Having lived most of my life in Plymouth, I felt that it was only right and normal, to review and discuss the delights of Plymouth Hoe.

So what is Plymouth Hoe?

Well, Plymouth Hoe is a massive open public space that covers a large area of the seafront of Plymouth. Closeby is the cliffs of limestone that span along the harbour and sea around Plymouth. The views are just amazing, both on sunny days and not so sunny days, although on sunnier days it is ALOT more busier. Whether it is a walk along the seafront or a visit to Smeaton's Tower, Plymouth Hoe is a landmark and one not to be missed!

Plymouth Hoe's main attraction, that it is most famous for, is Smeaton's Tower lighthouse. The lighthouse is so famous there was a famous photograph taken with the Beatles in the background sitting by it! The Tower has recently completed a long period of restoration, and it is now back to it's former glory in it's entirity. The Tower is distinctive with red and white stripes, a small metal door marks the entrance, not particularly good if you are very very tall. Members of the public can visit here and venture right to the top of the tower, where spectacular breath taking views can be seen. What interested me most, was when I was ascending up the stairs, you would now and again briefly see little rooms off the stairwell, these were rooms which the lighthouse keeper(s) used to stay in, and you get the real feeling that you are part of that era. Once at the very top, you are close enough to touch the lantern and walking around the tower, as said before, is just breath taking! The price of the tower last time I went was a couple of pounds, but well worth the money!

Royal Citadel - this is another key attraction close to Plymouth Hoe, it is a World re-nowned Marine Biological Laboratory. The Citadel is home to many members of the Army and reguarly hosts events, such as the Music of the Night ceremonies that are held in July/August, which are again, well worth it if you are around at that time, but you may need to book quickly as they soon get sold out!

Tinside Pool - just below Plymouth Hoe is the restored 1930s original outside lido pool. It is large and separated by the sea by just one wall. The water is natural sea water, so even in the summer this can be quite cool! The whole feeling of being in a naturally restored 1930s pool which has this art deco feel, is really nice. The pool is only open in the summer, and prices are reasonable, around £5 for the whole day.

War Memories - on the other side of Smeaton's Tower lighthouse there are War Memories from the two World Wars. It is free to walk around, and you can feel really humble and content with life as you walk around this, it makes you feel really proud and glad to be alive. The main memorial by Robert Lorimer has been there since 1924, whereas the garden that is sunken around it was added later by Edward Maufe in 1954.

Overall view of Plymouth Hoe -

One of those places that is so well signposted in Plymouth, you cannot visit Plymouth without visiting here. The breath taking views out over Plymouth Sound and into Cornwall will just delight you, and although it sounds a little odd, you feel very free here. The spacious surroundings help this I think. The cliffs that surround the Hoe often play host to tombstonning young teenagers in the Summer (jumping off the cliffs into the sea), yet it is definitely something I wouldnt recommend trying! Overall the place is magical, steeped in history, breath taking and simply unmissable. Having lived here almost twenty three years, I come here every week, sometimes to escape from pressures of work etc, but sometimes just to have an ice cream!

Come here if....you like history, fresh air, ice creams, nice walks along the sea with spectacular views!

Don't come here if....you don't like any of the above