Plymouth is one of Devon's major cities, sporting a huge university population and some lovely seaside attractions including Plymouth Hoe, the recently renovated Lido, and the area around the harbour known as the Barbican. Plymouth is a popular tourist spot due to its enviable combination of sprawling countryside and coastline. Car hire from Plymouth gives you access to the stark beauty of Dartmoor to the north and allows you to travel to Devon's best beaches – local favourite, Whitsand Bay is a short drive away. Hiring a car from Plymouth can be done at the Railway Station, making it a really easy option.
Plymouth Hoe is always a good place to begin your visit. If the weather's warm, why not take a dip in the refurbished Tinside Lido. Traverse Smeaton's Tower and head east along the coastline to the Barbican; here you'll find an array of cafes and bars in which to dine. If you're hiring a car from Plymouth, don't miss the stretch of beach known as Whitsand Bay – a favourite with the locals, just take the A38 via the Tamar Bridge. The sprawling plains of Dartmoor are immediately accessible via the A38; for an absorbing excursion, skirt the eastern perimeter and head for Buckfast Abbey. Heading further afield? Then Penzance is just a 100 minute drive.