Drake Memorial Park

Sir Francis Drake's memorial sits on the Hoe in Plymouth, that sprawling green space where the man supposedly played bowls before battling the Spanish Armada. Whether that story's true or not, it's a brilliant spot to stand and actually look out over the water where it all happened. The monument itself is modest - you won't spend hours here - but the views across Plymouth Sound are genuinely worth the trip, especially on a clear day when you can pick out the breakwater stretching away to your left.

The park around it is proper pleasant for a wander. Locals use it constantly, which tells you something about how good it is for a quick leg-stretch, a picnic, or just sitting on a bench watching boats come and go. It's free, obviously, and you can spend as little as twenty minutes or linger for a couple of hours if you're the contemplative type. History buffs will appreciate standing where Drake actually stood - that connection to the Elizabethan era feels real when you're there.

If you're based at Dartmoor Domes or Hidden Hill Devon glamping, both just a few miles out, this makes an easy half-day trip into Plymouth proper. The Hoe itself is walkable from the city centre, so you could pair it with lunch somewhere nearby. Kids won't find it thrilling on its own, but it's a solid addition to a Plymouth visit rather than a reason to drive specially.