Places to visit around the MPA
There are lots of great places around the MPA for you to explore and enjoy. Get up close with the marine life at the National Marine Aquarium, go rockpooling at Wembury, hike beautiful trails along the coast, stop for lunch in tranquil villages or explore the picturesque rivers and estuaries by boat.
National Marine Aquarium
If you want to get a closer look at what lives in the Marine Protected Area, head to the National Marine Aquarium, opposite the Barbican – the largest aquarium in the UK. The team at the NMA look after over 4,000 marine animals, including some of the amazing creatures that can be found around the Plymouth Sound and the Eddystone. They also have Lemon Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, and a Green Turtle called Friday.
River Yealm
The tidal stretches of the River Yealm is a peaceful, tree-lined estuary with amazing views. It is variously designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC)and wholly within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Visit the Yealm Estuary for access to fantastic wildlife and adjacent villages, such as Noss Mayo. An ideal location for boat users, but please be particularly careful if anchoring in the entrance as there are large areas of seagrass whose communities are easily damaged.
For more information about entering the Estuary by boat, please consult the River Yealm Harbour Authority website.
South Devon AONB
Designated in 1960, the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AOBN) covers 337 square kilometres of estuaries, coastline and terrestrial land, overlapping our Marine Protected Area from Jennycliff across to the Yealm Estuary. The AONB is a great place to visit. Go on one of the over 40 coastal walk to take in the stunning views, enjoy the spectacle of large numbers of wading bird on the mudflats of the Yealm Estuary, and why not stop off at Noss Mayo for a spot of lunch.
Tamar Valley AONB
The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a stunning expanse, that includes the Rivers Lynher, Tamar and Tavy. Perfect for walking, hiking and catching glimpses of local wildlife, the valley provides the perfect place to go exploring. The village of Calstock is a perfect stop for lunch, and with National Trust’s Cotehele house and gardens just further down river, there is lots to do in this AONB.
Wembury Marine Centre
A fantastic way to learn more about marine life and discover the diverse and colourful neighbours that make the MPA their home. The Wembury Marine Centre, managed by Devon Wildlife Trust, offers regular events such as rockpool and snorkel safaris, as well as interactive displays and information about the local marine environment. Located next to the beach (and the National Trust car park) at Wembury Bay, the Team do lots of great work advocating local marine conservation and have lots of marine knowledge to share.
This MPA mini drama, from Natural England, was filmed in Wembury Bay – have a look at what you might find in the shallows during your visit!
Visit Plymouth
Britain's Ocean City
There is loads to see in Plymouth, both by the water and on land. For more information on places to visit and upcoming events, visit the Visit Plymouth’s website.