Black Friars Distillery is the oldest in the world - it has been producing gin in the heart of the Barbican since 1793.

Plymouth Gin formed the basis of many cocktails, including the Dry Martini. It is said that Pink Gin, a cocktail featuring angostura bitters, was invented to encourage the sailors to up their vitamin intake. You can sample one at the Black Friars Distillery, and take home some of the famous Plymouth Gin to recreate the taste.

Tours of the Distillery are available through the summer months. Gin-lovers can view original equipment and find out how the drink is traditionally made.

The Elizabethan House is a Tudor building, formerly a sea captain's home, kept by Plymouth Council as a monument to the people who occupied the Barbican thousands of years ago.

The House was rescued from demolition in the 1920s. It has been beautifully restored, and filled with period furniture. Don't miss its delightful flower and herb garden, just up the road.

Also kept by Plymouth Council is the Merchant House on St Andrews Street : a charmingly restored home offering a glimpse into 16 th century life. It features wonderfully evocative displays, including a Victorian school room and a complete chemist's counter!

Since 1980 the Barbican Theatre has offered its unique blend of new comedy, music and drama, promoting the use of drama as therapy and recreation. Set in a restored building in the heart of the Barbican, it has been impressively refurbished thanks to Arts Council and Lottery grants.

Today it hosts musical discoveries, the West's best comedy, and plenty of kids' drama. View listings at www.barbicantheatre.co.uk.

The Royal Citadel rises dramatically from the Hoe's coastline. This 17 th -century fortress was built to defend the city from the Dutch, incorporating a previous fort. It has been well maintained over the centuries, and was equipped with guns in 1753.

You may notice that the large guns point towards the city as well as the ocean - it is thought that Charles II felt them necessary to keep the townsfolk in order, as they had previously demonstrated support for Parliament against Charles's father! Owned by English Heritage, the Royal Citadel is open May-September.

Since 1980 the Barbican Theatre has offered its unique blend of new comedy, music and drama, promoting the use of drama as therapy and recreation. Set in a restored building in the heart of the Barbican, it has been impressively refurbished thanks to Arts Council and Lottery grants.

Today it hosts musical discoveries, the West's best comedy, and plenty of kids' drama. View listings at www.barbicantheatre.co.uk.