UK's Ocean city reveals huge 2025 events with 'pirate weekend' & music festival
FROM pirates and musicians to firework displays and a Christmas market, Plymouth, the UK’s Ocean City, will be home to a series of themed events throughout the year. Located in Devon, Plymout…
FROM pirates and musicians to firework displays and a Christmas market, Plymouth, the UK's Ocean City, will be home to a series of themed events throughout the year.
Located in Devon, Plymouth has been nicknamed Britain's Ocean City thanks to its long maritime history and waterfront attraction.
6
Plymouth will be hosting a series of themed events throughout the year like the Pirates WeekendCredit: Alamy
6
Taking place on May 17 and May 18, the event will see the Barbican and the city's waterfront transform into a hub of pirate-themed activitiesCredit: Alamy
Themed events in the city will run on selected dates from May right the way up until the end of the year.
One of the city's festival highlights is the return of Pirates Weekend, which has been running since 2011.
Taking place on May 17 and May 18, the event will see the Barbican and the city's waterfront transform into a hub of pirate-themed activities.
There will be themed music, entertainment and interactive activities aimed at families.
Read More on Seaside Towns
In previous years, the Galeón Andalucía, a full-scale reconstruction of a 17th-century Spanish vessel, opened to visitors.
Last year, a Pirate Fun Run took place, as did other events like pirate coin making, face painting, a pirate puppet show, and a swashbuckling school.
After debuting back in 2024, Plymouth Summer Sessions will be returning for a second year for four days in June.
The summer music festival will take place between June 12 to June 15, with headliners including Snow Patrol, Pendulum and The Corrs.
BARGAIN BREAKS
The Spanish holiday resort with the cheapest all-inclusive summer holidays
ROYALLY COOL
English village that Princess Diana loved as a child where you can spot seals
SPANISH SUN
You can stay in the hotel from the Benidorm TV show this summer for £60 each
TURKISH DELIGHT
Turkish hidden gem is the country's 'best kept secret' with TUI resorts
Other festivals taking place throughout the year include Britain's Ocean City Running Festival, Flavour Fest, Seafest and the British Firework Championships.
Later in the year, Bonfire Night and Remembrance Sunday Ceremony will also be taking place.
The up-and-coming English seaside town with cheap booze and huge beaches
6
Located in Devon, Plymouth has been dubbed the UK's Ocean City thanks to its maritime historyCredit: Alamy
Christmas fans will be relieved to know the city's Christmas Market will be returning for another year.
The city's Christmas lights will be switched on in November with other winter activities also set to take place.
Amanda Lumley, Chief Executive of Destination Plymouth, shared her thoughts for the year ahead: "Our events calendar really solidifies Plymouth as a thriving cultural hotspot, and we look forward to welcoming visitors and residents alike to experience all that this dynamic city has to offer for the year ahead."
Away from the festivals and events, there are plenty of other attractions for visitors.
One of those is Plymouth Hoe, an open public space with several memorials like Naval War Memorial, RAF Memorial, Armada Memorial and Drake Statue.
Visitors can also climb Smeaton's Tower (a historic lighthouse) for panoramic views over the city.
There's also the Barbican, the city's historic quarter that's home to cobbled streets, Tudor buildings, shops and cosy pubs.
6
Tinside Lido (pictured) is often considered to be one of the prettiest outdoor swimming spots in the countryCredit: Alamy
Plymouth is also home to Tinside Lido, which is often considered to be one of Europe's prettiest outdoor swimming spots.
The 90-year-old lido first opened to the public back in 1935 and has undergone several renovations over the years.
For those who want to visit and enjoy the view out to sea, without getting wet, there's a sun deck next to the pool, which is one of the best places in the town to go sunbathing.
Other attractions in Plymouth include Plymouth Gin Distillery, one of England's oldest working gin distilleries, and Royal William Yard - a restored naval yard.
Plymouth is a three-hour drive from Bournemouth.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
What are the Sun team's favourite seaside towns?
THE Sun's travel team share some of their favourite English seaside towns.
Folkestone, Kent
With views of France (on a very clear day), the main attraction is the Harbour Arm, sitting at the edge of the converted train tracks and selling hand-crafted goods and amazing food.
The multicoloured high street with shops and restaurants can't be missed, my favourites being Burrito Buoy for some amazing margaritas and The Folkestone Bookshop for some novels.
You'll need to pack your beach shoes as it has a stony beach over a sandy beach – but after a few drinks at the much-loved Pilot Bar, you'll hardly care.
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Mousehole, Cornwall
The small sandy bay has retained its chocolate-box charm, crammed with weathered fishing boats and backed by pokey cafes and airy art galleries where seaside-inspired works hang from the walls.
For impeccable views of a wild sea and homemade grub, head to Rock Pool Cafe which sits atop a craggy cliff and order a 'make it yourself' hot chocolate.
There are some impressive coastal walks - but be warned it can be hilly.
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire
Accessible on a spit of sand when the tide is out, this quirky little community art project is made up of driftwood, flags and mementoes from those who have visited to admire the huge swathes of golden sands and sparkling waters.
Sadly the original was destroyed in a fire in 2023 but an enthusiastic band of local volunteers are slowly re-building the landmark.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Meanwhile, this seaside town is the best in the UK and has England's best visitor experience.
And here are The Sun travel team's favourite UK seaside towns.
6
Other attractions in Plymouth include Smeaton's Tower (pictured)Credit: Alamy
6
Plymouth is a three-hour drive from BournemouthCredit: Alamy