Plymouth is a city that offers more than just its iconic harbor and maritime history. With a surprising array of unique tours, you can explore beyond the usual sightseeing and experience the area’s natural beauty, history, and fun activities firsthand. One standout experience is the Gun Range Shooting Experience, which provides a safe, fun introduction to shooting sports in Devon—perfect for those wanting an adrenaline rush or a novel pastime. I also particularly enjoy options like the Half Day Guided Canoe Trip in Totnes for its peaceful, scenic paddle, and the 2-Day Tour of King Arthur’s Cornwall for a deep dive into myths and mythic landscapes.
What makes Plymouth especially appealing is the variety—whether you’re into adventure sports, cultural experiences, or exploring historic sites, there’s something here that fits your style. Below, we’ve compiled six top tours, each carefully selected for their unique appeal and quality. From indoor shooting ranges to outdoor canoe trips, and self-guided city adventures to historical tours, there’s a little something for all.
1. Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot
This Devon-based shooting center offers one of the most engaging indoor gun range experiences near Plymouth. For just $52.45 per person, you get about 1.5 hours of shooting on three different ranges, including a 20-meter Air Rifle Range, a Rapid Fire Pistol Range, and a Simway shooting simulator that mimics real-life scenarios. The setup is ideal for anyone from 18 to 118, and expert training and assistance are included, making it accessible even to first-timers.
What makes this experience stand out is its inclusive approach—whether you want to try your hand at shooting for the first time or hone your skills, the friendly instructors make sure you hit the target. Reviewers mention “a fun experience,” with one saying, “The simulator was like a massive video game,” which adds a modern twist to traditional shooting sports. Many appreciate the helpful guidance, and some say they would return for more.
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking an accessible, safe introduction to shooting sports with professional support, this tour is perfect. It’s a quick, exciting activity that offers good value for the price.
2. Half Day Guided Canoe Trip in Totnes
For those who prefer being on the water, this guided canoe trip along the River Dart is an excellent choice. At around $61.82 per person, you’ll spend roughly four hours paddling through one of England’s most beautiful estuaries. The tour is led by experienced guides who prioritize safety and share their knowledge of the local environment, helping you discover hidden corners of Dartmoor’s waterways that are usually out of sight.
The river is known for its tranquility and wildlife, with the chance to spot seals and herons, making it a peaceful escape from the busier parts of Plymouth. Small groups ensure personalized attention, and the trip is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides and the relaxed, scenic atmosphere—perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a gentle outdoor adventure.
Bottom Line: A half-day canoe trip on the Dart offers a quiet, scenic, and memorable outing, especially suited for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxed outdoor activity.
3. 2-Day Tour of King Arthur’s Cornwall in Tintagel, Boscastle and Dartmoor
This two-day journey from Glastonbury encompasses the legendary land of King Arthur and some of England’s most remarkable landscapes. For around $335.87, the tour combines cultural history with stunning scenery, including stops at Dartmoor, Tintagel, and Boscastle. The tour features visits to Merlin’s Cave, Tintagel Castle, and Bronze Age landmarks, with a focus on Arthurian legend woven through the experience.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the trip is praised for its personable approach and the depth of local insights. Highlights include walking through Dartmoor’s wild moorlands, crossing ancient bridges, and exploring the mystical Wistman’s Wood. Reviewers note the guide’s vast knowledge and the opportunity for spiritual reflection during visits to sites like Merlin’s Cave. The small-group format ensures you won’t feel rushed or lost in the crowd.
Value-wise, the trip offers a comprehensive look at legends and landscapes for a fair price, especially considering round-trip transportation and hotel pickup are included. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and those interested in British mythology.
Bottom Line: A deep, layered experience blending legend, history, and scenery—great for travelers wanting an immersive, well-organized two-day adventure.
4. Plymouth Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass)
If you prefer exploring at your own pace, this self-guided tour combines a treasure hunt, city discovery, and fun challenges. For just $20.53 for a group (up to 10 people), you get access to an interactive app that guides you through over 100 destinations in Plymouth. The tour includes challenges, quizzes, and the chance to discover little-known spots most visitors overlook.
This activity is perfect for families, friends, or groups who enjoy problem-solving and want to see the city through a different lens. Reviewers mention the joy of “finding new places in a city we thought we knew,” and that the app’s GPS features make navigation easy. The flexibility to start anytime and go at your own pace makes it suitable for all ages and activity levels.
Bottom Line: A fun, flexible way to explore Plymouth’s hidden corners, ideal for those who enjoy interactive challenges and want to tailor their sightseeing experience.
5. 1.5-Hour Swanaford Vineyard Tour And Tasting Experience
Venture into the Dartmoor countryside for this intimate wine-tasting tour at the family-run Swanaford Vineyard. For $21.95 per person, you get about an hour and a half of guided walking through the vineyard, learning how grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are grown on this challenging terrain. The tour culminates in a tasting session with a selection of their wines, all made on-site.
What makes this experience distinctive is its clear focus on English wine production, which is still relatively niche. The friendly staff share insights into the challenges faced by local vintners and how they craft their wines in a rural setting. The scenic location provides a calm, scenic backdrop for this short but rewarding tour.
Review highlight: “Learned about wine making in England and enjoyed tasting in such a peaceful setting.” It’s ideal for wine lovers or those seeking a relaxing afternoon outside the city.
Bottom Line: A short, engaging vineyard visit that combines education and tasting — perfect for wine enthusiasts looking for a scenic escape.
6. Plymouth: Self Guided City Walk and Interactive Treasure Hunt
Finally, for those who want to discover Plymouth independently, this self-guided treasure hunt offers a playful way to explore. At $35.88 for a group of up to five, the activity uses an app to turn the city streets into an interactive game, with clues, puzzles, and challenges at over 100 key locations.
Designed to be self-paced, it appeals to families, couples, or friends who want a mix of sightseeing and fun. The activity is praised for making the city’s highlights more engaging and revealing hidden stories that often go unnoticed. One reviewer called it “a great way to learn about Plymouth while having fun solving clues.”
Bottom Line: An entertaining, educational experience ideal for groups wanting a personalized city exploration with a playful twist.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
Picking the right tour in Plymouth depends on your interests, budget, and how active you want to be. If adrenaline is your thing, the Gun Range Shooting Experience offers a safe, fun introduction to shooting sports. For a peaceful, scenic outdoor activity, the Half Day Canoe Trip is perfect. History buffs might enjoy the comprehensive King Arthur’s Cornwall tour, while families or groups interested in discovery might prefer the self-guided treasure hunt.
Consider your time availability—most tours are day trips, but the 2-day King Arthur tour offers a deeper dive. Budget-wise, self-guided activities like the treasure hunt or vineyard tour offer excellent value, while guided adventures such as the canoe or multi-day trips provide rich, personalized experiences.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular tours like the King Arthur trip, and check for seasonal availability if weather impacts outdoor options.
In summary, Plymouth offers a diverse range of memorable tours—from adrenaline-pumping range experiences to tranquil paddling, mythic history, and interactive city explorations. For thrill-seekers, the gun range tops the list, while lovers of history and scenery will find the King Arthur adventure irresistible. Families and casual explorers will appreciate the flexible self-guided options for engaging city discovery. Whatever your interests, these tours open doors to authentic, fun experiences—so plan ahead and reserve your spot early.
