⚓ HOME PARK AWAY DAY TRAVEL GUIDE ⚓
Plymouth Argyle – Your Complete Travel Guide
⚓ ABOUT HOME PARK
Home Park is one of English football’s most remote and atmospheric stadiums, having been Plymouth Argyle’s home since 1901. Located in the heart of Plymouth on the Devon coast, this historic ground sits in England’s Ocean City, making it the most south-westerly Football League stadium and one of the longest away trips in English football. Home Park has a capacity of 18,600 and retains genuine character despite modernisation.
The stadium features four distinctive stands – the Grandstand (main stand), Mayflower Stand (away section), Barn Park End, and Devonport End. The ground has witnessed over 120 years of football history and remains an iconic venue where the sea air and passionate Green Army create a unique matchday atmosphere. This is proper traditional English football in a stunning coastal location.
Plymouth Argyle – The Pilgrims or The Green Army – were founded in 1886, making them one of England’s oldest football clubs. The club’s name reflects the city’s maritime heritage, with Argyle being chosen from the nearby Argyle Terrace. Plymouth have spent most of their history in the lower divisions, currently in League One, but they have enjoyed Championship football in recent years, reaching the Championship play-offs in 2023-24. The club have won the Third Division title twice (1959, 2004) and the Third Division South title once (1930).
The famous green-and-white shirts reflect the city’s naval connections. Argyle’s passionate fanbase, known as the Green Army, creates one of football’s most devoted followings despite the geographical isolation. Home Park has hosted memorable matches, including FA Cup giant-killings and promotion celebrations. The rivalry with Exeter City creates the fiercest derby in the South West. Plymouth Argyle represents a proud working-class maritime heritage and genuine football community spirit.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 18,600 (all seated) |
| Opened | 1901 (123+ years of history!) |
| Away Section | Mayflower Stand (Lower Tier) |
| Away Allocation | Typically 1,000-1,200 seats (expandable) |
| Record Attendance | 43,596 vs Aston Villa (Division Two, 1936) |
🚗 GETTING TO HOME PARK
Home Park is located in Plymouth city centre, approximately 1 mile from Plymouth railway station. Plymouth is England’s most remote Championship city, located on the Devon coast. The ground is accessible by train + bus/taxi/walk, or by car from the M5 and A38. Plymouth’s remote location means this is genuinely one of the longest away trips in English football – budget significant travel time from most of the country. The stunning coastal setting and historic naval city make the journey worthwhile!
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Home Park Address: Home Park, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 3DQ
🚂 BY TRAIN – A Long Journey!
Why Trains Work: Plymouth railway station has excellent connections from across the country via the Great Western Main Line, though journey times are substantial due to Plymouth’s remote south-west location. From the station, Home Park is approximately 1 mile – either a pleasant 20-25 minute walk through the city centre (recommended on decent weather days), a short bus ride (around 10 minutes, £2), or a quick taxi journey (5-10 minutes, £6-8). The walk takes you through Plymouth’s historic city centre and is straightforward to follow.
Journey Times to Plymouth Station:
🔴 London Paddington: 3 hours 15 minutes (direct)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: 3 hours 30 minutes (change at Bristol or Exeter)
🟡 Manchester Piccadilly: 5 hours 30 minutes (change at Bristol or Birmingham)
🟢 Bristol Temple Meads: 2 hours (direct)
🔵 Exeter St Davids: 1 hour (direct)
🟣 Leeds: 6 hours (multiple changes)
🔴 Newcastle: 7+ hours (multiple changes)
Getting from Plymouth Station to Home Park
🚶 Walking (20-25 minutes) – Recommended!
Exit the station onto Saltash Road, turn right and head towards the city centre. Walk through the city centre on Royal Parade, continue onto Armada Way, then turn left onto Outland Road. Home Park is signposted and clearly visible. The walk through Plymouth’s city centre is pleasant and takes you past shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Perfect on decent weather days!
🚌 Bus (10 minutes, £2)
Several bus services run from near the station towards Home Park. Numbers 21, 21A, and 42 stop close to the stadium. Buses are frequent and convenient. Check plymouthbus.co.uk for routes and times.
🚕 Taxi (5-10 minutes, £6-8)
Taxis readily available at the station. Quick journey to Home Park. Convenient if you’re carrying bags or pushed for time, but the walk is genuinely pleasant!
💡 Top Tip: Plymouth is a LONG way from most of England! Many away fans make a weekend of it, arriving Friday evening or Saturday morning. The city has excellent accommodation, brilliant nightlife (massive student population!), and stunning coastal attractions. After travelling 3-7 hours to get here, you might as well explore England’s Ocean City properly!
