about Sutton Harbour
Discover Plymouth's historic waterfront
The historic heart of Plymouth
Sutton Harbour is the historic heart of Plymouth, with some of the oldest buildings in Britain’s Ocean City alongside exciting new developments created as part of harbour’s widespread regeneration.
Perfectly positioned between the bustling city centre and the sea, Sutton Harbour and the adjacent Barbican quarter form the historic centrepiece of the city and enjoy a strong heritage of maritime adventure.
Cobbled streets line the harbourside and are awash with maritime history and more than 200 listed buildings, from the Mayflower Steps at the entrance to Sutton Harbour from which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World in 1620 to the world-famous Plymouth Gin Distillery, housed in a former monastery dating back to the 15th century.
Plymouth’s food and drink haven
The harbour’s unparalleled historic landmarks are interspersed with some of the city’s most popular visitor attractions, including the National Marine Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the UK with more than 40 sharks, as well as a host of cosmopolitan independent shops, art galleries and antique stores.
Sutton Harbour is fast becoming Plymouth’s food and drink haven with many of the city’s best-loved bars, restaurants and cafes clustered around the waterfront, serving up a wide range of cuisines and catering for every palate, from light bites to fine dining.
Tuck into freshly caught fish landed just across the harbour at Plymouth Fisheries or enjoy a drink watching the sun set over Sutton Harbour Marina, with al fresco dining and waterside views on every corner.
Things To Do
It’s a short walk to the city centre with its major high street shopping offer at Drake Circus mall, and the newly opened Barcode venue with a multi-screen Cineworld cinema, adventure golf and major chain restaurants.
Plymouth Theatre Royal is minutes away as is Plymouth Pavilions, both regularly hosting national UK tours of leading productions, international concerts and sell-out shows.
Wander along the harbourside and visit Plymouth Hoe, the site of Drake’s famous game of bowls, won before he set sail to defeat the Spanish Armada, not to mention a spectacular site to soak up the views across Plymouth Sound.
Lots To Explore
A walk across the Sutton Harbour pedestrian footbridge leads to the Barbican Leisure Park with a Vue cinema complex, nightclub and a number of national restaurant chains.
Or take a trip further afield and visit some of Devon and Cornwall’s leading locations, from Mount Edgcumbe Country Park to the famous wilds of Dartmoor.
There’s plenty of parking in and near Sutton Harbour and lots of places to visit in and around this popular destination.
Find out more about events, what’s on and things to do via the website menu above.
Where To Stay
Whether you’re looking for an overnight stay, a long weekend break or a summer holiday, there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.
Plymouth offers excellent national attractions, famous historical landmarks and a bustling city centre, as well as a busy events calendar to enjoy, and is fast becoming one of the top travel destinations in the country.
Pay a visit to
Sutton Harbour
Nestled between Devon and Cornwall, between the moorlands and the channel, Plymouth has an unbeatable location right in the middle of some of the UK’s best scenery.
Gateways to Growth
Sutton Harbour Group has been working with Gateways2Growth, a news and current affairs-style programme for the British Port Association, which tells the story of Britain’s ports and how they are adapting for the challenges of tomorrow.
