Plymouth has a friendly vibe and a connection to the sea that is hard to match, making it a wonderful place to live and work, says a local resident who swims in and strolls around the Hoe
Plymouth, affectionately dubbed the “biggest village in Devon”, radiates a welcoming atmosphere that’s immediately noticeable when wandering into the city centre, or “town” as locals fondly describe it, where you’re bound to encounter recognisable faces.
Despite being the largest city in the area, Plymouth retains a leisurely rhythm of life, save for the odd burst of activity. The city carries the wounds of its turbulent past, having endured extensive bombing during the Second World War, which has left a lasting impression on its landscape.
The sea, though, remains Plymouth’s constant companion, although I’ve always questioned the nickname “Ocean City”. It appears to imply that Plymouth’s waters, The Sound, are oceanic, when in reality they constitute part of the English Channel. Visitors swarm to Plymouth’s spectacular waterfront throughout the summer months, but during winter, a walk along the Hoe Promenade provides peace that feels miles away from urban existence. Having been raised close to the Devon coastline myself, I value the seasonal transformations, from the crowded summer shores to the peaceful winters.
When I can, I head to Tinside Beach for a swim, even in the chill. Whilst I don’t venture as far out as the resilient year-round swimmers, the refreshing plunge is always energising, despite the initial jolt of the icy water, as per Plymouth Live.
Throughout the years, I’ve been lucky enough to witness an array of wildlife whilst swimming or wandering around Plymouth Hoe, from seals and dolphins to cormorants and birds of prey. Come summer, it’s quite common to see thousands of minuscule fish being carried shoreward by the current.
The high and low tides become especially dramatic during a full moon or new lunar cycle along this stretch of coast. This occurs because of how the moon, sun and Earth line up, with their joint gravitational force creating extreme tidal ranges – resulting in exceptionally high or remarkably low tides.
What I treasure most about Plymouth Hoe is how unspoilt it remains. It hasn’t been overtaken by amusement facilities, which gives it an enduring character.
Furthermore, it has emerged as an important location for marine biology and marine archaeology. Gazing out across the water, I often catch myself picturing the countless past souls who have sailed these seas, from buccaneers to contraband runners. The word “hoe” is thought to stem from the Anglo-Saxon term “hoh”, meaning a heel-shaped hill or ridge. Centuries back, Plymouth Hoe would have been quarried, with much of the limestone going towards building the city’s historic structures.
Yet, if there’s one drawback to Plymouth, it has to be the congestion. With proposals for additional housing on the city’s periphery, I worry the problem might get worse. As the city has grown, so too has the volume of traffic, with new homes and districts replacing what were once natural areas.
While parts of Plymouth remain untouched, it’s somewhat disheartening to see the urban sprawl expanding so dramatically. There are fears that increased concreting could lead to more flooding in the future, not to mention the potential for additional homes to result in more sewage being discharged into the sea.
However, Plymouth has managed to maintain its Devonian charm, despite the city’s unique status and origins. It remains a bastion for locals, largely avoiding the surge of holiday homes and Airbnb rentals that many other towns in Devon and Cornwall have experienced.
We’re lucky to still have a bustling fishing industry in Plymouth, which, despite facing numerous challenges recently, continues to provide jobs for local people. Furthermore, Plymouth is surrounded by beautiful beaches and coves, as well as the wild expanse of Dartmoor, giving us a wealth of options throughout the year.