🔗 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🔗 Plymouth Argyle Official Site: pafc.co.uk
🚗 BY CAR – Long Drive But Straightforward
Driving to Plymouth means a long journey from most of England, but once you reach the South West, navigation is straightforward. The city is accessed via the M5 and A38 Devon Expressway. Parking near Home Park can be challenging on matchdays.
If You’re Driving:
- From M5/Bristol/Exeter: M5 south to Exeter, then A38 Devon Expressway to Plymouth (45 minutes from Exeter). Follow signs for City Centre/Home Park
- From London: M4 west to Bristol, M5 south to Exeter, A38 to Plymouth (4+ hours depending on traffic)
- From Midlands: M5 south to Exeter, then A38 to Plymouth (3-4 hours from Birmingham)
- From Cornwall: A38 east to Plymouth (various journey times depending on location)
Parking Options:
- Street Parking: Limited in surrounding residential streets with restrictions – arrive early and check signs carefully
- Central Park: Large park-and-ride style car park near the stadium. Gets busy on matchdays (£5-8)
- Theatre Royal Car Park: City centre location, 10-15 minute walk to stadium (£4-6)
- Mayflower Street Car Park: Close to the stadium but limited spaces (£5-7)
- Drake Circus Shopping Centre: Large multi-storey, 15-20 minute walk to stadium (£5-8)
💡 Top Tip: Parking is challenging near Home Park on matchdays. Consider using city centre car parks and walking 15-20 minutes – you’ll avoid post-match congestion and can explore Plymouth’s city centre. Many fans park at the Barbican (historic harbour area) and walk through the city, which makes for a much nicer away-day experience!
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR HOME PARK
⚠️ IMPORTANT ADVICE: Plymouth has an excellent pub scene with many options welcoming away fans, particularly in the city centre and around the historic Barbican area. Most city centre pubs are safe for away supporters. Pubs immediately around Home Park can be Argyle strongholds, so exercise normal discretion. The best approach is to drink in the city centre or Barbican (a 15-20 minute walk), then head to the stadium. Plymouth has a strong naval and maritime drinking culture – proper traditional pubs!
🍺 City Centre Pubs (Safe for Away Fans)
🍺 The Britannia Inn (Wetherspoons) (1 Wolsdon Street, PL1 2RQ)
Large Wetherspoons in the city centre. Generally safe for away fans due to the chain pub status. Cheap drinks, food available, convenient location. About 15 minutes walk to the stadium. Good pre-match option and gets mixed crowds.
Distance to Stadium: 15 mins walk | Price: £ (Budget)
🍺 The Union Rooms (Wetherspoons) (15-17 Union Street, PL1 2SR)
Another Wetherspoons near Union Street (Plymouth’s nightlife hub). Generally tolerant of away fans. Large venue with cheap beer and food. Gets busy on matchdays but mixed crowds. About a 15-20 minute walk to Home Park.
Distance to Stadium: 15-20 mins walk | Price: £ (Budget)
🍺 The Ship Inn (The Barbican, PL1 2LS)
Historic pub in the beautiful Barbican area (Plymouth’s old harbour). Traditional atmosphere, good beer, stunning waterfront location. Generally welcoming to all supporters. Perfect for experiencing Plymouth’s maritime heritage. About a 20-minute walk to the stadium, but it’s worth it!
Distance to Stadium: 20 mins walk | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
🍺 The Dolphin Hotel (14 The Barbican, PL1 2LS)
Another excellent Barbican option. Historic pub with character, good food and drink. The waterfront setting makes it ideal for away fans wanting to explore Plymouth properly. Welcoming atmosphere.
Distance to Stadium: 20 mins walk | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
🍺 The Fortescue (37 Mutley Plain, PL4 6JQ)
Traditional pub near the stadium. Good beer selection, friendly atmosphere. Generally accepts away fans in small groups but exercises normal discretion. Convenient if you want to be closer to Home Park.
Distance to Stadium: 10 mins walk | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
⚠️ Near the Stadium (Exercise Caution)
⚠️ Pubs Around Home Park
Several pubs immediately around Home Park are popular with Argyle fans. Exercise caution with away colours. Better to stick with the city centre or Barbican options for pre-match drinks, then head to the stadium.
⚠️ Caution advised
🍔 Food Options: Plymouth city centre has excellent food options – waterfront restaurants at the Barbican, various chain restaurants around Drake Circus shopping centre, traditional fish and chips, and all the usual fast food options. The Barbican area is particularly good for seafood, given Plymouth’s maritime location. Stadium concourses have standard football fare – pies, burgers, hot food (£4-5).
⚓ Maritime Tip: The Barbican is genuinely brilliant – a historic harbour area with waterfront pubs, seafood restaurants, and stunning views. Many away fans make this their pre-match base. Have a few pints by the water, grab some fish and chips, then walk to Home Park through the city. Much better experience than rushing straight to the stadium!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN PLYMOUTH
Plymouth offers excellent accommodation across all price ranges. As a major coastal city with substantial tourism and a large student population, it has hundreds of hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses. The remote location means many away fans make a weekend of it. Stay in the city centre for the best access to nightlife, restaurants, and the stadium. Book well in advance for weekend fixtures, especially during the summer when tourism peaks.
