THE BARBICAN AND SUTTON MARINA

Southside Street is the main thoroughfare of the old Barbican area that fringes on Sutton Harbour. The name Barbican means an outer fortification, but today the name refers to the whole of this waterside area. Among the narrow cobbled alleyways and stepped lanes steeped in history and character, there is much to attract visitors. Eating houses, pubs, little shops tucked away inside old warehouses, antique shops, art galleries, a theatre which was built in 1883 and the oldest working bakery in the country. Also of course are the fabled Mayflower Steps, where the pilgrims set sail to America.

Not a lot of people know this (unless you read it earlier!) - but the *ACTUAL* Mayflower Steps lead down into the ladies' toilets in the Admiral McBride Pub!

Although some of the old names have disappeared there are still treasures of buildings from the past to catch the eye, such as the delightful 17th Century house in Southside Street, made of timber frame with overhand and its moulded door frame providing passage to a rear courtyard.

THE ELIZABETHAN HOUSE

The Elizabethan House in New Street is a beautiful 19th Century building, situated in one of the oldest streets in the city.The house was condemned and boarded-up as a slum in 1929, but it was rescued from demolition and opened up to the public as a museum the following year. Although there are other properties which have survived from this era, the House is rare in that it has survived almost complete since its construction in 1584. The front is of oak timber frame construction and it contains some lovely pieces of furniture, mainly 17th Century in origin. Among the furniture are some carved oak chests, a canopied 16th Century four-poster bed and a box-bed, made in Brittany in 1649, which has adjustable rope supports (hence the expression "sleep tight").There is also a cradle that rocks quite violently with no apparent human assistance...but that's another story.

SUTTON MARINA

Sutton Harbour lies behind Southside Street in the Barbican.At one time this was just a ragged line of warehouses, but the construction of Vauxhall Quay in 1602 transformed the area. It was once a busy thriving harbour in medieval times, but by the mid 20th Century it had fallen into disuse. Today many of the old warehouses are now shops, pubs and restaurants and are now a vital part of Barbican life. Until the 13th century this inlet reached right up to the buildings but was filled in by 1520. After 1775 this in-fill was used as a parade ground by the Royal Marines who used to billet in houses around the Barbican area before the Stonehouse barracks were built. This accounts for its name "The Parade". By the mid 19th Century, congestion caused by the emigration ships and the booming fishing industry made it necessary to widen the quay near the Mayflower Steps and a fish market was built on this reclaimed land in 1896. Across the harbour stand quays which were used in the late 18th century for the transhipment of pottery and porcelain. The verandahed building of the China House, dating from about 1650 is the sole survivor of three storehouses which once stood there. Although it had varied uses, such as a naval storehouse, gun wharf, hospital, prison and many many more, it is now an attractive waterside pub, bursting with atmosphere.

THE NATIONAL MARINE AQUARIUM

This new construction is actually situated in Coxside, which is some way off from Sutton Harbour, but never mind! Representing an investment of millions of pounds and the desire to be one of the finest displays of Marine life in one of the world's most famous maritime cities, Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium offers visitors the chance to watch some of the mysteries of the deep unfold before their eyes. Charting the strange and beautiful underwater world, guests have the chance to come face to face with thousands of marine creatures - from the pretty and peaceful to the sinister and feared. Highlights include the aquarium's wall of ocean - 15 metres wide and five metres high - the shark theatre, holding over 700,000 litres of water, and a living coral reef. From moorland streams to freshwater lakes to the ever-changing environment of the world's oceans, visitors can charts the course and the differences between many different water-dwelling animals. As well as the offering education of a world that covers seven tenths of the world, the aquarium is also a leading pioneer of conservation and research. Captive breeding programmes in the aquarium help several species that are in danger. Guides are often on hands to help visitors get the most out of their trip and there are regular talks around the Discovery Pools where you can have the closest of encounters with the likes of anemones, crabs, starfish.

