With the breakwater protecting Plymouth Sound, the marina is the perfect location for any number of water activities. From sailing to canoeing, water-skiing to windsurfing, you'll be able to take taster sessions or complete courses here.

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There's so much to amuse the children in the Barbican, Plymouth's historical centre. Start with the brilliant Merchant House on St Andrews Street - even kids who don't like museums will enjoy the exhibitions. There's a full-scale reproduction of a Victorian schoolroom and a Blitz shelter, besides many more exhibits.

If it's creepy crawlies that they love, head straight for the National Marine Aquarium. Your visit just wouldn't be complete without visiting this marvellous centre, dedicated to ocean education. See their impressive collection of delicate Seahorses, and take the children to the piece de resistance - a huge glass wall holding back thousands of litres of seawater: home to several species of shark. Make a day of it.

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After your day at the Aquarium, learn about all the creatures that used to inhabit the ocean: the City Museum has a great Natural History department, with thousands of specimens of marine life, birds and insects collected in Devon & Cornwall.

Plymouth has plenty of child-friendly entertainment to pass an evening: try the Barbican Theatre or go the full hog and take in a big-name show at the Pavillions.

Rome might have Picasso, and Venice Da Vinci, but Plymouth's got Sir Joseph Reynolds - a famous painter who captured English society in the eighteenth century.

The City Museum & Art Gallery features a significant collection of work on, and by, Reynolds, as well as hundreds of pieces of art painted in the South West. Spend a dreamy day admiring the paintings, then buy your own in one of the Barbican's many art galleries - including one dedicated to Devon artist Beryl Cook.

If it's a romantic evening meal you're after, you're spoilt for choice. The Tanner brothers (James Tanner from Ready Steady Cook and his brother) have recently launched a glamourous new restaurant in the Barbican, but there are many more options - including some great fish and chip restaurants.

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Alternative ways to spend an evening? The Theatre Royal is a hot spot for West End touring shows like My Fair Lady and the Rocky Horror Show - but you'll need to book in advance. Get your feet tapping with some live music - try the Barbican Jazz Cafe or the atmospheric China House in the city's historic centre.