A UK city surrounded by the sea is a special place to live for several reasons — and I think wintertime gives it an even better atmosphere in many ways. Of course, living beside the coast in summertime also has its advantages, but it can get overcrowded during the holiday season.
During the winter in Plymouth, I’m often amazed that a walk along the waterfront offers a peaceful atmosphere — and I can hardly believe I’m in a city with a growing population of approximately 300,000 people. It also amazes me that it’s taken so long for people to be positive about what Plymouth has to offer. It seems the city has been, and sometimes still is, labelled “rough” or “deprived”, but Plymouth saw the steepest rise in house prices across the UK in 2025, so perhaps the secret is out.
One of the things I love about Plymouth during winter is the true local feel of the city. From April onwards, the tourist invasion begins, and unsurprisingly, beautiful spots can get crowded. However, once you know the city and its surroundings, there is always somewhere to escape to.
Plymouth has retained its proper Devonian vibe, although it definitely has a unique Plymothian vibe too, but the city hasn’t been hollowed out with second home ownership like many surrounding areas – and I hope this never happens. Due to the local stronghold here, there are still numerous industries and opportunities available, compared to some areas in Cornwall and Devon.
I swim in the sea all year round, along with dozens of other locals, and despite it being extremely chilly in winter, there are many days when the water is calm, clear and enjoyably swimmable. The sunrise at Tinside Beach during wintertime is exceptional – and what better way to start the day than with a dip in a sea that’s cold, but the colour of fire.
Sunsets, too, are stunning here in the colder seasons. By summertime, the sun sets further in the West, so sunrise and sunset are not always viewable from Plymouth’s waterfront, but in winter, they are stunning.
Plymouth made headlines nearly three years ago when more than 100 trees were felled on Armada Way in the city’s centre. At the time, I was gutted to see these trees cut down; however, the new look is really taking shape, and this long, busy street that runs down to the sea is expected to be completed later this year.
Now, while this part of the city is in the midst of a revamp, there’s much more to “town” (Plymouth city centre) than the bigger stores and chains. Plymouth Market is a great place to shop, eat and support local businesses. This indoor shopping spot has over 3000 positive reviews on Google – and it’s well worth a visit.
At the market, you’ll find friendly people, tasty food and the chance to find something different from the chain stores. I’d recommend The Dartmoor Candle Company stall and A H F Workwear Inc Slippers run by Heidi and Adam Fielder – a great stall for cosy slippers, socks, as well as work-wear clothing.
For food, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the market; there is so much delicious cuisine to try. Last weekend, I tried some delicious Nepalese street food from Everest Flavours in Plymouth Market – and it was absolutely divine.
While on the subject of food, another highlight for me is being able to buy seafood fresh from Plymouth Fisheries – or from the fresh fish shop The Market Plaice (in Plymouth Market). Although Plymouth’s fishing industry has faced challenges in recent years, including the closure of the on-site auction, you can still buy plenty of local catch in the city.
For another plethora of independent shops, I often wander around the historic part of the city, Plymouth Barbican. Much of Plymouth was blitzed in World War Two, but this section of the city is the spot that’s retained its old-world vibe – and there are many a cosy proper British pub to be enjoyed too.
The Barbican area also has interesting antique shops – and tucked away in this area known as Parade Antiques is Thai massage therapist, Jaree. I’ve had several massage treatments with Jaree, and they are exceptional.
Each area of Plymouth has its own identity, and the city and suburbs generally feel safe and friendly to me, and I’m not just talking about the inner city centre (that locals still call “town”).
I’ve travelled to various suburbs around the city and always felt welcome – and each area has its own distinctive aura. Of course, many of these suburbs were villages not so long ago, before they became swamped by this ever-growing cityscape.
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