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Staying Near Plympton Castle: 13 Family Hotels Compared

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Staying Near Plympton Castle: 13 Family Hotels Compared

Looking for family-friendly hotels near Plympton Castle in Plymouth? Compare 13 options by location, facilities, and value to book the right stay.

Staying Near Plympton Castle: 13 Family Hotels Compared

Plympton Castle - the remains of a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification in the eastern suburbs of Plymouth - sits in a quiet residential area far removed from the city's busy waterfront. Families visiting the castle ruins, the nearby Plympton St Maurice village, or using Plymouth as a base for Dartmoor and south Devon coast day trips will find a wide spread of accommodation options ranging from beachside holiday parks to city-centre aparthotels. This guide cuts through the options to help you pick the right base for your family's itinerary and budget.

What It's Like Staying Near Plympton Castle

Plympton Castle sits in Plympton St Maurice, a village-like suburb around 6 kilometres east of Plymouth city centre, connected to the city via the A374 and regular bus services. The area is low-density and residential - there are no hotels within walking distance of the castle itself, so families will need to factor in a short drive or bus ride to reach the ruins. The castle is freely accessible and takes around 20-30 minutes on foot from Plympton town centre, making it a realistic day-visit stop rather than an all-day destination. Most families staying in Plymouth use the castle as one stop on a wider south Devon itinerary that includes Dartmoor, Plymouth Hoe, and the Barbican.

Crowd levels near the castle remain low even in peak summer - Plympton doesn't attract the same tourist volume as Plymouth Hoe or the Barbican - which makes it a calm base if you prefer quieter surroundings.

Pros:

  • Plympton's residential character means quieter nights and easier parking compared to central Plymouth hotels
  • Good road access to both Dartmoor National Park (around 20 minutes west) and the south Devon coastal path
  • Lower accommodation prices in the Plympton-east Plymouth corridor compared to the Hoe waterfront

Cons:

  • No hotels are within walking distance of the castle, so a car or bus is always required
  • Limited on-site dining and evening entertainment in the immediate Plympton area
  • Families relying on public transport will find frequency drops significantly after 8pm on eastern Plymouth routes

Why Choose Family-Friendly Hotels Near Plympton Castle

Family-friendly accommodation near Plympton Castle spans a broader geography than the village itself - the most practical options are distributed across Plymouth and the surrounding south Devon coast, all within around 30 minutes of the castle by car. In this zone, family rooms typically sleep up to 4 guests and represent noticeably better per-person value than booking two separate rooms at a standard city hotel. Holiday parks and self-catering lodges dominate the best-value family segment, offering kitchens, outdoor space, and on-site pools that remove the logistical stress of travelling with children. At the other end, Plymouth's larger hotels on or near the Hoe provide family rooms with leisure facilities including indoor pools and fitness centres - at a higher nightly rate but with direct access to Plymouth's main attractions.

Self-catering options near the Devon coast cut meal costs significantly for families staying multiple nights, which makes them the strongest value proposition for stays of three nights or more.

Pros:

  • Multiple properties offer indoor swimming pools - crucial for Devon's unpredictable weather
  • Self-catering lodges and holiday parks provide kitchen facilities that reduce daily food expenditure
  • Free parking is standard across most family-oriented properties in this area, unlike central Plymouth hotels

Cons:

  • Properties offering the best family facilities (pools, play areas, outdoor space) tend to be further from Plymouth city centre
  • Peak-season booking windows for holiday parks close early - availability thins out well before July and August
  • City-centre family hotels near Plymouth Hoe carry a parking premium or require paid public car parks

Practical Booking & Area Strategy

For families prioritising visits to Plympton Castle alongside Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican, positioning yourself along the A374 corridor between Plympton and Plymouth city centre gives the best balance - you're within 15 minutes of the castle by car and within 20 minutes of the waterfront. The Marsh Mills area, where the A374 meets the A38, acts as a practical midpoint with retail facilities nearby. For families focused on the Devon coast and outdoor activities, properties on the south Devon coastline near Wembury or Bovisand offer direct access to the South West Coast Path, with Plymouth reachable in around 25 minutes by car. Dartmoor National Park is accessible in under 30 minutes from most Plymouth-area hotels, making it a realistic half-day trip alongside a castle visit. Budget-conscious families should note that properties just off the A386 north of the city offer free parking and easy access without the waterfront premium, while city-centre hotels near the Theatre Royal and Plymouth Pavilions on Armada Way benefit from walkable access to multiple attractions in one dense zone.

