Plymouth Leisure

The best way to see Plymouth and understand its maritime background is to take to the water and enjoy one of the many boat trips available. A trip includes views from the water of Drake's Island in the sound, the dockyards, naval vessels, and The Hoe. Departures are usually from Easter to October, with cruises leaving every half-hour.

Watersports

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, then visit the Mount Batten Centre on Lawrence Road. It's considered to be the south west's premier sailing and watersports facility and caters for the young and old. Surrounded by the superb waters of Plymouth Sound and various tributary rivers, the centre is an ideal base for an enormous variety of water-based activities including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, coasteering and water skiing. Training is available from experienced and qualified instructors. South Devon's beaches are also good for surfing and there are a number of surf schools that can provide lessons and equipment.

Spectator sports

The city is home to Plymouth Argyle Football Club, which plays in the English Football League's Championship division. Known as The Pilgrims;, their first professional match was in 1903 and they enjoy an enthusiastic following for their matches at the Home Park stadium in Central Park. The Plymouth Albion Rugby Football Club currently plays in the National League Division One and games can be seen at Brickfields. Kularoos Plymouth Raiders are one of the top teams in the British Basketball League and play their home games at the Plymouth Pavilions.