I live in beautiful UK city surrounded by the sea that tourists often overlook

A tourist spot in Devon is a popular place for visitors, with many loving the destination for a summertime holiday. Despite being a holiday hotspot, what’s great about this place is that it still has a proper local vibe - and that’s why I love living here.

Although many Devon towns and nearby Cornish areas have become saturated with second homes or Airbnb premises over the years, the city of Plymouth is very much lived in. Also known as the Ocean City, this destination was somewhat overlooked for many years, but lately, visitors have started to realise just how beautiful it is. As I live in the city, I’ve noticed a few common things that holidaymakers do or say when visiting, so I’m offering an insider’s guide to this sea-fringed city.

I’ll start with the Ocean City label - the sea surrounding Plymouth is not the ocean as such, the Atlantic Ocean begins further along the coast in Cornwall.

The ‘Britain's Ocean City’ name is derived from Plymouth’s history of navigation, trading and exploration across the Atlantic.

The sea surrounding the city is known as Plymouth Sound - and a water expanse called the Hamoaze can be found in the western side dividing this part of Devon and Cornwall.

You can swim in the sea off Plymouth Hoe, and in the warmer months pontoons are placed out to sea which you can swim to.

Be careful though, I swim all-year-round, but I still get scared sometimes when out that deep - it’s not until you get out there and look back that you realise how far out you are - so I’d recommend going with a float or a swimming partner.

Plymouth is really just a stone’s throw from Cornwall (by ferry) you can cross over to the Cornish side easily by the many fantastic ferry services from several Plymouth locations.

Ferries from the bustling Plymouth Barbican will take you to Royal William Yard (RWY) at the opposite side of the city.

At RWY you can visit Firestone Bay next to Devils Point - and from RWY you can easily get another ferry over to Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall.

Here you can visit a stately home situated in the Mount Edgcumbe park - which is all on part of the South West Coast Path.

The Cornish villages of Cawsand and Kingsand are also reachable by a ferry service from Plymouth Barbican during the spring, summer and early autumn seasons (April - October).

Plymouth Boat Trips run several services everyday during this time, however sometimes, when a spring tide occurs on a new or full moon, certain timings will differ, due to extreme low tides.

There really is so much choice when it comes to ferry outings, as you can also go deeper into Devon via boat excursions - or to other spots in Cornwall.

But, there is of course heaps to do in Plymouth too - you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The National Marine Aquarium (NMA) in Plymouth was featured on a BBC TV show - and is a great day out for families or couples.

Now, if you are crossing over from the Plymouth Barbican side to the NMA, you will be crossing via a swing bridge and I’ve noticed this often causes much confusion for visitors.

This pedestrian footbridge (Sutton Harbour footbridge) allows locals - and visitors - to cross from one side to another all year round, a whirling sound will occur when the bridge is opening to let marine traffic through.

Remember, it’s a two-way ‘street’ - as you are coming across, there will be just as many people coming the other way!

This footbridge walkway opens and closes to let fishing boats (or yachts) in or out of Sutton Harbour several times a day - and when it’s impassable some visitors appear confused, I’ve noticed.

If you are waiting to cross, you will be able to get to the aquarium or back to the Barbican, just be patient - the footbridge gets very busy in the spring and summertime.

The fishing industry is a huge part of Plymouth’s heritage, make sure you wander around to Fish Quay to have a look at the colourful fishing boats, much nicer to look at than leisure yachts, in my opinion.

You can even venture into Plymouth Fisheries and purchase freshly caught fish if you are staying in self catering - or just try some at one of the delightful restaurants in the Barbican area.

Plymouth is full of amazing places to eat, I’d definitely recommend a visit to the indoor market in the west end of the city centre too, known as the ‘Independent Quarter’ for its shopping, cheap eats and a real taste of local life.

At first glance, Plymouth looks very post war (as it was heavily bombed in The Blitz), but keep your eyes peeled for snippets from centuries ago such as the Merchant's House (which you can only admire from the outside) or the Elizabethan House, which you can visit.

While on the subject of the Second World War - be aware that every Monday morning in Plymouth at 11am an air raid siren sounds from the Devonport Dockyard.

This can sound very eerie, but those living here just come to expect it, these sirens are being tested every Monday, but scarily, if you hear them at any other time, it could signify a nuclear emergency.

Another tip — Plymouth city centre has some great shopping.

My favourite shops include Seasalt in Drakes Circus, galleries on the Barbican and Rickard Lanes, an independent health shop on Mayflower Street — which also has some lovely restaurants, including Positanos (Italian).

However, much of the city centre (which locals generally call “town”) is currently undergoing a huge revamp after the controversial tree felling of 2023.

The new look is taking shape now, but there is still a fair way to go, so expect the Armada Way area to not be completely ready if you’re visiting this summertime.

The Box museum is also a must-see, not far from the city centre - and it’s free to visit.

Here you can learn more about Plymouth’s history as well as seeing touring art exhibitions - and The Box puts on many other events for families to enjoy.

If you are visiting Plymouth, I should also mention the traffic - as it can be a nightmare - especially when many are flocking to the city.

For a fairly small city, this lovely place certainly has its fair share of traffic - so be warned.

I should also mention parking, we often find visitors, perhaps unknowingly, parking up in resident’s only spots - this can leave locals fuming and worse, with nowhere to park.

There are plenty of car parks for visitors - which will work out cheaper than potentially getting a parking fine too.

I also get annoyed when I see vehicles parking on double yellows in the narrow cobbled streets of the Barbican — as they are blocking the road and residences there if an ambulance needed to get access in an emergency.

Finally, please don’t be offended if you get called “my ansom”, “my lover”, “matey” or “maid” while in Plymouth or nearby Cornwall, as that’s the way many people greet each other down this way — take it as an endearing compliment.