Plymouth, Devon – the brand home of Princess Yachts and one of Princess Motor Yacht Sales’ many offices and facilities across Western Europe.
Britain’s Ocean City and the surrounding South Devon coastline offer some of the most exciting cruising waters in the UK. And recently, the Telegraph’s destination expert, Chris Moss, cited Plymouth as ‘one of the most underrated places on Earth’. Plymouth, brand home of Princess Yachts.
Plymouth is steeped in maritime history. From the Pilgrim Fathers setting sail for the “New World” in 1620 to the modern-day boat building of Princess Yachts, and recently appointed as Britain’s first National Marine Park, the city is the ideal base for cruising adventures. The seafront and ‘The Hoe’ featuring its iconic candy-striped
Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse (originally built at the Eddystone Rock) and the 1935 Art Deco Tinside Lido, is lined with bars and cafes to take in the awe-inspiring views across Plymouth Sound. The historic cobbled streets of the Barbican are well worth a stroll, taking in the Elizabethan House, numerous bars, restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and Plymouth Gin Distillery, then across Sutton Harbour lock to the National Marine Aquarium. For culture vultures, the Theatre Royal sets the stage for new West End shows and The Box is an award-winning art gallery, museum and archive. Explore the cruising spotlight Plymouth.
For ‘off-grid’ serenity, the southwest is outstanding. The stretch of coastline to Salcombe and Dartmouth is particularly renowned for its epic landscapes and deep-cut estuaries. And in south Cornwall, the coastline to Falmouth, with Looe and Fowey enroute, gives you access to some gorgeous little fishing towns.
Richard Cark, Aftersales Business Development Manager at Princess Motor Yacht Sales in Plymouth, said, “Anchoring up at Blackpool Sands in the sought-after South Hams in the height of the summer is better than anything the Med has to offer. Family-friendly beach festival ‘Tunes on the Sands’ offers a weekend of live bands and DJs with a relaxed vibe in July. Every cove, every estuary is different. From Plymouth, you can cruise to Hope Cove, Salcombe and Dartmouth to the east in Devon and Cawsand Bay, Fowey, Falmouth and the Helford River to the west in Cornwall. The scenery is unbelievable, there’s wildlife everywhere you look and the seafood is as good as you will find. We also have some fabulous events close to home including the Dartmouth Regatta, the Salcombe Regatta, Plymouth Seafood & Harbour Festival, the Falmouth Regatta and the Torbay Air Show.’
Image courtesy of Tunes on the Sands
Best anchorage:
The River Yealm is a beautiful estuary for a quiet anchorage. Cellar Bay is near the mouth of the river, and further up you can moor up at one of the public pontoons or pick up a mooring buoy. The scenery is stunning. Its tranquillity lends itself to a spot of paddle boarding or kayaking to explore the river. Or you can take the tender up to one of the great pubs such as the Ship Inn – a lovely gastro pub with superb outdoor seating with a Caribbean inspired summer house or you can stay cosy indoors next to the fire. Across Noss creek is the Swan Inn and across Newton Creek is the Dolphin – and you can use the causeways at low tide to stroll between them. There’s also a fabulous circular 90-minute cliff top walk called ‘The Warren’, if you feel like stretching your legs. It takes in spectacular views across the English Channel and along the rugged Devon coastline and then leads down through the woods beside the river, finishing at the Ship Inn – perfect for a well-deserved lunch.
Best overnight stop:
Salcombe in the summer is absolutely buzzing. This popular nautical town is the jewel in the South Hams, attracting a discerning crowd. It’s set on the beautiful Kingsbridge Estuary – a boating mecca for dinghy sailing, yachts, motor boats, paddle boards and kayaks. The picturesque river is flanked with many small golden sandy coves, with lush rolling hills in the background. Salcombe town itself offers a wide selection of boutique shops, deli’s, pubs and restaurants, and you can even join a masterclass at the Salcombe Gin Distillery. Take the little foot ferry across to East Portlemouth to walk the South West Coast Path to Gara Rock or take the cute bunting-adorned ferry to South Sands to visit the fabulous South Sands Hotel and Harbour Beach Club Hotel for lunch or dinner right on the beach. Indulge in the spa or walk up to the National Trust’s tropical Overbeck’s garden – real proof of Salcombe’s mild and sunny micro-climate.
‘Princess Yachts have been crafted in Plymouth since 1965.’
For further information about Princess’ office and marina facility, cruising spotlight Plymouth, visit: www.princess.co.uk/location/plymouth-sales/