Best Value Family Stays

These properties offer strong family facilities - including self-catering options, pools, and free parking - at competitive price points across the Plymouth and south Devon area.

  • 1. Churchwood Valley

    8.9 Fabulous
    427 reviews
    Churchwood Valley Churchwood Valley Churchwood Valley Churchwood Valley Churchwood Valley

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

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    Churchwood Valley in Wembury is around 14 kilometres from Plympton Castle, set across 75 acres of woodland and fields directly adjacent to the South West Coast Path - a layout that gives families genuine outdoor space without driving anywhere. The wooden chalets sleep up to 6 guests and each has a private patio, fully equipped self-catering kitchen, and bathroom with shower, with 2-bedroom chalets also including a bath. The coastal path from the park leads directly to the River Yealm ferry crossing to Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, both with riverside pubs accessible on foot or by water. Plymouth itself is reachable in around 25 minutes by car, or via the Mountbatten water taxi from the coast path - a practical route that avoids city parking entirely.

    • 75-acre woodland and coastal grounds with direct coast path access
    • Fully equipped self-catering kitchen in every chalet
    • Free parking on site

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    US$ 157

  • 2. Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park, Beachside Location & Indoor Heated Pool

    9.3 Superb
    48 reviews
    Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park, Beachside Location & Indoor Heated Pool Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park, Beachside Location & Indoor Heated Pool Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park, Beachside Location & Indoor Heated Pool Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park, Beachside Location & Indoor Heated Pool Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park, Beachside Location & Indoor Heated Pool

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park is situated around 12 kilometres from Plympton Castle within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the south Devon coast, with Bovisand Beach a 5-minute walk from the accommodation. The park offers 2 and 3-bedroom caravans, 3-bedroom lodges, and 1 and 2-bedroom apartments spread across a 21-acre valley with sea views toward the Cornish coast - a scale that gives families genuine room to move. The on-site indoor heated swimming pool is a critical facility for Devon family holidays where weather is unpredictable, and a children's play park and woodland walks are available without leaving the grounds. All caravans include fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and bathroom with shower, removing the need to eat out for every meal.

    • Indoor heated swimming pool on site
    • 5-minute walk to Bovisand Beach
    • 2 and 3-bedroom caravans and lodges with full self-catering kitchens

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    US$ 140

  • 3. Future Inn Plymouth

    8.6 Fabulous
    6061 reviews
    Future Inn Plymouth Future Inn Plymouth Future Inn Plymouth Future Inn Plymouth Future Inn Plymouth

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Future Inn Plymouth sits on the A386 around 9 kilometres from Plympton Castle and 5 miles north of Plymouth city centre, positioned directly off one of the main arterial routes into Plymouth - making Dartmoor, the city centre, and the eastern suburbs equally accessible by car. Each room accommodates up to 4 guests with either 2 double beds or a double bed plus sofa bed, and rooms include a work desk, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee facilities. Free parking is included - a meaningful saving for families arriving by car who would otherwise pay Plymouth city-centre parking rates. The on-site restaurant and bar serve modern British food, and a cooked breakfast is available each morning.

    • Rooms sleep up to 4 guests with 2 double beds or double plus sofa bed
    • Free parking on site - no daily parking charge
    • On-site restaurant and bar with cooked breakfast available

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    US$ 83

  • 4. Ibis Plymouth

    8.6 Fabulous
    2083 reviews
    Ibis Plymouth Ibis Plymouth Ibis Plymouth Ibis Plymouth Ibis Plymouth

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Ibis Plymouth is positioned just off the A38 - Plymouth's main east-west arterial road - around 7 kilometres from Plympton Castle, making it one of the most efficiently located budget options for families using a car to explore the wider area. The hotel is 7.25 kilometres from the Tamar Science Park and the Plymouth convention centre, with the beaches of Cornwall reachable in around 45 minutes' drive. Refurbished en suite bedrooms with shower rooms are accessed from the garden or balcony, and the on-site restaurant and bar offer food and hot snacks available 24 hours. Private parking is included and a 24-hour reception means late arrivals are not a problem for families travelling with variable schedules.

