The ultimate guide: Healthy things to do in Plymouth

We are extremely lucky in Plymouth to be surrounded by nature. With such a stunning British coastline, this seaside city has plenty of activities for those of you looking to get your health back on track. Ocean swims, Dartmoor walks, and beach walks are just a drop in the ocean of things to mention Plymouth has to offer. Living a healthy lifestyle in this quaint ocean city can be easy, inexpensive, or even free! 

Jess is Plymouth born and bred, and chiropractor Dane is new to Plymouths so this guide will include places Jess has tried and tested and would recommend and also places Dane is trying out and experiencing as a newcomer to Plymouth himself. There really is something for everyone looking to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Things to do in nature

Countryside: Explore the coastal trails

Exercising can feel so freeing and easy when your mind is occupied with beautiful views. Nothing feels more rejuvenating than being out in the sea air listening to the waves on the shore whilst you explore beaches, coves, and seaside towns as you take a coastal walk. 

1. One of our favourite walks is through the Plymouth Waterfront Walkway, taking you from Admirals Yard, through Royal William Yard, Plymouth Hoe, Mount Batten, and ending in Jennycliff where you can take a boat ride back to the Mayflower steps. 
2. Plymouth to Wembury is an almost 6-mile walk all along the coast, and there are even buses available to bring you back to Plymouth if you don’t want to walk the full 12 miles! This is something we will certainly build ourselves up to on our weekends. 
3. Cremyll to Portwrinkle is another gorgeous walk. You simply take the ferry from Plymouth to Cremyll and then walk through Mount Edgecombe Estate, Cawsand, and Kingsand Beach. Buses are also available here to bring you back. 
4. We are also home to stunning country estate parks such as Saltram House and Buckland Abbey which often has events planned around the seasons which can make walking around the estate fun and interactive whether you go solo or with family or friends or even. 
5. If you want to switch up the coastline for a view of Dartmoor, then we love to walk with our family around Burrator Reservoir or magpie bridge. If you want more of a challenge, then you can try walking one of the Ten Tors and enjoy the rolling hills and peaceful sound of nature. 

Ocean swim: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cold, refreshing waters of Britain’s Ocean City

Although this may seem daunting at first, taking a dip into the cold waters can be so invigorating. We love doing this and value the buzz it gives you mentally and the boost it gives your immune system. Taking the plunge into the cold waters is a great way to leave your inhibitions behind and enjoy the beauty and benefits of mother nature. 

We have been enjoying swims with Plymouth Wellbeing Club, who, among this, organise other group events and have created a lovely community of people who take care of one another in Plymouth. Take a walk to the sound and see the buzz of everyone there in the mornings taking part in a sea swim. You won’t be able to resist a quick dip. 

Watersports: Paddle boarding or kayaking at Plymouth Sound

If being submerged in the ocean is not for you then what about gliding across the sparkling waters of Plymouth Sound on a paddleboard or kayak? Exploring the Sound whilst discovering this whole new perspective of our gorgeous coastal city is a must. The best part is that you will be getting a great workout in the process!

1. South West Sup offers individual paddleboard sessions plus social sessions from Royal William Yard. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the powers of time spent by the sea then you can take part in their yoga, sea swim, and SUP sessions which Jess is very much looking forward to trying!
2. Mount Batten Centre offers great water sports options from paddle boarding around the sound to kayaking and skying. 

Clubs, Classes, Activities and Gyms

Yoga & Pilates

Join a yoga, pilates or meditation studio – find a local class to stretch and strengthen your mind and body

Taking a simple step of starting a yoga class can be the perfect way to start your journey toward a healthier mind and body. Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on stilling the mind and creating mindful movement whilst focusing on your breath. It can be extremely calming whilst also being a great form of exercise. 

1. Ashtanga yoga and gentle Hatha yoga classes are even available to do at the National Marine Aquarium.
2. Nuffield Health has made this accessible for beginners to seasoned practitioners so they can explore their abilities on the mat in the tranquil calm of ocean creatures swimming before you. 
3. The Yoga Loft Plymouth also have meditation classes, restorative yoga, and yoga classes for various levels available in a gorgeous hub they have created in the city centre. If you are wanting to try yoga, then attending a class like the ones we have mentioned above is a great way to connect with like-minded people whilst challenging your mind and body. 
4. At Pilates with Cassie, Cassie offers a wide range of classes, from beginner-friendly matwork to more advanced reformer sessions. You can also find in-person and online options, as well as pre- and postnatal courses.
5. Meditation is something we practice daily, and we recommend everyone to try it. We love that Plymouth has a Meditation centre that is accessible to anyone, with no need to book, you can simply drop in and enjoy one of their sessions. Kadampa Meditation Centre in Plymouth is offering a space for people to come and bring positive habits and thoughts into their daily life through the practice of guided meditation. 

Our Favourite Gyms in Plymouth

Finding the right gym for you, that has everything you might want in terms of classes they offer and equipment they have can be tricky, but luckily Plymouth has a huge amount on offer. What we love about gyms is the sense of community that they foster. When everyone is in one place, with the same goal of getting a stronger, fitter healthier body then the atmosphere can feel amazing. Being in an environment of people with a passion for the same thing can be a real push and create the motivation you need to get through your training. 

1. CJ Fitness has built a strong fitness and health community in Plymouth, offering group boot camp-style sessions focussing on strength and conditioning and cardio fitness as well as personal training. They are a great team, and we love attending their morning sessions as we feel it really sets us up for the day. They also go the extra mile by providing personalised training and check-ins to make sure you are heading in the right direction and achieving your goals.
2. Zone Fitness is a family-run gym that has a great choice of classes on offer and a good range of equipment for you to tailor your own workouts. 

Food stores & restaurants

Shop at local markets – Support local businesses and pick up some fresh, locally-grown produce.

We are all about supporting the local community around us – shopping at a local market not only allows us to stimulate the local economy and help local farmers and producers, but it also ensures we are getting the best, fresh fruit and vegetables for our health. 

1. A great way to explore what foody delights Devon and Cornwall has to offer is by visiting the Plymouth Good Food Market held on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 10 am at home park stadium, which means you can enjoy a walk around the gorgeous Central Park after. 
2. We always look forward to a delivery from Westcountry Produce. They bring local farm-grown groceries and freshly baked bread to your door. 
3. Jacka Bakery also makes the best sourdough bread amongst other home-baked treats in this family-run bakery so we really recommend you get in there and soak up the smell of freshly baked loaves and take a walk along the Barbican after your visit. 

Switching up the supermarket shop once in a while to a trip to one of your local producers can be a fun experience that your taste buds and your community will thank you for. 

Our go-to health food, supplement stores and restaurants in Plymouth

After a workout you want to refuel your body with the correct nutrition and Fuel Catering offers protein-packed meals which are so tasty. If you want to go out for a meal but still ensure good quality food made with health in mind then Fuel Catering is a great choice.

It’s great to see some health food and supplement stores on the Plymouth scene now.

Particularly Health Hut Plymouth has such an impressive range of health-driven supplements that support detox, cleansing, gut microbiome, immune system, natural protein powders, and more. 

So, whether you’re after some more traditional yoga studio classes, free ways to exercise around Plymouth, or you’re up for trying something new like stand-up paddleboarding, there’s something here for everyone seeking an invigorating workout. 

If you ever want to join us for sea swims, paddle boarding, or walks, you are always more than welcome! 

So take the plunge and jump right into all that this health-loving city has to offer.