Plymouth

This great waterfront city is the largest in Devon. It’s right on the border with Cornwall and has the River Tamar, the sea and Dartmoor National Park on its boundaries. There’s a historic connection with seafaring here, and Plymouth has prospered on a spirit of adventure and maritime trade. It’s always been a strategic port and Devonport dockyard is one of the UK’s three operating naval bases, making the most of the wide, sheltered waters at the mouth of the Tamar. The port is also used by Brittany Ferries for their long-standing cross channel services to France and Spain. This background adds up to a busy city which has attracted investment in regeneration, infrastructure, business and industry.

Add a thriving university, the historic Barbican for pubs and restaurants, the panoramic Hoe for a vantage point over Plymouth Sound – especially for the National Firework Championships – and you’ve got a fantastic combination of education, entertainment and leisure in this city.