💷 Budget Options (£50-£80 per night)
Premier Inn Plymouth City Centre
Sutton Harbour location near the Barbican. Modern, reliable chain hotel. Walking distance to the stadium and waterfront attractions. Usually £55-75 per room. Multiple Premier Inns in Plymouth – city centre locations are best.
Location: City centre/Barbican | Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge Plymouth
Derriford location (slightly out of the city centre but cheaper). Basic accommodation, good value. Around £45-65 per room. Regular buses to the city centre and the stadium.
Location: Derriford (bus to centre) | Book: travelodge.co.uk
Local B&Bs
Numerous B&Bs are around Plymouth, particularly near the Hoe and Barbican areas. Rooms from £45-60 per night. Variable quality, but many excellent options with character. Check booking.com or Google Maps.
💡 Budget Tip: Plymouth has loads of accommodation due to tourism and the university. Shop around on booking sites for the best deals. Summer is more expensive due to coastal tourism!
💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£80-£130 per night)
Duke of Cornwall Hotel
Millbay Road, PL1 3LG. Historic Victorian hotel near the waterfront. Grand building with character, comfortable rooms, good restaurant. Central location. Rooms £90-130 per night. Proper heritage Plymouth hotel!
Location: Millbay/City centre | Book: thedukeofcornwall.co.uk
Copthorne Hotel Plymouth
Armada Way, PL1 1AR. Modern four-star hotel in the heart of the city centre. Contemporary rooms, good facilities, excellent location for the stadium and attractions. Rooms £85-125 per night.
Location: City centre | Book: millenniumhotels.com
Crowne Plaza Plymouth
Armada Way, PL1 2HJ. Four-star chain hotel in a prime city centre location. Modern rooms, a swimming pool, and a good restaurant. Rooms £95-135 per night. Very convenient for everything.
Location: City centre | Book: ihg.com
⭐ Recommended: Duke of Cornwall for character and heritage, or Copthorne/Crowne Plaza for modern comfort in perfect locations!
💷💷💷 Boutique & Waterfront Options
Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa
Boringdon Hill, PL7 4DP. Stunning luxury manor house hotel on Plymouth’s outskirts (15 minutes from the city). Five-star luxury, spa, and excellent restaurant. Historic building with modern luxury. Rooms £150-300+ per night. Special occasion stay!
Location: Plympton (outskirts) | Book: boringdonhall.co.uk
Waterfront B&Bs (The Hoe area)
Various boutique B&Bs near Plymouth Hoe with stunning sea views. Character properties are often family-run. Rooms £80-140 per night. Beautiful locations overlooking the water – proper Plymouth experience!
💡 Tip: Given the long journey to Plymouth, many away fans make a weekend of it. Consider staying Friday and Saturday night, exploring the coast, visiting the historic Barbican, and enjoying Plymouth’s excellent nightlife!
⚓ THINGS TO DO IN PLYMOUTH
Plymouth is England’s Ocean City – a stunning coastal destination with incredible maritime heritage, beautiful waterfront, historic sites, and brilliant attractions. This is one of England’s greatest naval cities with Mayflower connections, Drake’s Plymouth, and the historic Royal Citadel. Given the long journey from most of England, Plymouth genuinely deserves a full weekend visit. This combines Championship football with a proper coastal city break!
⚓ The Barbican (Must Visit!)
Plymouth’s historic harbour area and the city’s most atmospheric quarter. Cobbled streets, waterfront pubs, seafood restaurants, independent shops, and stunning harbour views. This is where the Mayflower departed for America in 1620 – proper maritime history! The Mayflower Steps commemorate this historic voyage. Walk along the waterfront, explore the narrow medieval streets, visit the art galleries and museums, grab fish and chips, and soak up the atmosphere. The Barbican is genuinely beautiful and captures Plymouth’s maritime soul.
Cost: FREE to explore! Individual attractions vary | Time: Allow 2-3 hours minimum
The Barbican is Plymouth at its best – don’t miss it!
🌊 Plymouth Hoe
Stunning coastal park with spectacular views over Plymouth Sound. This is where Sir Francis Drake supposedly finished his game of bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada! The iconic Smeaton’s Tower (lighthouse), war memorials, beautiful promenades, and panoramic sea views. Walk along the waterfront, visit the lighthouse, explore the park, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. On clear days, the views are breathtaking. The Hoe is Plymouth’s most famous landmark.
