The Heritage city of Plymouth is perhaps most famous for Sir Francis Drake who stayed in 1588 when informed of the Spanish Armada's imminent attack, he had time to finish his game of bowls before sailing off to defeat the Armada. This is reported to have happened on Plymouth Hoe which the Invicta overlooks.

The Pilgrim Fathers also left for what was to become the New England States from Plymouth on 6th September 1620. The Mayflower Steps mark the spot of this illustrious voyage's departure.

In the 21st Century Plymouth is still a thriving maritime city with Brittany Ferries offering regular routes to Spain & France. The Naval Dockyard, numerous marinas, water sports and host to the World Powerboat Grand Prix. For further information on Plymouth Boat Cruises Ltd click www.westcountrylinks.co.uk/pbc.

For those who prefer dry land Plymouth also has an abundance of choice. To the north of the city is Dartmoor. This wild, rolling granite upland stretches over 368 square miles & at the top of some tors is 2,000 feet high. Walkers can discover Neolithic Tombs & fascinating Bronze Age remains as well as watch the Dartmoor Ponies roaming freely in their habitat as they have been since the 10th century. It is however essential to remember that Dartmoor's weather can change very dramatically with surprising speed therefore we at the Invicta will always advise that all sensible precautions are taken for even the smallest of meanders. For further information about Dartmoor and other National Trust Estates click www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devoncornwall.

Plymouth itself has a large City Centre with plenty of opportunity for retail therapy. Be sure to visit the vast Drake Circus shopping centre housing many popular shopping brands. Plymouth is also home to the Theatre Royal & Plymouth Pavilions which boast regular shows of good calibre and for those who like socializing many fantastic restaurants, a wide variety of public houses and a lively nightlife. With many function suites of varying sizes, Plymouth is also a popular choice for conferences.

Just over the Tamar Bridge is Cornwall where Tintagel (King Arthur's Castle) and the Eden Project can be found www.edenproject.com.

For information on Tours please see our Special Breaks section.

Forthcoming Events in Plymouth 2011...

26th March University of Plymouth UDHC Bike Race

29th -2nd May Barbican International Jazz & Blues Festival
Free music all over the historic quayside, showing off the local musical talent as well as International artists.

21st May Lord Mayor's Day

28th May Half marathon Fun Run and Schools Competition

29th May Plymouth Half Marathon

18th June Operation Checkmate Mens Health Event

25th June Armed Forces Day

7-10 July Plymouth Race Week

22-24 July Plymouth Classic Boat Rally

30th July -7th August Plymouth Regatta
Plymouth's biggest annual sailing event, Activity afloat will be matched by a full supporting shoreside programme, with a daily prize giving and draw, and live music on both weekends

16/17th August British Firework Championships
The most anticipated event in the city's annual events calendar will see thousands of spectators heading up to the Hoe for two evenings of entertainment culminating in spectacular fireworks displays from six companies seeking the coveted title of British Firework Champions.

19/21st August Flavour Fest
Plymouth’s local produce extravaganza Flavour Fest returns to the City Centre

20th August Sea Cadet National Band Contest
Plymouth Hoe 1300-17.30

This event is the National Final where representatives from all over the United Kingdom & Northern Ireland compete against each other in a competitive spirit.

4th Sept Devonport Park Fun Day
Bringing the country into the city, activities start from 12pm.

17th Sept- 4 Dec British Art Show
The British Arts show will be shown at five locations in Plymouth - Penisula Arts, Plymouth Arts Centre, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Royal William Yard and Plymouth College of Art

5th November Bonfire Night
Bonfire and firework display Plymouth Hoe

17th November Christmas Lights Switch On
Plymouth City Centre

More Plymouth Events...

• Plymouth Waterfront Partnership - http://www.plymouthwaterfront.co.uk
• Plymouth Diary

• What's On Southwest
• Plymouth Barbican Waterfront - http://www.barbicanwaterfront.com