Not far from the English Riviera, Plymouth has a rich history in matters of the sea.

Darwin and Drake are only two of the most famous to have used the historic city’s port, whilst Americans can thank Plymouth for getting the Pilgrim Fathers off without too much trauma all those years ago. 

Nowadays the city is home to the University of Plymouth and the University of St Mark & St John. Together bringing higher education to 30,000 people, the city and surrounding areas are thriving with the thousands of students and millions in investment they bring. With its maritime pastime and National Aquarium, the city has the first university-owned diving centre in the country and a surf-inspired relaxed air to it. 

For a dose of culture the various theatres (especially the Theatre Royal) bring in big name shows and plays, whilst the Barbican district offers trendy bars and restaurants for those that want something a bit different to the usual discount chain pubs and clubs. Whilst officially named the University of Plymouth, the uni is dedicated to providing higher education across the South West of England and is a member of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative – bringing university learning to one of the few English counties without a uni of its own.