    • Free private parking included
    • 24-hour reception and 24-hour hot snacks and drinks
    • Directly off the A38 for fast access to Dartmoor and Cornwall

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    US$ 64

  • 5. The Barley House

    8.8 Fabulous
    149 reviews
    The Barley House The Barley House The Barley House The Barley House The Barley House

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    The Barley House is a 3-star guest house in Plymouth around 9 kilometres from Plympton Castle, positioned 1.8 kilometres from Plymouth Hoe and 2 kilometres from Plymouth's Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface - a reasonable walking distance for families wanting central access without central prices. The property has on-site parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a shared lounge, with rooms including flat-screen TVs, desks, bed linen, and towels. WiFi runs at 16 Mbps - fast enough for streaming on evenings in, which matters for families with children. Marsh Mills Retail Park is 5.6 kilometres away, giving families a nearby option for grocery shopping to supplement meals out.

    • On-site free parking with 24-hour front desk
    • 1.8km from Plymouth Hoe - walkable for older children
    • Good free WiFi at 16 Mbps for in-room streaming

    Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate! 

    from

    US$ 46

  • 8.4 Very Good
    424 reviews
    Welbeck Manor And Golf Welbeck Manor And Golf Welbeck Manor And Golf Welbeck Manor And Golf Welbeck Manor And Golf

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Welbeck Manor and Golf is one of the closest hotel options to Plympton Castle at approximately 8-9 kilometres, situated in the eastern Plymouth area near Marsh Mills Retail Park - giving families easy road access to both the castle and the A38 for wider Devon exploration. The 3-star property is allergy-free and offers family rooms, a garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar on site. Exceptional breakfast is rated by guests - useful for families who want a proper meal before a day of outdoor activity rather than searching for cafés in the village. All rooms include satellite TV, kettle, desk, and private bathroom with shower, with some rooms offering garden views or a balcony.

    • Allergy-free property - relevant for families with allergy-sensitive children
    • On-site restaurant, bar, and highly rated breakfast
    • Free parking and garden terrace on site

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    US$ 319

  • 9.0 Superb
    324 reviews
    Alma Lodge Guest House Alma Lodge Guest House Alma Lodge Guest House Alma Lodge Guest House Alma Lodge Guest House

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Alma Lodge Guest House is a 4-star bed and breakfast in Plymouth, around 9 kilometres from Plympton Castle and 1.1 kilometres from the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface - making it a practical base for families visiting both Plymouth's historic centre and the surrounding area. The property offers family rooms with private bathrooms featuring shower and hairdryer, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and garden views. The breakfast is rated as fabulous by guests - an important detail for families who want to avoid the cost and time of sourcing breakfast out each morning. Free private parking is included, which removes a daily expense compared to city-centre alternatives, and cycling is available in the area for families seeking active days.

    • 4-star rated B&B with fabulous breakfast included
    • Family rooms with private bathroom, garden views, and free WiFi
    • Free private parking - 2.9km from Devil's Point Beach

    Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate! 

    from

    US$ 85

Best Premium Family Stays

These properties offer the highest level of facilities - including indoor pools, leisure centres, fine dining, and landmark waterfront locations - for families who want a more complete hotel experience close to Plymouth's main attractions.

  • 1. Crowne Plaza Plymouth By Ihg

    8.3 Very Good
    3295 reviews
    Crowne Plaza Plymouth By Ihg Crowne Plaza Plymouth By Ihg Crowne Plaza Plymouth By Ihg Crowne Plaza Plymouth By Ihg Crowne Plaza Plymouth By Ihg

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Crowne Plaza Plymouth is around 14 kilometres from Plympton Castle and overlooks Plymouth Hoe's greenery and Plymouth Sound - giving families one of the most visually striking hotel positions in the city. The hotel's on-site indoor swimming pool, sauna, and fitness centre make it a self-contained base for days when weather limits outdoor plans. The 11th-floor Marco Pierre White restaurant with panoramic sea views is a genuine differentiator - families can enjoy a landmark dining experience without leaving the hotel. The Barbican and National Marine Aquarium are within 15 minutes' walk, and Plymouth Ferry Station is under 1 mile away, giving families easy access to cross-channel or Brittany Ferries sailings.

