Standard Open Days8

Latest News

Plan Your Open Day

So you're coming to visit the college for an Open Day - we thought we'd share some of our favourite places to stay and eat while you're in the city
<p dir="ltr">Plymouth College of Art <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Open Days</a> are a great way to experience our state-of-the-art studios and workshops, talk to programme leaders and visit the campus. They’re also a great chance to explore the city of Plymouth. We’ve created this handy guide to help you plan your Open Day visit, whether you’re staying for the whole weekend or just for a day.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">While AirBnB has fast become the go-to option for travellers, and is a great option, Plymouth and the surrounding areas also have some fantastic hotels and accommodation to suit anyone and their families coming to visit for the Open Day experience.<br /></p>
<p>Plymouth is home to a fair share of budget hotels, with a few <a href="https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/251/Plymouth-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travelodges</a> and <a href="https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/devon/plymouth.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier Inns</a> scattered around the city centre and further afield.</p>
Dukeof Cornwall 1

The Duke of Cornwall Hotel

<p>Nestled in the heart of the city centre, opposite Plymouth’s largest venue (Plymouth Pavilions) and just a stone’s throw away from Plymouth Hoe, the <a href="https://thedukeofcornwall.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke of Cornwall Hotel</a> is a convenient, comfortable and classy choice for your family when visiting the college.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind travelling a little further from outside the city centre, <a href="https://www.boringdonhall.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boringdon Hall</a> is a great hotel to visit for a pamper during your visit. Also boasting the luxurious <a href="https://www.boringdonhall.co.uk/gaia-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gaia Spa</a>, why not enjoy some self care during your trip to Plymouth with a massage, facial or mani/pedi?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Plymouth is a great destination for foodies, with a host of different cuisines to suit every budget around the city. From Michelin star restaurants to cheap and cheerful street food, we’ve included some of our favourites that you could check out during your visit.<br /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.plymouthmarket.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Market</a>, nestled in the heart of the city centre, houses a number of fantastic eateries that won’t break the bank. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tasteofthailandplymouth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Taste of Thailand</a> spoils us with authentic Thai food cooked right in front of you, while <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tantuniplymouth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tantuni</a> offers traditional Turkish street food, from baklava to tasty wraps. Just around the corner from the college is Ebrington Street, home to <a href="https://www.primecafebar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prime Cafe</a>, the perfect place to grab a coffee and cake and watch the world go by.</p>
RWY

Royal William Yard

<p>The historic <a href="https://royalwilliamyard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal William Yard</a> has a well deserved reputation for good food. With well-known restaurants such as <a href="https://www.wagamama.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wagamama</a> and <a href="https://wildwoodrestaurants.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildwood</a>, you know what to expect, at affordable prices. If you fancy something a little classy while still keeping an eye on the finances, <a href="https://www.bistrotpierre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bistrot Pierre</a> offers affordable French cuisine, or wine and dine in style with a wine tasting and tapas at <a href="https://levignoble.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Vignoble</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://thefigtreeat36.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fig Tree @ 36</a> is one of Plymouth’s Michelin star restaurants, which specialises in local cuisine, using regional produce and fish caught locally. Despite its star rating, The Fig Tree is really reasonably priced, so definitely one to impress. It also wouldn’t be right not to mention <a href="https://barbicankitchen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barbican Kitchen</a>, made famous by celebrity chef brothers, Chris and James Tanner. With the restaurant hosted by the <a href="https://plymouthdistillery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Gin Distillery</a>, why not book in for a gin tasting and distillery tour too?</p>
<p dir="ltr">There’s always something going on in Britain’s Ocean City, so while we know you’ll be busy at the Open Day, it’s worth noting some of the cool events happening the same weekend that you might want to include in your trip. <br /></p>
Dommoore 2015 native makers 2048px 7055

Native Makers Monthly Market - Photo credit: Dom Moore

<p>Hosted by Ocean Studios at Royal William Yard, <a href="https://www.nativemakers.co.uk/events/2019/7/31/tre-pol-amp-pen-monthly-markets-772gj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Native Makers Monthly Market</a> is a platform for local artists and creatives to showcase their work and sell their wares. Grab a coffee, some freshly baked treats, browse the makers and enjoy the seaside setting.</p>
<p>In Plymouth Market Hall’s new immersive 360 degree 15 metre wide dome, <a href="https://realideas.org/event/immerse-yourself-outer-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Immerse Yourself: Outer Space</a> invites you to explore space and the International Space Station. Take a trip to the stars in this captivating virtual reality experience.</p>
35122734272 6d084a20f8 k

Drake's Island in Plymouth Sound

<p><a href="https://drakes-island.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drake’s Island</a> is a historical island situated just off the coast of Plymouth Sound, and only in recent years has the island opened back up to the public for guided tours. See Plymouth from a whole new perspective as you explore the tunnels and military buildings and meet the local wildlife that has made the island its home.</p>
<p>The Sunday after the Open Day, Home Park Stadium, home to local football team Plymouth Argyle, is hosting the <a href="https://homeparkstadium.com/news/plymouth-good-food-sunday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Good Food Sunday</a>. With over 40 food and drink stalls and craft beer and spirits to choose from, enjoy local craft and gourmet artisans and get a taste of some of what the city has to offer.</p>