Easter is fast approaching, and now Spring is here there’s no better time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air and explore your blue environment. It’s been scientifically proven that being surrounded by a blue environment can improve your sleep, relieve stress, and reduce depression and anxiety. What could be more convincing to spend some time by the sea?

Make a splash on the pontoons

The pontoons are returning to Plymouth Sound! Positioned off Tinside Beach, there will be two pontoons located at various distances from the shore perfect for a dip in the sound. In April the water is still cold and below 9 degrees so please head into the water with care. Water below 15 degrees can cause cold water shock so the best ways to stay safe are…

  • Stay in the water for one minute per degree, enter slowly and give yourself time to acclimatise.
  • Always swim with someone else, or have a spotter on shore.
  • Get yourself dried and dressed as soon as you are out of the water and have a warm drink ready.
  • Check the water and weather conditions through online webcams, Facebook groups, tide times, and weather apps.
  • Know your limits: if in doubt, don’t go out.
  • If you ever see anyone is difficulty, never enter the water yourself. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Keep an eye on our social media, @plymsoundnmp, for further updates when the pontoons are deployed! For further information on water safety, please visit RNLI.

It’s time for an ice-cream

We can all agree there’s nothing better than an ice cream in the sun by the coast, and you’re never too old for a 99. It brings back those nostalgic memories of being a child and it’s a sign that summer is on its way! Walk along Plymouth Waterfront and you will find a number of ice-cream vans dotted along the road, or head to Jennycliff where there is always one parked in the free car park during the weekend.

Get out on the water

Whether you want to try kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, there are lots of ways to give it a go around Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre are offering TryKayak and TrySup sessions on various dates throughout April. The perfect guided and instructed activity for the Easter break and open to all aged 16+. If you’re already confident on the water, why not try out one of their kayak or SUP tours around Plymouth Sound.

Explore the views

Walking is free, and one of the best forms of exercise. You could walk along Plymouth Hoe Waterfront and stop for a coffee or an ice-cream with friends and family on the way. Or, you could catch the Edgcumbe Bell across to Mount Edgcumbe from Stonehouse, and explore 865 acres of Grade 1 listed parkland that caresses the edge of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Mount Edgcumbe offers stunning views looking back across Britain’s Ocean City and the whole of the marine park. Take a look at some of our favourite walks here.

Connect with Plymouth’s Heritage

Become a tourist in your own city and discover Plymouth’s rich heritage with a brand new three day heritage pass. Combine a visit to the Mayflower Museum, Smeaton’s Tower and the Elizabethan House across a seven day period and explore over 400 years of history. Tickets start from £12 per adults and £6 per child aged 5-15. Concessions and other discounts are available.

For more information about what’s happening over Easter, check out our events listing, and check out Visit Plymouth for further things to do.