    • Indoor swimming pool, sauna, and fitness centre on site
    • 11th-floor restaurant with panoramic Plymouth Sound views
    • Under 1 mile from Plymouth Ferry Station and 15-minute walk to the Barbican

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    US$ 83

  • 2. New Continental Hotel; Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western

    7.9 Good
    2625 reviews
    New Continental Hotel; Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western New Continental Hotel; Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western New Continental Hotel; Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western New Continental Hotel; Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western New Continental Hotel; Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    New Continental Hotel is located in central Plymouth, around 13 kilometres from Plympton Castle, directly adjacent to Plymouth Pavilions - one of the city's main entertainment and events venues. The on-site leisure complex includes an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, solarium, and a fully equipped gym, making it one of the most comprehensive leisure facilities available in a Plymouth city-centre hotel. Steve's Brasserie uses local produce for British cuisine with a European influence, and the Roma Bar provides a lounge space suitable for families relaxing in the evening. Plymouth Hoe is less than 10 minutes' walk, and the Theatre Royal is a 5-minute walk - practical for families combining sightseeing with cultural visits.

    • Indoor pool, steam room, sauna, solarium, and gym - all on site
    • Adjacent to Plymouth Pavilions; 5-minute walk to Theatre Royal
    • On-site brasserie restaurant using locally sourced produce

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    US$ 90

  • 3. Duke Of Cornwall Hotel

    7.7 Good
    4022 reviews
    Duke Of Cornwall Hotel Duke Of Cornwall Hotel Duke Of Cornwall Hotel Duke Of Cornwall Hotel Duke Of Cornwall Hotel

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Duke of Cornwall Hotel occupies a grand 19th-century Victorian building around 13 kilometres from Plympton Castle, positioned half a mile from Plymouth Ferry Terminal and Harbour - the closest hotel to the Cross Channel Ferry Port in Plymouth. The hotel's award-winning restaurant holds Two AA Rosettes and specialises in local produce and freshly caught seafood, served in intimate surroundings. Individual rooms with elegant Victorian décor, accessed via a sweeping staircase or a vintage lift, are a distinct experience compared to modern chain hotels - rooms retain traditional features alongside flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and work desks. Dartmoor National Park is reachable in around 20 minutes by car, making it a practical base for combining city visits with national park day trips.

    • Two AA Rosette restaurant specialising in locally sourced seafood
    • Closest hotel to Plymouth Cross Channel Ferry Port - half a mile
    • Victorian rooms with vintage lift access and traditional period features

    Best price guarantee

    from

    US$ 67

  • 4. Admiral'S House By Maison Pierre

    8.8 Fabulous
    1256 reviews
    Admiral'S House By Maison Pierre Admiral'S House By Maison Pierre Admiral'S House By Maison Pierre Admiral'S House By Maison Pierre Admiral'S House By Maison Pierre

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Admiral's House by Maison Pierre is a 14-room boutique B&B set inside Royal William Yard - a Grade I listed former Royal Navy victualling complex on Plymouth's waterfront - around 13 kilometres from Plympton Castle. The building was the residence of a Royal Navy Admiral and has been carefully restored, retaining period features throughout its 14 individually styled en suite bedrooms. Complimentary breakfast, parking, and WiFi are included - a meaningful bundle at boutique prices. The Bistrot Pierre restaurant is directly across the yard's green, offering French bistro cuisine, barista coffee, and a wine and cocktail menu throughout the day, with a sun terrace facing the historic yard.

    • 14 individually styled en suite rooms inside Grade II listed Royal William Yard
    • Complimentary breakfast, parking, and WiFi all included
    • On-site French bistro restaurant with sun terrace in a car-free heritage yard

    Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate! 

    from

    US$ 206

  • 8.1 Very Good
    1768 reviews
    The Grosvenor Plymouth The Grosvenor Plymouth The Grosvenor Plymouth The Grosvenor Plymouth The Grosvenor Plymouth

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    The Grosvenor Plymouth is a grand period townhouse situated near Plymouth Hoe, around 13 kilometres from Plympton Castle and half a mile from Plymouth Ferry Port - a straightforward walk for families catching a ferry crossing. The hotel offers family rooms with private bathrooms, free toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, and work desk, alongside a comfortable guest lounge, TV room, and a well-stocked bar. The breakfast range is rated very good by guests and includes cereals, fruit salad, croissants, and extensive vegan and vegetarian options - useful for families with varied dietary needs. Plymouth city centre is a short stroll away and Dartmoor National Park is reachable in around 20 minutes by car.

