Best of British

Swap Nice for Plymouth If you can't face resurrecting your rusty foreign lingo on the French Riviera then stick to the English Riviera instead. With sparkling seas, a bustling marine scene and the ubiquitous palm trees, let Plymouth bring a little touch of the Med to your short break, without the hassle of the Eurotunnel or airport delays.

Stay at the Plymouth Travelodge
Location: Derry's Cross, Plymouth, PL1 2SW

Stay at the Saltash Travelodge
Location: Callington Road, Carkeel, Saltash, PL12 6LF

Climb a Lighthouse
Take a trip to Smeaton's Tower, one of the South West's best known landmarks. The lighthouse was originally built on the Eddystone reef in 1759 but was taken down in the early 1880s when it was discovered that the sea was undermining the rock it was standing on.

Moved stone by stone to its current resting place on the Hoe, it now offers fantastic views of Plymouth Sound and the city from its lantern room which, along with the rest of the building, has been painstakingly restored to its original glory.
Location: The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2NZ
More information: www.plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304774

Sample 'Les Fruits de Mer'
This buzzing and exceptional seafood restaurant has been described as 'the best seafood and pasta bar in Plymouth by far' and certainly dining here is akin to holidaying in the Mediterranean, with wonderful views overlooking the marina.

The covered area on the centuries-old cobbled quayside is able to seat up to 100 people and is busy both day and night. The menu combines only the freshest ingredients and exotic flavours that will impress the palates of even the most particular of seafood devotees.
Location: 10 Quay Road, Barbican, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2 JL
More information: www.barbicanleisurebars.com or call 01752 260717

The South West Coast Path - Plymouth Waterfront
The South West Coast Path National Trail provides 630 miles of superb coastal walking. From Minehead on the edge of the Exmoor National Park in Devon to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset, it is the best way to enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery, wildlife and heritage. For a day's ramble take the recommended Plymouth Waterfront Walkway, an easy walk of 10 miles (16km).

It is an entertaining and enlightening walk where art is used to highlight the city's history and heritage. Please note the Mountbatten Ferry is not able to accommodate wheelchairs and the section between Laira Bridge and Mount Batten has steps and is quite steep in places.
Location: Start at Admirals Hard ferryslip, Stonehouse and finish at Jennycliff
More information: www.southwestcoastpath.com or call Tourist Information on 01752 304849.

National Marine Aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium is a charity dedicated to raising awareness of the oceans, the challenges they face and the ways in which we can all help ensure they have a sustainable future.

Located in Plymouth, it is the result of many years of hard work and fund-raising to establish a leading aquarium in the UK and is now firmly established as a source of reliable and accurate information, regularly advising newspaper, magazine, radio and television projects including the BBC's 'Blue Planet' series.
Location: Rope Walk,
Coxside,
Plymouth,
PL4 0LF
More information: www.national-aquarium.co.uk or call 1752 220084 for opening times

Take a mini cruise
For a leisurely day out, enjoy the four-hour Plymouth/Calstock cruise. The boat meanders through the beautiful, tranquil waterways of the Tamar Valley where you can see the famous Plymouth Naval Dockyards and pass under Brunel's rail bridge and the Tamar Bridge.

The cruise stops long enough at Calstock to enjoy a quick drink and bag of fish and chips before the return journey to Plymouth. It also calls at Saltash on the outward and return journeys on request. A full on-board commentary highlights places of interest.
Location: Cruise departs from Phoenix Wharf, Plymouth
More information: www.westcountrylinks.co.uk or call 01752 408590 (office) / 07813980 833

Essential information

Please check all visitor details and confirm availability prior to travel.

• Prices are per room, not per person. Family room caters for up to two adults and two children
• Travelodge £29 Saver rooms can be booked at www.travelodge.co.uk. They must be booked seven days in advance of stay
• Travelodge hotels that have a Bar Cafe offer an 'All you can eat breakfast buffet' at £7.50 per adult and children under the age of 16 eat for free. (A 10 per cent discount on breakfast is available if you book online).