Cost: FREE! Smeaton’s Tower £4 | Info: visitplymouth.co.uk
🏰 Royal Citadel
Historic fortress still used by the military. Built in 1665 and is one of England’s best-preserved 17th-century fortifications. Guided tours available (pre-book essential). Fascinating military history, stunning views, and impressive architecture. This is proper English heritage – Drake, the Armada, naval history spanning centuries.
Cost: Around £6-8 (guided tours) | Info: Check english-heritage.org.uk for tour times
🐟 National Marine Aquarium
Britain’s largest aquarium is on the waterfront. Outstanding marine exhibits, shark tank, ocean tunnel, and fascinating displays about ocean conservation. Perfect for families or anyone interested in marine life. World-class facility in a beautiful waterfront location.
Cost: £16-18 | Info: national-aquarium.co.uk | Time: Allow 2-3 hours
🎨 The Box (Plymouth Museum)
A brilliant museum and art gallery in the city centre. Plymouth’s history from prehistoric times through naval heritage to the modern day. Free entry! Excellent exhibitions, fascinating collections, and engaging displays. Perfect for understanding Plymouth’s extraordinary history.
Cost: FREE! | Info: theboxplymouth.com
Nearby Coastal Attractions
Dartmoor National Park (30-minute drive):
Stunning moorland landscape with wild ponies, granite tors, prehistoric sites, and beautiful scenery. Brilliant walking, charming villages, and dramatic landscapes. Perfect for a Sunday visit if you’re staying the weekend!
South Devon Coast:
Beautiful coastal towns within easy reach – Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Bigbury-on-Sea. Stunning beaches, coastal walks, seafood restaurants. The South West Coast Path offers spectacular walking.
Mount Edgcumbe:
Historic house and country park across Plymouth Sound in Cornwall (reached by ferry). Beautiful gardens, stunning views back to Plymouth, and coastal walks. Lovely day trip!
⚓ THE PLYMOUTH EXPERIENCE
⚓ Maritime Heritage: Mayflower, Drake, the Armada – Plymouth is where English naval history was written!
🌊 Coastal Beauty: Stunning waterfront setting where the city meets the sea. The Hoe and Barbican are genuinely spectacular!
🎓 Student City: Massive student population means brilliant nightlife and affordable restaurants. Union Street is legendary!
⚽ THE MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
💚 Green Army: Passionate fanbase known as one of English football’s most devoted followings!
🏟️ Historic Ground: Home Park since 1901 with genuine character and atmosphere!
🌍 Remote Location: England’s most remote Championship away day – but the journey’s worth it for the coastal setting!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting Home Park is experiencing one of English football’s most remote and atmospheric away days. Plymouth Argyle’s stadium has stood since 1901 and retains genuine character despite modernisation. The Green Army creates one of football’s most passionate atmospheres, and the compact ground ensures every seat is close to the action. Away fans get a decent allocation in the Mayflower Stand with good views throughout.
This isn’t the most glamorous stadium in the Football League, but it has soul, history, and character that modern bowls lack. The passionate support, historic setting, and maritime atmosphere make Home Park a proper traditional English football experience!
But Home Park is just the excuse to visit Plymouth – England’s Ocean City! This stunning coastal destination offers incredible maritime heritage, beautiful waterfront, historic sites, and brilliant attractions. The Barbican’s cobbled streets and waterfront pubs capture Plymouth’s soul.
The Hoe’s coastal views are breathtaking. The city’s naval history – Drake defeating the Armada, the Mayflower departing for America – is genuinely special. Add the National Marine Aquarium, The Box museum, Royal Citadel, and you’ve got a weekend packed with quality attractions. Plymouth’s massive student population means excellent nightlife and affordable food. The coastal setting provides stunning beaches and countryside within easy reach.
Yes, getting to Plymouth means a long journey from most of England – 3-7 hours by train from major cities. But that’s precisely why you should make a proper weekend of it! Arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning, explore the Barbican, visit the Hoe, enjoy the waterfront, sample the nightlife, watch the football, then explore more on Sunday before heading home. Plymouth genuinely deserves the full weekend treatment.
The city’s warm welcome, stunning coastal setting, and brilliant attractions make the journey worthwhile. The football is just part of a fantastic coastal city break. Make the trip, embrace the distance, explore England’s Ocean City, and experience one of football’s most characterful away days!
Take the train to Plymouth, explore the historic Barbican, walk the beautiful Hoe, and experience Home Park where the Green Army roars by the sea!
⚓💚 Green Army! ⚓💚
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Plymouth Argyle: 01752 562561 | pafc.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 01752 907700 | pafc.co.uk/tickets
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚌 Plymouth Citybus: plymouthbus.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Plymouth: visitplymouth.co.uk
⚓ The Barbican: barbicangallery.co.uk
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⚓ Part of the Football Nonsense Championship Away Days Collection
For more away day guides, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.