Plymouth Hoe has stunning views across Plymouth Sound. It is famous for the legendary game of bowls which Sir Francis Drake was reported to have enjoyed before sailing to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588. A statue of Drake stands on the Hoe, close to the memorial which commemorates the lives of people from Plymouth killed during two world wars. Another distinctive feature on the Hoe is Smeaton's Tower - the lighthouse which once stood on the Eddystone Rock off the coast of Plymouth. You can still climb the tower and look out to where its replacement on the Eddystone stands today. Just below Smeaton's Tower is the Dome visitor attraction.

The Plymouth Dome is an award-winning, all-weather attraction which is thought of by many residents and visitors as an exciting addition to the Hoe. Open every day, except Christmas Day, (disabled facilities available) and the centre has panoramic views over Plymouth Sound and inside shows the story of Plymouth unfolding before your eyes as you are taken on a voyage of discovery through 400 years of the city's history. There is a full size reconstruction of an Elizabethan Street (complete with sounds and smells and, sometimes, even figures that come to life!). You then travel on a voyage of discovery that finally transports you into the future with all its superb space age technology. There is a fascinating hands-on gallery overlooking the harbour where the busy waters can be explored in comfort, using touch screen computers to identify vessels and remote TV to scan and enlarge them. You can even link up to a satellite and observe weather pictures as they arrive from space. A great unique experience for all ages. There is also a moving audio visual account of Plymouth during the Blitz. The Dome also offers you an excellent gift shop (natch!)and cafe that serves snacks or the famous Devon cream teas. Altogether an experience not to be missed!

The Royal Citadel was built to protect Plymouth Sound on the orders of Charles II when he was returned to the throne in 1660. The foundation stone of this massive fortification was laid in 1666. Originally it had been planned as a star-shaped fortress, but it was adapted to incorporate Drake's smaller, crumbling fort. There's a spacious Parade Ground within the ramparts which is surrounded by imposing buildings, an interesting collection of historic guns, and a delightful little chapel The people of Plymouth thought that because some of the cannons were aimed towards the town, that the Citadel had been built to watch over them as well as for wider military reasons. Whether this is true or false, it is interesting to note that not a single shot has been fired from these ramparts in anger. The developments in armaments reduced the value of this type of fortification and so, in 1888, the outer earthworks were levelled and the perimeter ditch filled in. Further changes were made in 1936. Since 1897 the Royal Citadel has been garrisoned by the Royal Artillery, and at present it is the home of 29 Commando Regiment. It has been in continuing military use ever since it was first built on the orders of Charles II.

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

With over 24,000 students and 3,000 staff, the University of Plymouth is one of the largest and most prominent universities in the United Kingdom. It is also, with an income of around £100 million, one of the largest businesses in the South West region. I don't have a lot else to say about this place! Have a look at a pretty plan!

Also in the vicinity of the University is the Central Library.

MISCELLANEOUS

Plymouth has played a key role in defence at sea for hundreds of years, but the need to provide a shipbuilding and repair yard at the western end of the English Channel did not become apparent until the Dutch Wars of the 17th Century. Work began in 1691 on the Royal Dockyard upon the orders of William III (William of Orange). His choice of Plymouth was probably influenced by the support he had received from the town when he'd overthrown James II. The new town of Dock (later to become Devonport) began to grow and by the 18th century was larger than Plymouth! By 1844 the yard expanded rapidly due to the need for steam ship facilities. This led to a major extension of the yard at Keyham. A further major expansion was begun in 1896 when North Yard was added to deal with the huge dreadnoughts. In 1975 the Keyham steam yard was redeveloped to provide three covered all-weather docks for warships, and in 1980 the nuclear submarine refit complex was built. The dockyard was privatised in 1987, losing much of its workforce in the process, and now it is run by DML (Devonport Management Limited).

This is a magnificent mid 18th C mansion with Tudor and Stuart remains. Lavish interior demonstrates skills of such artists as designer Robert Adam and painter Sir Joshus Reynolds. The Great Kitchen contains relics of downstairs life two centures ago. Beautiful, extensive grounds add to the charm. Saltram can be found at Plympton, to the east of the city.

BRIDGES OVER THE TAMAR

Two bridges cross the River Tamar between Plymouth (Devon) and Saltash (Cornwall). They are Brunel's railway bridge, built in 1859 and the Tamar Road Suspension Bridge, built in 1961