Plymouth Train Station

Plymouth railway station has been serving the county of Devon since 1877, with a great range of routes running through every day.

At the time of its original opening, Plymouth North Road (as it was known then) served both Great Western Railway and the London and South Western Railway. There was some expansion in the early 20th century, but a major rebuilding operation spanned from 1938 to 1962 as the Second World War caused delays in the construction plans. By the time the renovated station was unveiled in 1962, the station had already come to be known simply as Plymouth train station. The new station came complete with a large office block, known as Intercity House. The office block was part of a larger city plan, as it would counterbalance the Civic Centre tower at the southern end of Armada Way.

With such a vivid history and playing such a key role in southwestern transportation for 150 years, it’s no surprise that Plymouth train station still stands strong today. Serving a variety of routes on CrossCountry Trains and Great Western Railway, popular routes include Aberdeen to Plymouth, Plymouth to Penzance, and Birmingham to Plymouth. Whether you’re travelling from the tip of Scotland, the landlocked midlands, or the local seaside, you can reach Plymouth with ease on CrossCountry trains.

Things to do in Plymouth

Plymouth is a city with a rich maritime heritage. If you’re particularly interested in the history of Plymouth, there are plenty of ways to indulge your fascination and learn something new on your visit. Boasting multiple maritime museums, including the DIVE Museum, the Mayflower Museum, the Plymouth Aquarium, and even the Mayflower Steps. Dive head-first into the history of the Pilgrims in 1620, Sir Francis Drake, and the maritime industry through time.

If you love to be by the sea but you’re less interested in maritime history, there’s plenty to explore in Plymouth for you too! The city is home to multiple harbours, bays, and marinas to enjoy. Have a walk around and enjoy the sea air, and when you’re ready for a rest, why not enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in a Plymouth café? Plymouth has countless fine-dining restaurants, cafes, chippies, bars, and pubs to choose from, so whatever it is you have a craving for, you’ll be in for a treat. Sample the best of Plymouth’s fresh seafood offerings and enjoy cocktails made with Plymouth’s famous gin.

With so much to explore, you might be tempted to make it an overnight stay. Plymouth has many hotels and B&Bs to choose from, ranging from budget friendly rooms to luxury seaside stays, with everything in between. Enjoy a classically British staycation in Plymouth.

For more ideas on how to spend your day in Plymouth, check out our suggestions.