What we love most about our beautiful city is the people so passionate about making it shine…and shine it really will this weekend! And what’s more – you still have two nights to enjoy it!
Royal William Yard | FREE ENTRY | 17:30 – 22:00
Illuminate is a spectacular light-based festival that connects all of the Mayflower 400 destinations across the UK and internationally.
In 2017 Plymouth’s Illuminate celebrations saw parts of Royal William Yard turned into a spectacular display of light-based art installations and projections. This year, we truly believe, it’s even brighter!
In 2018 Illuminate has definitely grown; it’s showcasing projections and light art installations from local, national and international artists. It provides a vibrant, fun and inspiring experience for everyone. It has become a signature event in Mayflower 400’s programme; and an annual large-scale light festival that will be a highlight in Plymouth’s event calendar.
This weekend the Royal William Yard is lit up with light installations, immersive visual art and light projections. Illuminate, an event marking the anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower, has grown for 2017, and taken on a new location in Plymouth’s historic former victualling yard.
If you have yet to experience it, then it’s a real must see event in Plymouth. Crowds have the chance to walk around and see some fantastic light installations and projections around the yard as well as being entertained by music, food stalls, glowing candyfloss and the amazing settings offering food and fun around the yard.
Serviced apartments are an elegant alternative to hotels and perfect for business stays…
Whether you’re visiting Plymouth for work or play, our serviced apartments beside the spectacular Hoe and just a stones throw from the city centre are the perfect place to lay your weary head.
For Work…
With fully-equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms, dining areas and comfy sofas, your apartment will feel like home. You’ll be close to Plymouth’s riches and within easy walking distance to all of Plymouth’s Central Conference Centres and the Business District. You are also a £4 taxi journey away from the Train Station or a 15 minute walk.
Bringing a car? We have parking on-site and plenty of alternative arrangements should you require.
Once work has been done; you have the sensational Shopping just moments away and the trendy Royal William Yard nearby. You’ll never be far from a quirky bar and you’ll have your choice of eclectic restaurants. PLUS – we have Plymouth GIN!
If you fancy learning a little about our history; the Mayflower Steps and all the beauty and historic greatness of the Barbican and Plymouth is not far away at all. Plus a quick bus ride on a City Bus will take you anywhere your feet don’t want to walk!
A MERRY Christmas In Plymouth; locations, times and everything you need to know…
When does Christmas start in Plymouth? When are the Christmas Markets? Where are the Christmas Markets? How do we get there?
All of your questions answered…
Christmas In Plymouth…
Plymouth has officially started the countdown to the festive season; and here at Strathmore House Apartments we can’t bloomin’ wait!!
Filling the city with over 50 traditional wooden huts, the scent of mulled wine and swarms of shoppers, the attraction is back from 29 November to December 16.
We don’t only have one set of lights turned on in Plymouth. Oh No! We have two!
The Christmas Lights Switch On…
The city centre Christmas lights will be twinkling above it all after the official switch-on, which takes place on Thursday November 15.
The lights also mark the start of Plymouth’s notorious late-night shopping! The fun starts in the city centre Piazza from 4pm with a host of entertainment for the whole family. Then the streets are lit up at 6.30pm by Father Christmas himself!
The Barbican’s Christmas Lights Switch On…
Just a short stroll past Smeatons Tower, along the sea-front and over the cobbles you will find all of the festive celebrations on the Waterfront.
The Barbican’s Christmas Lights Switch On will be taking place on Sunday 25 November between 3pm and 6pm. Join the festive cheer on Southside Street to meet the Grinch from 4pm, then greet Santa arriving aboard the RNLI at Capn’ Jaspers at 4.45pm followed by the official lights switch on at 5pm.
So. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for more, Visit Plymouth have rounded up everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Is it possible to holiday on a budget in 2019..? YES!
We know we have something special at Strathmore House Apartments. First of all our location is perfect to have every aspect of Plymouths greatness on your doorstep.
