Hidden Gems: Where to Study (and Chill) Outdoors in Plymouth

Finding the perfect balance between study sessions and downtime is an important part of a successful university experience. While your student accommodation’s study areas are great for focused work, sometimes you need a fresh perspective. Thankfully, working outdoors in Plymouth is easy. In a city where great green spaces meet the rugged British coastline, you can enjoy some of the best ‘outdoor offices’ in the country.

After scouring the local guidebooks, we’ve condensed our list to these spots:

Location	Vibe	Best For
The Park (Uni Campus)	Social & Central	Quick breaks between lectures
Central Park	Vast & Green	Long walks and active revision
West Hoe Park	Scenic & Coastal	Sunset views and seaside air
Mount Edgcumbe or Buckland Abbey	Adventure & Escape	All-day weekend resets

What are the best hidden gems in Plymouth?

If you want to stay close to your lectures, The Park on the University of Plymouth campus is the ultimate social hub. It is generally the first port of call for students looking to catch some sun while finishing a reading list. Thanks to it being in the middle of the main campus, you are never more than a few minutes away from the SU bar or library resources.

For those who need more space to breathe, Central Park is the city’s largest green space. It is the ideal spot for a ‘walking meeting’ with your project group or a quiet afternoon with a textbook under a tree. If you prefer a coastal setting, West Hoe Park offers a flatter, more peaceful setting overlooking Plymouth Sound. It is a fantastic place to admire the boats while you clear your head after a long day of seminars.

Where can I explore further afield?

Sometimes the best study break is leaving the city entirely. Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is a Grade I listed landscape that feels worlds away but is easily accessible via the Cremyll Ferry. It is free to enter the park, and with 865 acres to explore, you are guaranteed to find a quiet corner for reading.

Another property that should be high on your list is Buckland Abbey. A stunning National Trust site found on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, you’ll need a full day to explore and appreciate its history.

• Bonus Tip: For budget-savvy students, the National Trust offers discounted memberships for young people (aged under 25), costing just £48 per year. You’ll then get unlimited entry and free parking at all their properties in England and Wales.

For animal lovers, Dartmoor Zoo offers a concessionary rate for students (£20.95). While it isn’t the quietest place on our list, the surrounding parkland is a great place to connect with nature away from the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there quiet study spaces in Homes for Students’ properties?

Yes, many of our student accommodation options in Plymouth and beyond are home to study spaces and communal lounges. This allows you to focus without leaving the building if the British weather isn’t on your side.

Which outdoor spaces in Plymouth are free to enter?

Most of Plymouth’s main parks, including Central Park, West Hoe Park, and the grounds of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, are free to visit and open daily.

Is Plymouth Calling?

If you’re wondering whether Plymouth should be your new home base, take a moment to explore our fantastic range of student accommodation in the city. Who knows? You could be reading in the misty hills of Dartmoor by this time next year.