Home TravelEurope 7 Intriguing reasons to visit Moxy Plymouth

7 Intriguing reasons to visit Moxy Plymouth

by Mike Cranmer

Plymouth has a new super-hotel. The Moxy Plymouth forms a key part of the multi-million-pound regeneration of Millbay, Ocean City’s new waterfront quarter, anchoring its historic seafaring DNA to modern needs.

Historic Centre Of Plymouth

Referencing the historic docks built in 1844 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, hotel guests are welcomed by a nautically themed lobby inspired by the rich maritime history, with murals depicting local landmark Smeaton’s Tower, ships and fishing scenes. Check-in is at the bar, with a complimentary Moxy signature cocktail or mocktail. The bright, open space also serves as break-out areas for breakfast, business meetings, workspaces, or evening drinks. Fancy a game of Connect Four or Trivial Pursuits? A quiet read from the well-stocked library? Table football? Moxy has them all.

Moxy Plymouth mural of Smeatons Tower

Walkabout From Moxy Plymouth

Whether for a week or weekend stay, there are enough attractions within walking distance of Moxy to keep all ages and interests fascinated. The National Marine Aquarium, the Barbican and Plymouth Gin Distillery. Theatre Royal, Royal William Yard, Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth Sound and the Hoe.

Moxy Plymouth

Downward Dogfish

The National Marine Aquarium on Coxside, run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, is brimming with the wonders of the deep. Unroll a yoga mat for an hour in front of the serene Eddystone Reef tank, showcasing all the species native to Plymouth; or step behind the scenes to feed Friday the Green Sea Turtle, and learn about the conservation of seagrass – his favourite food.

Yoga with Dogfish. National Martime Aquarium Plymouth

Chin, Chin. Gin!

Stroll back through the ancient Barbican – one of the areas of the city that Hitler’s bombs largely missed – and visit the Plymouth Gin Distillery. The building dates back to the early 1400s; the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night in England here in 1620 and from the distillery they made the short walk down to the harbour to set sail on the Mayflower on their epic voyage to start a new life in America, where they founded a new Plymouth.

Plymouth Gin

The Mayflower ship forms Plymouth Gin’s trademark label today. Plymouth Gin Original has been distilled using the same blend of six exotic botanicals, soft Dartmoor water and pure grain alcohol since 1793. Take a tour and taste the different gins including Plymouth Navy Strength at 57% ABV. Shiver me timbers!

Young Vibe

Just a few steps from Moxy is Salumi Bar and Eatery. This is the place to sample the young Plymouth vibe from chef and owner Dave Jenkins. Try his straight-from-the-sea Butterflied Mackerel, with samphire, tenderstem broccoli, lemon, dill and Jersey Royals.  It’s as good as it gets.

Moxy Lights The Fuse

Back at the Moxy hotel manager James Gardiner said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to open the first Marriott International property in Plymouth and introduce the Moxy spirit to Devon,” he said. “We’ve already started connecting with the local community by being the headline sponsor for this year’s British Firework Championships on Plymouth Hoe in August watched by 100,000 people.

British Fireworks Championships Plymouth

Hello Sailor!

A boat trip is a must to see Plymouth, Ocean City from the best viewpoint. Departing from the historic Mayflower Steps, just as the Pilgrim Fathers did, the cruise sails past the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse perched on the Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake finished his game of bowls as the Spanish Armada approached, by the Art Deco Tinside swimming pool, and alongside Drake’s Island brimming with history where Henry VIII sited his defensive cannons, and in 1660 Charles II used the Island as a state prison for 25 years while maintaining its role as a fort.

Tinside Pool Plymouth

Turning into the River Tamar, the boundary between Devon and Cornwall, His Majesty’s Royal Naval Base, Devonport, hoves into view.  The largest naval base in Western Europe, Devonport has been supporting the Royal Navy since 1691. The vast site covers more than 650 acres and has 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths and five basins.

Fish and Ships

Next stop, for lunch, the utterly magnificent Royal William Yard­ which was the major victualling depot of the Royal Navy and an important adjunct of Devonport Dockyard. Named after King William IV finished in 1835 and is now restored it houses private (very expensive) apartments,  bars, art galleries, a wine specialist, fashion boutiques, and restaurants, The Hook & Line, being one of the best, right by the landing stage. The fish –  freshly caught by their own boats, Sidney Rose, Elin D and Barbican Rose- is shown off best in their classic Seafood Platter – oysters, sardines, home-pickled cockles, cuttlefish calamari, cold water prawns, smoked mackerel paté, baked scallops, garlic butter, lemon aioli and bread. Magnificent.

Seafood platter at Hook and Line

Fun Stay At Moxy Plymouth

Moxy Plymouth is a welcome sight after all the exploring, eating, and tasting. The 200 bedrooms have a playful, fun theme, with vibrant colourways, motion-activated floor lighting for that night-time stagger to the bathroom, and an individually written welcome on the mirror. More workspace allows for quieter concentration. There’s a 42-inch Chromecast TV. High thread-count linen soothes into deep sleep.

Moxy Room

Gin then Gym

All work and no play, etc.,’ goes the saying and Moxy’s fully-equipped 24-hour gym will wring out the morning-after-the-gin-before wrinkles before tucking into the sumptuous breakfast. Juices, fresh fruit, cooked meats, bacon and eggs, cereals, pastries, and freshly baked bread.  

Moxy Gym

Why visit Moxy Plymouth?

  • It’s young, fun, and playful
  • It’s near a host of top attractions
  • It’s great value for money
  • It’s good for business or relaxation
  • The rooms are clean, comfy and quiet
  • Super fast WiFi

Moxy Plymouth
Millbay Road
Plymouth
Devon
PL1 3LH

Author

  • MichaelCranmer

    Michael is passionate about many things: skiing, music (anything that moves him, but especially the blues, Stax, Motown, and gospel), Dirty Dry Vodka Martinis, good pals, and living ‘in the moment’. One-time international photographer turned Picture Editor, he eventually saw the light and became a ski-instructor and travel writer. His stories are “about the extraordinary people I meet along the way”.

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