Our apartments offer space, privacy and style. Our city offers a vista like no other; a history oh so inspiring and most noteworthy perhaps of all, people who are proud of their city.
Therefore, who wouldn’t want to come for a few days to chill out in chic apartment living, in a city with so much to offer? Perhaps the reason may be budget..?
Well, for the first time ever we have launched our January sale in NOVEMBER!
Here are the TOP 10 factors that we think makes our city GREAT …
Not John & Margaret – Actors taking their place!!
Many of the guests we talk to say that Plymouth is a great city and that they will be back. Although this is truly amazing to know and to hear, and of course can’t wait to welcome them back, we want to know…
What is it that makes a city great?
What is it that makes ‘our’ city great?
We look into the DNA of Britain’s Ocean City to discover just what it is that makes us feel that our home is one of the best in the world.
First of all, let’s look at the 10 things we are most proud of here in Plymouth.
It’s Exciting…
Never is there a day in Plymouth that can be classed as dull! Ok, sometimes the weather maybe, but this is the South West!
The sense of possibility is why Plymouthians seem to be so forgiving of the stresses and strains of city life. Certainly we work hard, but we also appreciate that our city is always evolving, enchanting and exciting.
There is ALWAYS something to do, and as a result always something new to see or be part of.
The buzz is what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Beautiful
Beauty is everywhere in Plymouth. People say that Venice is the most beautiful city in the world; needless to say we think Plymouth should be up there too!
Described by many as breathtakingly unique and sensationally beautiful…
Each building is a work of art. Plymouth’s architecture may not at first be seen as beautiful, but when you take a city that was hit so hard by the bombs, then quickly rebuilds it with love, determination and pride (and yes, a little concrete too!) you see a very different side to the grey.
It’s sandwiched between the ocean and the moors, it’s nestled between the rest of Devon and Cornwall. Its beauty is within every aspect of its geographical location, its sea views, its thriving business community and the people that love it so.
Plymouth is truly stunning, that makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Tasty
We have everything and it’s ALL tasty!
Plymouth is alive with talent and our chefs are no exception. Our bars and restaurant scene has everything and more. Despite being hard to walk down the streets without feeling hungry, it’s a heavenly offering of tasty treats around every corner!
Furthermore, you don’t have to be a ‘Foodie’ to appreciate Plymouth’s food scene. It’s not all pompous, not all quirky and certainly not all pretentious. It’s just all about your food experience, and Plymouth’s desire to make that experience a great one.
You can grab great street food at places like Supha’s, fantastic Fish & Chips, food on the go from great bakeries like Friary Mill and mouth watering artisan breads and cakes from places like the Column Bakehouse.
Restaurants such as The Mission and others are amazing settings; all offering up great, fresh, local ingredient -with passionate people sharing their sensational offerings.
The food along with the people offering the food, that’s what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Social
Plymouth people aren’t the only social things in our beautiful waterfront City.
Plymouth University was also the first university in the world to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. This was in recognition of working as a genuine social enterprise, caring for communities and protecting the planet.
Plymouth isn’t just about doing good business; the people in Plymouth are concerned with making a positive impact on the world as well as making a profit.
Plymouth is alive with purpose and passion. Many of the Plymouth’s advocates and stakeholders are brave, bold and curious leaders that inspire, whilst unlocking the potential and seeing the value in our community.
Plymouth is authentically growing a city that is about the why and the how, it’s not a gimmick or a marketing slogan, it’s just a fact!
Social Enterprise in Plymouth is a genuine mechanism to solve social problems while feeling connected to a higher purpose – that’s what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Worth Exploring
Varied is something that is said about Plymouth all the time; but whats more, it’s so true. Perhaps one of the very best ways to describe our Ocean City is just that, varied!
It’s character is overwhelming, hence if the UK was a theatre production, Plymouth would most certainly be the star of the show!
