Beautiful beach towns aren’t usually the first thing that pop to mind when thinking of the UK. However, with coastal cities like Plymouth and surrounding areas are here to change the stereotype.
Located on the south coast of Devon, Plymouth is a historical coastal town overflowing with maritime history. Not only does this naval base area hold a ton of historical importance to Britain, but Plymouth is also home to dramatic cliff faces, picturesque harbors, ancient buildings, and a calm shoreline.
It’s also a cultural hotspot dotted with world-class restaurants, and you’ll even find England’s oldest gin distillery here!
All in all, Plymouth is a beach vacation destination that has something to offer all types of travelers.
If you’re after an authentic English experience, you should set your eyes on one of the best bed and breakfasts in Plymouth. Not only do B&Bs offer a more local-vibe and homey atmosphere, but they’re also significantly more affordable than hotels.
To make your life a bit easier, I’ve pulled out a list of the B&Bs in Plymouth to suit any type of traveler, from countryside inns to old coastal homes. Let’s take a look…
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Plymouth for One Night
The Three Crowns Historical B&B on Plymouth Hoe
If you’re after comfortable accommodation in a prime location, this gorgeous harborside inn will serve you well. Close to all major attractions, the B&B has its own pub and restaurant and stunning ocean views.
- Plymouth Hoe
- Barbican
- Plymouth Pavilions
Is this amazing Plymouth Bed & Breakfast booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
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Staying in a Bed and Breakfast in Plymouth
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Britain is the original birthplace of the bed and breakfast, so it’s no surprise that Plymouth is home to some really great spots. Unlike hotels, B&Bs are usually private properties run by local families, making them a great place to interact with locals and experience the authenticity of Devon life.
B&Bs are the perfect combination of a hotel and a self-catering vacation rental. They offer the service of a hotel, with friendly staff members willing to help you in whichever way they can, as well as the benefits of both private and communal spaces.
On top of all this, B&Bs offer an unrivaled homey atmosphere that you won’t find in a local hotel. They’re also usually a lot more affordable than a stuffy hotel of the same quality, so you’ll be getting much more value for your money.
What to Look For in a Bed and Breakfast in Plymouth
The first thing you need to consider is the location in Plymouth. While the city center is great for dining and entertainment options, it’s not the nicest area to stay in, and some areas are quite run down – just being honest. If it’s beach vibes and nature you’re after, choosing to stay in rural locations outside the city of Plymouth or near the harbour will be a better option for you. There are many quaint villages to stay in Devon that are nearby Plymouth that could also be a great option.
When you book a room in a B&B in Plymouth, you can expect to have your own private bedroom, usually with an ensuite bathroom. However, some of the more affordable properties have shared bathrooms, so make sure you know what to expect if this is a deal-breaker for you.
While you’ll have your own private suite, there will also be common spaces shared between you, other guests, and often the live-in hosts. Rooms like lounges, dining rooms, terraces, and gardens are usually open for guests to make use of as they please.
If you enjoy cooking your own food (or prefer to save a bit on eating out), pick a property with access to a full kitchen. Some B&Bs even offer laundry facilities and parking on site. Many of the best bed and breakfasts in Plymouth have a full English or Irish breakfast included in the room rate, but this isn’t always the case.
Britain has a huge pub culture, so don’t be surprised if your room is located above a vibey local pub. While this can be seen as a bother by some guests, most enjoy the local atmosphere and the opportunity to eat a meal and socialize without traveling too far.
Airbnb and Booking.com offer the most options when it comes to bed and breakfasts in this area. Both have super helpful filtering functions, making it easy to pick and choose a property that perfectly suits your budget and travel needs.
The Three Crowns Historical B&B on Plymouth Hoe
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Pub with outdoor seating on the water and private garden
- > Overlooking the harbor at the Barbican
Cozy and Affordable B&B with Updated Interiors
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Comfortable double bed and good-quality linens
- > Close to Central Park, shops, and pubs
Charming Admiral MacBride B&B on the Seafront
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > On-site restaurant with an extensive menu
- > On the historical Barbican seafront
Homey 3 Bed B&B with Games Room
- > $
- > 6 Guests
- > Full access to the kitchen and laundry facilities
- > In the heart of Plymouth
Edgcumbe Guest House with Five-Star Service
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Full English breakfast and packed lunches available
- > A 5-minute drive from the Plymouth Ferry Port
Family-Suite in B&B Overlooking Central Park
- > $$
- > 5 Guests
- > One double bed and three singles
- > Near Plymouth Argyle Home Park Stadium and Plymouth University
Cozy Plymouth Backpackers with Private Rooms
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Shared kitchen and lounge area
- > Centrally located near major sights and attractions
The Top 10 Bed and Breakfasts in Plymouth
Now that you have a better idea about what B&Bs in Plymouth are like, it’s time to take a look at this the best B&Bs in the area. I’ve incorporated properties to suit all types of travelers, from families to couples to groups of friends, and everything in between.
Overall Best Value B&B in Plymouth – Historical B&B on the Hoe
This gorgeous inn will suit you well if you’re after quality accommodation in a good location, all for a reasonable price. While this spot is priced just above average, it’s for a good reason.
You can expect friendly service and cozy accommodation at The Three Crowns, located directly on the Barbican harbor front. It’s only a five-minute walk from the city center, making it one of the best bed and breakfasts in Plymouth for its central location.
Enjoy the peace and quiet from your spacious suite, which has an ensuite bathroom, coffee station, and workspace, or head downstairs and grab a drink in the private garden or at the waterfront pub.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Best Budget B&B in Plymouth – Cozy & Affordable B&B
The UK is a pricey destination in general; however, you can find many properties in Plymouth for a steal of a price – perfect for those backpacking the UK! You’ll feel right at home at this cozy B&B, which feels more like a family home than a guest house.
