you like pizza, you Knead to go here!

Based on North Hill, up the road from the Tavistock Place campus, Manuka Bar & Eatery offers a casual dining experience with classy cocktails and tasty, locally produced, seasonal cuisine with treats such as two for one cocktails and pizza and pint nights.

The historical Royal William Yard boasts a number of restaurants and eateries to suit any appetite. From well known restaurants such as Wildwood and Wagamama to restaurants to impress such as Bistrot Pierre and Le Vignoble, there really is so much to choose from at Royal William Yard.

Amazing coffee and delicious bagels with great vibes. Need we say more? Located just outside of Royal William Yard, Hutong Cafe is the perfect place for that little brunch date you’ve had planned.

Insanely good Middle Eastern inspired vegan food that is both delicious and nutritious. Licensed with indoor and outdoor seating, with DJs in the evening, Cosmic Kitchen has a great variety of food to choose from which will have you wanting to go back and try it all. But start with the vegan scotch egg for sure!

Zephyr Burgers has made a huge impact on the local foodie community with their tasty LA inspired burgers. Originally based in London and moving back home to Plymouth over the pandemic, Zephyr promises sustainable grass fed beef for the meat eaters and plant based patties for the veggies and vegans.

The Fig Tree @ 36 is one of Plymouth’s Michelin star restaurants, specialising in local cuisines, using regional produce and fish caught locally. Despite its star rating, The Fig Tree is really reasonably priced so definitely one to impress.

It wouldn’t be right not to mention Barbican Kitchen, made famous by celebrity chef brothers, Chris and James Tanner. With the restaurant hosted by the Plymouth Gin Distillery, why not book in for a tasting of the famous Plymouth Gin and get a tour of the distillery too?

There’s always something going on in Britain’s Ocean City, so while we know you’ll be busy at the Open Day, it’s worth noting some of the attractions and local entertainment available the same weekend as your visit.

MIRROR is a public gallery, events programme and online resource based out of and supported by Arts University Plymouth. MIRROR features a high-quality contemporary programme of exhibitions and events, and seeks to enrich teaching and learning at the university, while also welcoming a wider public audience to enjoy and debate contemporary arts. Check out MIRROR’s upcoming exhibitions page to see if there’s anything you’d like to check out during your visit.

Also situated on campus at Arts University Plymouth, Plymouth Arts Cinema is the city’s only independent cinema. The cinema is open to the public and the 118 seat auditorium boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and cinema screen to showcase a hand-picked selection of arthouse, foreign language and modern classic films. Check out the Plymouth Arts Cinema what's on page for more information on film screenings and show times.

The Box is Plymouth’s museum, art gallery and archive, located just a stone’s throw from AUP’s Tavistock Place campus. Come and see galleries and collections with thousands of natural history specimens, a full-size replica woolly mammoth, wonderful works of art, amazing archive film and photography as well as fascinating documents, maps and plans. The Box is completely free, and recently won the 2022 European Museum of the Year’s Special Commendation, so why not check out an award winning museum when you visit?

Located by the sea in the stunning Royal William Yard, just a short walk from the city centre, Ocean Studios is a creative space for artists, creatives and makers. The historic building offers creatives to co-work and book out meeting rooms and event spaces as well as hosting specialist facilities and also boasts a bright and beautiful café space. Check out Ocean Studios for workshops, makers markets and short courses.

The largest aquarium in the UK, the National Marine Aquarium will take you on a journey across the world’s oceans, from the shores of Plymouth Sound to the coral reefs of the tropics of Australia with over 4,000 animals to meet, including sharks, stingrays, octopuses, jellyfish and one very cheeky turtle.

Since its inception in 1758, Theatre Royal Plymouth has been home to musicals, opera, ballet, performance and dance in the city. Championing collaboration, creativity, diversity and quality, check out the extensive programme of shows on their website to see if you can catch one on your visit.

Established back in 1886 as ‘Argyle FC’, Plymouth Argyle FC is Plymouth’s professional football team, playing in League One. Playing out of Home Park stadium in Central Park, also known as the ‘Theatre of Greens’, you can find an average of 12,000 fans shouting for their team at any given home game. If you haven’t been to a football match before, this could be a great opportunity to see the beautiful game up close.

If rugby is more your thing, Plymouth is also home to National League 1 team Plymouth Albion RFC, based out of The Brickfields ground in Devonport. With an amazing atmosphere and a loyal fan base, why not check out Albion on your visit to Plymouth?