Report 1 - Some observations for Plymouth

Where to berth

• The most lively area of Plymouth is the Barbican waterfront, where you can choose from a large range of pubs and restaurants. It’s not far to walk from here to the town centre.
• Berthing in Plymouth is not cheap. You have a choice of MDL’s Queen Anne’s Battery or Sutton Marina
• Sutton Harbour 
  • is entered via a lock with pontoons, easy to navigate. Price per metre per night is a staggering £5. It was much less in 2021. However, you are in the heart of the Barbican.
• Queen Anne’s Battery is to the right just before Suttons lock. Call “QAB”
  • If you take electricity, you will save only £2/night vs. Suttons. It is about a 12-15 minute walk to the Barbican. There is a Force4 chandlery onsite. Staff are very friendly and obliging. Try to avoid a berth in the visitors area. This is just inside a wave screen which is not 100% effective and can lead to a modest swell. Other berths are not affected by swell. 
• Recommended places to visit in this area are 
  • Rockfish - a family restaurant serving fish as fresh as you can get. Pricing is mid-range but definitely not extortionate 
  • Plymouth Gin Distillery - offer a really interesting tour of the oldest operating gin distillery and opportunity for tasting. Highly recommended.
  • Barbican Botanicals - a house and garden serving a choice of 160+ gins. An excellent plan is to take their deal of four single shots of gin, together with mixers and fruits etc. It was about £24 and you are free to choose any gin or follow a recommendation. The price is the same no matter what gin you select. Expect service with a smile, helpful advice and tasteful surroundings. 
  • The national aquarium, sadly a bit pricey at £23, the same as four shots of gin. 
  • A nearby Wetherspoon, not pricey at all
  • A 3 mile cycle to the east, on backroads and riverside path, to National Trust Saltram House