Anchor Sites
What is an Anchor Site?
An Anchor Site is a place you can visit to experience Plymouth Sound up close. These are key locations around the National Marine Park, like Mount Batten Peninsula, Tinside Lido and Mount Edgcumbe, where the sea, heritage and community come together.
We work closely with each site to deliver a mix of activities and events that help people connect with the Marine Park, alongside their own busy programmes. From paddleboarding and kayaking to sea swimming at the lido and seasonal festivals in the park, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Together, they make the National Marine Park visible, welcoming and part of everyday life in Plymouth.
Mount Batten
Mount Batten Peninsula is one of the main gateways into Plymouth Sound, offering a hands on way to experience the National Marine Park. At its heart, the Mount Batten Centre helps people get on the water through activities like sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, welcoming visitors, schools and local communities alike.
Alongside its rich maritime history and well known landmarks, the site continues to grow, creating better access, opening up more opportunities to connect with the sea.
Tinside Lido
Tinside Lido is Plymouth’s iconic seawater pool, offering a safe and welcoming place to swim right on the edge of the Sound. Alongside open water swimming, it hosts a range of activities from yoga sessions to silent discos, bringing new energy to this historic spot. Run by Plymouth Active Leisure, the site also delivers Swim Safe sessions with the Marine Park, Swim England and the RNLI, helping young people build confidence in the water. Recent investment has introduced indoor spaces for young people, as well as venues for events, weddings and conferences.
Mount Edgcumbe
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park offers a unique way to experience Plymouth Sound, where coastline, parkland and heritage come together across a historic estate. Visitors can explore the house and gardens, take guided tours or enjoy experiences like alpaca walks, all set against a backdrop shaped by Plymouth’s maritime past, including landmarks like the Garden Battery.
Working with the Marine Park, the site has hosted school visits and activities from rockpooling to bat walks. Alongside this, Mount Edgcumbe runs its own events, including the popular Armchair Festival, offering plenty of ways to connect with the Sound.