From historic voyages and hidden cobbles to enduring family businesses and delicious eats, Plymouth’s Barbican is more than a picturesque waterfront — it is a living, breathing record of England’s maritime story.
Few places in England can claim such a deep and enduring connection to the sea. For centuries, this vibrant port has been a departure point for explorers, traders and settlers, shaping both British and world history. Nowhere is this legacy more visible than in the city’s historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour, where cobbled streets wind past independent shops, galleries, waterside cafés, and an exciting mix of eateries.
Plymouth’s most famous moment came in 1620, when the Mayflower set sail from the harbour, carrying the Pilgrim Fathers on their journey to the New World. Visitors today can follow in their footsteps along the Mayflower Trail, a clearly marked route linking key sites across the city, or step inside the Mayflower Museum to explore the story of that extraordinary voyage.
Just nearby, the Plymouth Gin Distillery — established in 1793 — continues the city’s long association with seafarers, as its gin was once a staple on naval ships.
The Barbican itself is a treasure trove of history. It contains the largest concentration of cobbled streets in Britain, many of them dating back hundreds of years.
The famous Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrims are believed to have boarded their ship, are marked by a memorial built in 1934 on the Barbican waterfront. Intriguingly, the original stone steps are thought to lie buried beneath the Admiral Macbride pub, somewhere below what is now the ladies’ toilets.
New Street, one of the Barbican’s most characterful lanes, was once known as Rag Street and is recognised as the oldest street in Plymouth. Nearby, another remarkable survivor of the past still operates today — Jacka’s Bakery, which holds the title of Britain’s oldest working commercial bakery, having served locals and sailors alike since the 19th century.
Food lovers will also find plenty to tempt them. From street food to gourmet pizza at The Stable, or the iconic casual dining at Cap’n Jaspers, the Barbican offers a flavoursome experience for every palate.
It’s a perfect Sunday morning destination for enjoying the buzz of the harbour, sampling great food, and simply watching the world go by.
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