The interesting places to visit, mostly on foot and many of which free lends itself to being one of the best holiday destinations in the UK.
Above all, the fun new developments fused magically with the rich and treasured history gives Plymouth an edge like no other.
Who wouldn’t want to explore something so divine..?
People love exploring Plymouth, that’s what makes it GREAT!
The origins of Plymouth can be traced back to Saxon times! It has a history that naturally reflects its maritime location but what’s more, a history everyone is proud to tell.
It’s not just the sensational people; the William Hawkins, Sir Francis Drake, Pilgrim Fathers and Lady Astor’s (to name just a few!) of our past that shine so brightly. It’s the iconic Plymouth Gin distillery, farmland referred to in the Domesday Book in 1086, the citadel, the Dockyard, the part Plymouth played in the Second World War and SOOOO much more!
It’s history combined with it’s tomorrow is what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Friendly
In the words of R.E.M – we are “Shiny, Happy People”!
Cities can be a bit of a paradox sometimes – thousands of people, somehow all feeling alone. But Plymouth is awash with smiles, making it a great destination for a family-friendly city break, for lone travellers to enjoy their escape and just about anyone looking for a warm, friendly welcome.
A favourite quote of ours, from a guest visiting Plymouth is that it is a ‘Bubbly City’! So, for that reason, it goes without saying that our beautiful city has fun times written all over it!
Everyone in Plymouth is helpful, whether it’s offering directions, making recommendations or just simply offering a smile. Anyone can feel at home in Plymouth; with its storybook-like vista, colourful facades, cobbled streets and happy people.
Our happiness is what makes Plymouth GREAT!
It’s Culture
Plymouth Culture is rich, varied, of high quality and insanely sensational!
There isn’t a day that goes by that Plymouth isn’t hosting something great. Be it a festival, a fabulous production, an exciting performance, a fashion show, antiques fair … the list is endless!
There is not only a vibrant local music scene with some of the world’s best talent (made even more epic with the introduction of ‘Pavilions Introduces’) but simply the variety of culture on offer.
Plymouth is also home to the fabulous Barbican Theatre and The Box. The Box is a major project underway in the heart of Plymouth, a history centre like no other. But Plymouth is also home to so much more.
Theatre Royal Plymouth is the envy of many theatres; with its world premiers, award winning TR2 (the theatres production and learning centre) and their rich programme that offers something for everyone across their three stages.
What makes Plymouth great is not any one cultural activity; it’s the patchwork of all of them sewn together that makes Plymouth so GREAT!
It’s Happily Diverse
Plymouth is a city that welcomes change and diversity. It supports people to be their very best and achieve their objectives, passions and vision.
It really empowers and enables people’s goals, embraces their backgrounds and their culture whilst always seeing their individual value.
Because of this openness to embrace diversity, Plymouth is awash with an amazing calendar of events, sensational exhibitions, an amazing range of restaurants offering food from all around the world and some amazing small retailers selling their native products.
It’s this mixture of Plymouth’s classical heritage, cultural evolution and diversity , as well as new innovations that really does make it, in our opinion, one of the most diverse and exciting cities in the world.
Plymouth see’s diversity as an opportunity, not a challenge or problem and knows that all cultures can only thrive, when they are in contact with cultural diversity.
That’s What makes Plymouth GREAT!
That’s what we thing are the best 10 things about Plymouth, and to be honest we could have done 20, 30, 100! But we want to know, what is it about Plymouth that you think makes it so great..?
Strathmore House Apartments; stylish holidays in Plymouth, Devon…
We are so excited to announce that Strathmore House Apartments has been featured in DevonLife.
There is nothing quite like reading reviews, thank you cards and notes from people who have had a great experience in our apartments. It fills us with a warmth knowing that we helped people make great memories during their time in our beautiful city.
So, when we see our apartments featured in a beautiful magazine…WOW!
