Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/364850
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 AUGUST 2014 34 WHILE the heat in Malta is al- most unbearable, seaside holidays are still a great idea for the family. Check out Plymouth, in the UK, for perfect summer holidays, with reduced temperatures. Why go? On one side you have the beau- tiful villages of South Hams, on the other you've got the delights of Devon's neighbouring count y, Cornwall. To the north is the spectacular wilderness of Dart- moor and to the south there is the English Channel. But Plymouth isn't just a great jumping-off spot. It's awash with history, from Mayf lower and those adventurous Pilgrim Fathers to famous maritime names such as Francis Drake. Today it's been un- dergoing considerable regenera- tion. Nav y barracks have become swish waterfront complexes, big name chefs have started to arrive in town and then there's that gin! What to do? Just like the Mayf lower's passen- gers, it's fitting that you start your Plymouth journey at the Barbican. The cit y centre took more than a few hits during the Second World War, but the cobbled streets of the charming port side district got off almost unscathed. Visit the place from which that famous ship set sail, discover its story and that of Plymouth at the Mayf lower Museum, before tak- ing a stroll down to the numerous antique and curiosit y shops where you' ll find anything from a life- sized Dalek to a stuffed tiger. Once your mind has been blown by all that, you' ll need a drink and for that there is Plymouth Gin. On their quite brilliant master distill- ers' tour you' ll test taste various gins, learn the brand 's history and then make your own using their mini distiller stations. Finish off with G&T at their slick upstairs bar. On the other side of Sutton Har- bour you' ll find the National Ma- rine Aquarium, which is the big- gest in Europe. Its 54 tanks are supplied with six million litres of water and are home to about 6,000 fish (including invertebrates) The Barbican is a launch pad for many aquatic adventures, like those from Plymouth Boat Trips, which offers naval harbour cruis- es, trips to nearby villages and bays, and catch-and-cook trips. The expert crew will help you catch your own fish supper, to have it beautifully cooked at The Boathouse Café when back on dry land. Head for Plymouth Hoe, where Drake spotted the Spanish Arma- da, for some of the best sea views. Where to stay? A stone's throw from Barbican, the Duke of Cornwall Hotel has been in business over 150 years and boasts an impressive gothic exterior. The cit y has Dartmoor on its doorstep, so it would be a shame not to spend at least a night or two at the Moorland Garden Hotel, surrounded by those famed moor- lands. With the prett y Yelverton Golf Club as a neighbour, a chef serving the best local produce and countless walks, it's what Eng- land 's green and pleasant land is all about. Back in the cit y itself, you can stay at Grand II-listed Invicta Ho- tel, which has comfortable three- star rooms, sea views and a loca- tion right on the breezy Plymouth Hoe Park. Keep an eye out for the new Wa- tergate Bay Hotel, a multi-million pound project expected to open next year at Royal William Yard, a former Royal Nav y supplies de- pot. Where to eat? In addition to The Boathouse Café, if you want to taste Devon, Mitch Tonks' Rockfish has to be the first port of call. Dressed crab or prawn cocktail starters are crazy good, fol- lowed by grilled breaded or battered local fish (such as monkfish, brill and plaice) or just go for a fresh sea- food roll (South Devon crabs get our vote). You can't lose. If you travel on First Great Western's Pullman serv- ice from London Paddington you can sample Mitch Tonks' fine din- ing menu en route to Devon. Royal William Yard dates back to 1826 and is the jewel in modern Ply- mouth's crown, a waterfront loca- tion carefully sculpted into a home for restaurants, bars and shops. River Cottage has made it their home and calling it a canteen does not do it justice. A three-course meal of curried Cornish mussels, overnight cooked beef brisket and lime, honey and vanilla yoghurt cheesecake is simply delicious. How to get there? Though there are no direct flights from Malta to Plymouth, Air Malta, Ryanair and easyJet offer regular flights to London. Trains run from London to Plymouth regularly and take approximately three hours. Flights departing from Malta to London Gatwick, on 28 August and returning on 4 September, on Air Malta were priced at €358.53. Rya- nair flights, to London, Luton on the same dates were priced at €346.98. easyJet flights to London, Gatwick on the same dates were priced at €317.39. TRAVEL Surrounded by beautiful English countryside and the English Channel, Plymouth makes for a great family holiday Once you've done your sightseeing, kick back and relax with Plymouth's most famous G&T Hop on one of the Plymouth Boat Trips, which offers naval harbour cruises, trips to nearby villages and bays, and catch-and-cook trips Dartmoor is on Plymouth's doorstep, so it would be a shame not to spend at least a night or two surrounded by those famed moorlands Mitch Tonks' Rockfish offers some of the best prawn cocktail starters you'll ever feast your eyes on Cooler summer holidays in Plymouth