    • Half a mile from Plymouth Ferry Port - walkable with luggage
    • Very good breakfast with vegan and vegetarian options included
    • Family rooms with private bathroom in a period townhouse near Plymouth Hoe

    Best price guarantee

    from

    US$ 92

  • 6. 1 Elliot Terrace

    8.3 Very Good
    341 reviews
    1 Elliot Terrace 1 Elliot Terrace 1 Elliot Terrace 1 Elliot Terrace 1 Elliot Terrace

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    1 Elliot Terrace is a Grade II listed building directly on Plymouth Hoe - one of Plymouth's most historic addresses - around 13 kilometres from Plympton Castle. The property offers 5 grand apartments with dual-aspect views over the Hoe and sea, plus 3 studio apartments with city views, all with fully equipped kitchens including oven, hob, fridge, and microwave - removing meal costs for families staying several nights. The building's Hoe position puts the Lido, Barbican, Plymouth city centre, and multiple restaurants and cafés within walking distance. Laundry facilities are available on site, and selected apartments accept pets, which is a rare offering at this quality level in central Plymouth.

    • Grand apartments with dual-aspect sea and Hoe views in a Grade II listed building
    • Fully equipped self-catering kitchen in every apartment
    • Selected apartments are pet-friendly - rare in central Plymouth

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    US$ 153

Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Families Near Plympton Castle

The south Devon coast and Plymouth experience their highest visitor volumes between late July and the end of August, when school holidays drive demand across all accommodation types. Holiday parks such as Bovisand Lodge and Churchwood Valley typically fill their peak-week slots well before Easter, so families targeting those properties should aim to book at least 12 weeks in advance for summer school holiday dates. Shoulder season - May to June and September - offers the strongest value: accommodation rates drop noticeably, Dartmoor and the coastal paths are far less congested, and Plymouth's attractions remain fully operational. Plympton Castle itself is an open-access site with no ticketing or timed entry, so it can be visited at any point in the day without pre-booking pressure. For families combining the castle with the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Hoe, and a Dartmoor day, a minimum stay of 3 nights is realistic to cover the itinerary without rushing. Last-minute availability near Plymouth Hoe in August is limited and commands a significant premium - budget options off the A386 and A38 corridors retain more availability later into the booking window if flexibility is a priority.

  • What It's Like Staying Near Plympton Castle
  • Why Choose Family-Friendly Hotels Near Plympton Castle
  • Practical Booking & Area Strategy
  • Best Value Family Stays

    • 1. Churchwood Valley
    • 2. Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park, Beachside Location & Indoor Heated Pool
    • 3. Future Inn Plymouth
    • 4. Ibis Plymouth
    • 5. The Barley House
    • 6. Welbeck Manor And Golf
    • 7. Alma Lodge Guest House
  • Best Premium Family Stays

    • 8. Crowne Plaza Plymouth By Ihg
    • 9. New Continental Hotel; Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western
    • 10. Duke Of Cornwall Hotel
    • 11. Admiral'S House By Maison Pierre
    • 12. The Grosvenor Plymouth
    • 13. 1 Elliot Terrace
  • Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Families Near Plympton Castle
Hotels featured in this article
1. Churchwood Valley
2. Bovisand Lodge Holiday Park, Beachside Location & Indoor Heated Pool
3. Future Inn Plymouth
4. Ibis Plymouth
5. The Barley House
6. Welbeck Manor And Golf
7. Alma Lodge Guest House
8. Crowne Plaza Plymouth By Ihg
9. New Continental Hotel; Sure Hotel Collection By Best Western
10. Duke Of Cornwall Hotel
11. Admiral'S House By Maison Pierre
12. The Grosvenor Plymouth
13. 1 Elliot Terrace
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