Plymouth and the beauty of Devon and Cornwall

Those of us who live on the south west peninsula know all about lifestyle. For the counties of Devon and Cornwall offer unsurpassed beauty and unparalleled opportunity for enjoyment. From secluded sandy coves to wild and rugged moors, they offer more scope for sport and leisure than almost anywhere else in Britain.

Sandwiched between the two counties is Plymouth - a vibrant and cosmopolitan city graced with a setting amongst the finest in Europe. Its arts scene is lively; its entertainment eclectic; and its history is rich.

Whatever your preference - whether clubbing in the city; perusing museums and galleries; riding on the moors; exploring the internationally acclaimed Eden Project; or windsurfing from a spectacular coast - Devon and Cornwall will cater for your taste.

Plymouth

Plymouth is the city that shaped lives of Drake, Darwin, and many more who set sail from her harbour with a burning spirit of discovery. Today, her maritime heritage has blended with contemporary culture to create a city with a strong international tradition offering the best in entertainment, nightlife and shopping.

The city's modern pedestrianised centre - right next door to the campus - has all the usual high street shops as well as bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants. In contrast, the Barbican area is one of the oldest parts of Plymouth, where narrow Elizabethan streets house small quirky shops, art galleries, bars and the Gin Distillery, world famous for its unique gin since 1793. Opposite the Barbican stands one of the best and most modern scientific exhibitions in Europe - the National Marine Aquarium. The Aquarium provides a range of VIP Aquarium passes including a day's diving with sharks!

Plymouth has a rapidly developing music and comedy scene focused on the Plymouth Pavilions - a multi-million pound complex attracting many top productions and bands - and smaller venues hosting a wealth of up-and-coming local talent. Of the city's four theatres, the largest is the Theatre Royal, which attracts - and has produced - many West End successes. Cinema ranges from a 15-screen multiplex to an arts centre concentrating on less mainstream movies.

Further information about Plymouth can be obtained from the following useful websites:

• Plymouth City Council - Tourism and Visitors
• This is Plymouth - news site
• Plymouth City Council - eating out
• Plymouth Data - The encyclopaedia of Plymouth history
• Bedandbreakfasts.co.uk - places to stay near the university

The Tourist Information Office can be reached through the following number: +44 (0)1752 304849.

Exeter

With 2000 years of history and heritage, Exeter, one of England's finest cities, is full of character with a vibrant arts scene. The annual Exeter Festival embodies the city's passion for music, dance, comedy, drama and street theatre.

Students living in Exeter will especially enjoy the Spacex Contemporary Art Gallery which hosts regular exhibitions, projects and talks. The Phoenix is a popular venue for all kinds of entertainment, including comedy and music, alongside the Northcott and Barnfield Theatres hosting amateur and professional productions. There are also numerous cinemas including the Picture House, which is popular with students for its alternative films.

The city’s bars and clubs, along with the quayside’s distinctive pubs all add to the lively atmosphere.

Taunton and Truro

The Taunton and Truro sites are two of the four main teaching sites for the Faculty of Health and Social Work.

Come and see for yourself

We in the South West believe our region is unsurpassed. We understand exactly why so many of our graduates return to this area, and why it is repeatedly acclaimed as one of the best places to live in the British Isles. We invite you to enjoy our experience of a lifestyle; and to gain your experience of a lifetime.

Useful websites about the South West

Let our students show you around, describing their experiences in our
Student Life Video