The bedroom is super spacious, has tons of natural light, and includes a private bathroom with a rolltop bathtub. It’s been remodeled with neutral interiors and is fitted with high-quality bedding and a basic kitchenette.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Plymouth start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best B&B for Couples – Charming Nautical B&B on the Seafront
Beautiful seaside cafes, nature walks, and historical attractions make Plymouth a great destination to visit with your significant other. Set above a local pub and restaurant, the Admiral MacBride B&B offers comfortable accommodation with views of the Barbican.
Each room is beautifully decorated with crisp linen sheets and traditional Scottish blankets – some even offer sea views. It is also super well located, near Plymouth Hoe and the many restaurants and attractions in the area, making it the best bed and breakfast in Plymouth for couples.
Best B&B for a Group of Friends – Homey 3 BR B&B
If you’re traveling with a group of friends, take a look at this three-bedroom B&B in the heart of the city. Set in a family house just north of the center in the Mutley neighborhood, guests are welcome to use the kitchen, lounge, and games room in this home.
Perfect for a small group of friends, the games room has a pool table, foosball table, and darts. It’s also so well located that you’ll be only a short walk or bus ride from the main attractions in the town.
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View on Osprey View on REIOver-the-Top Luxury B&B – Guest House w/ Five-Star Rating
If you’re after a high-end experience, the Edgcumbe Guest House offers the perfect balance between beautiful accommodation, convenient location, and five-star service. This spot has all the benefits of a fancy hotel while still maintaining its authentic and local feel.
Each room has an ensuite bathroom and is tastefully decorated and equipped with high-end fittings. There’s a restaurant in the building where you can enjoy breakfast and even order packed lunches to fuel you for the day ahead.
Best B&B for Families in Plymouth – Family-Suite in B&B
It can be hard to find a suitable property for young kids; however, this family suite in northern Plymouth is the best bed and breakfast in Plymouth for families on a budget. As long as you’re happy to share a room with your kids, this suite has a double bed and three singles suitable for five guests.
The room has an ensuite bathroom with a shower, office desk space, and coffee/tea facilities. Feel free to enjoy the common areas downstairs when space gets tight, including the breakfast room, lounge, and garden.
Best B&B for Backpackers – Cozy Plymouth Backpackers
On a budget or traveling solo? Your best bet would be to rent a room in this cozy hostel, which offers eleven private rooms for singles, couples, and families. Plymouth Backpackers Hostel offers clean, friendly, and comfortable accommodation in the center of the town, all for a super low price per night.
Perfect for backpackers, this spot is only a short walk from tons of restaurants and bars and is right by the main bus stop, train station, and ferry port. Feel free to make use of the shared kitchen and lounge, where you can store and cook your own meals at your leisure.
B&B in Plymouth with the Best Views – Hilltop B&B w/ Ocean Views
Many tourists visit Plymouth for its exquisite views. Whether you’re looking across the wild ocean, the beautiful harbors, or the quaint countryside, it’s not too difficult to find accommodation with a beautiful view. This gorgeous hilltop B&B offers ocean and cliffside views and is the best bed and breakfast in Plymouth if you’re visiting for the scenery.
Only 400 meters from the coastal path and the National Trust beach, you’ll be ideally located for a summer vacation. The B&B has two separate rooms which share a bathroom.
Breakfast is served daily in the kitchen, which you can enjoy in the lounge or on the sunny terrace, depending on the weather. The hosts can even prepare you a packed lunch to enjoy on the go! If you want to try good old-fashioned English pub food, The Odd Wheel down the road comes highly rated.
Most Peaceful B&B in Plymouth – Relaxing Countryside B&B
If you’re after a bit of peace and quiet, book a room in this relaxing B&B near the Cornish Countryside. Near enough to Plymouth to explore the city by day and also near some of the best places to visit in Cornwall, but far away enough to feel disconnected from the city life, this spot offers the perfect combination between urban and rural.
This farmhouse B&B is simply decorated with antique interiors and floral linens, which give it a very homey feel. This room has a king-sized bed and a single bed suitable for three guests. Every morning, a delicious home-cooked breakfast is served in the kitchen, including freshly squeezed orange juice and home-baked scones.
Best B&B in the Plymouth Countryside – 16th Century Firehouse
Sometimes all we need is a reset from the big city life. This old B&B set in a 16th Century Firehouse just outside Plymouth is the perfect countryside retreat for anyone craving some fresh air with a touch of luxury.
Located in a sleepy suburb north of Plymouth, this B&B oozes history from every wall. Although the rooms have been refurbished with trendy contemporary interiors, the rest of the building looks similar to how it would have 300 years ago, from the old wooden beams to the antique interiors to the exposed stone walls.
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Final Thoughts on Bed and Breakfasts in Plymouth
Natural beauty, historical importance, and cultural heritage meet as one in Plymouth. The quaint coastal city has a long maritime history and is dotted with historical sights and attractions.
But it’s also a beautiful beach destination, where sunbathers, sailors, and fishermen enjoy the relaxing vibe and warm sunshine during the summer months.
Staying in one of the best bed and breakfasts in Plymouth is a great way to experience the local charm of this historical region. Whether you choose to be in the harbor center, overlooking the dramatic cliffs, or out in the surrounding countryside, there’s a spot for everyone in this gorgeous English town.
Don’t forget to organize international travel insurance for yourself and your family before visiting Plymouth. This is especially important when traveling from overseas, as your local insurance providers won’t be able to help you if anything goes wrong when you’re outside of your home border.
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