PCUK Field Trip: Plymouth, Britain's Ocean City
About this Event
Plymouth is a city built on reinvention. From its role as the departure point of the Mayflower in 1620 and its defining naval heritage at Devonport, to the ambitious post-war rebuilding led by Sir Patrick Abercrombie, Plymouth has always adapted its identity to the moment. Today, the city is once again in the midst of transformation. Regenerating its waterfront, reimagining its high street, and investing in public realm that reconnects people with the sea. For anyone working in placemaking, Plymouth offers a rare, live case study in how a city rethinks itself, and this tour is a chance to see that story unfold on the ground.
On 17th September, PCUK will host a walking tour through the heart of this transformation, starting at the recently launched Armada Way city green corridor, and finishing at the Barbican where you will find Britain's largest concentration of cobbled streets and over 100 listed buildings. Along the way, we'll take in the Civic Centre and Guildhall, Union Street's ongoing regeneration and Royal William Yard via Millbay. The tour closes with a ferry crossing from Royal William Yard to the Barbican, taking in Plymouth Sound, designated in 2019 as the UK's first national marine park. Plymouth Sound is home to the largest naval base in Western Europe andof the country's leading marine research clusters, supporting over 1,000 species of marine life. It's a fitting final chapter for the tour: a working, living harbour that's now being reimagined as a shared civic and natural asset. This is placemaking playing out not just on land, but on water too.
This event wouldn't be possible without the support of Plymouth Waterfront BID, Plymouth City Centre BID and Plymouth City Council, and our private and public sector colleagues across the city who are giving their time and expertise to bring this tour to life. Places are limited, so we'd encourage you to register early.
NB. This is a PCUK members-only event - to join (for free):
- 10:30 - Optional coffee meet at The Ground Coffee House
- 11:00 – Tour starts at Armada Way
- 11:00 – 13:00 – Armada Way, Civic Centre, Guild Hall, Union Street
- 13:00-14:00 - A light lunch at Moxy, Plymouth thanks to Moxy and Plymouth Waterfront BID
- 14:00-16:00 – Union Street to Royal William Yard
- 16:00 – 16:30 Ferry from Royal William Yard to the Barbican with thanks to Plymouth Waterfront BID
- 16:30 - 18:00 – Close, and welcome to stay for social drinks at Plymouth Gin Distillery
If you would like to join but cannot stay for the full day, there are options to join or leave the tour at other points.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