DevonLife have the very best lens over our region. They use a narrative that really showcases the wonders of Devon and all it has to offer. When we saw Strathmore House Apartments featured in their magazine, it was a truly tremendous feeling.
At the beginning of the months, we had so much fun telling the team at DevonLife all about our serviced apartments. Further more, we loved talking about the amazing guests that come and stay with us. From celebrities, families, couples having a romantic break away; to those just making the apartments their home from home.
We also shared our journey, renovating Strathmore Hotel, a 55 bedroom hotel, into what are now our family owned serviced apartments. Located in the heart of Plymouth we really believe we offer something unique to travellers visiting Britain’s Ocean City.
Above all, we really hope that if you’re planning a holiday in Devon and of course, Plymouth in particular, that Strathmore House Apartments might be a consideration. We hope to tick all the boxes in your search for the perfect accommodation, no matter what your holiday needs.
The article is nestled in the DevonLife Out & About section. You can read the article HERE to learn more about Strathmore House Apartments and how these stylish apartments could be yours for as little as just £80 per night!
The October half-term is an unusual one. It’s both the last school half-term holiday of the year, but also the first half-term of the academic year. It’s not going to offer you the sunny days of summer, nor does it hold the same excitement as the Christmas holidays.
It can feel for many like a real milestone; but also the last chance to step off the treadmill before Christmas gets festively frantic! Our weekends get chocca and our family time dissolves, children’s clubs, juggling work and home life balance, of course all fused with internet shopping and planning when the post-man can deliver the parcels. There are so many things that hit the top of our to do lists that it’s all too easy to neglect family time just chilling!
So, how do we make the most of this half term? We need to keep within a good budget because November and December empty our pockets, but we also need to tightly grasp the last bit of sanity before the years out..!
If you’re struggling for inspiration, here at Strathmore House Apartments we may just be able to help; a mini break away might be just the ticket. A two or three night break away is sometimes all it takes to really de-stress and unwind in preparation for what’s to come.
Join Us In Plymouth…
Plymouth provides a great way to keep the whole family entertained, and can be as enjoyable for parents as it is for children.
Check availability for our one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and see if a mini break in Plymouth can provide you with the rest bite you need to refuel before Christmas.
If like many of us, you have every room in your home undergoing a chic interior design transformation…but in your mind; you plan that minimalist look with clean lines and room to entertain; then you realise that actually, for your day to day living, it wouldn’t always be the most practical.
We think we have the answer…
Not all of us can live like Tommy Hilfiger on a day to day basis; the fashion designer with his sleek and well designed apartment on 5th Avenue really does appear to have apartment living in the ‘bag’!! But, we can all experience some sleek apartment living in a beautiful city, if you stay at Strathmore House Apartments.
The results of this home from home experience are breathtaking, whether the love doctor is calling and its a romantic retreat, or perhaps eight become one on a family vacation, Strathmore House Apartments are the perfect choice…with no DIY required to get that stylish look!
Apartment vacations are becoming increasingly fashionable across the globe, offering a great way to experience a cities truth and beauty. Like many serviced apartments. Strathmore House Apartments are set in a great location, just a stones throw from the sea and minutes walk to the city.
We hear from some of our fashionable guests, just why Strathmore House Apartments was their preferred holiday destination:
Todd & Annie – visiting for leisure from Cambridge
“We like being near a city, especially a city like Plymouth that has so much to offer. Being near the theatre and restaurants for evening entertainment and not worrying about taxis, as well as being able to walk for fresh coffee and sea-views before a stroll into the shops, we didn’t know quite how good the location of Strathmore House Apartments were; now we know, we will back!”
Mr & Mrs Jenkin – visting from Redruth to see family
“Our first time of staying in an apartment in Plymouth, but it was perfect. The grandchildren stayed over with us on one of the nights which was a real treat and wouldn’t have been so easy in a hotel. We baked and played and it really was a perfect home from home for us. We didn’t choose Strathmore House Apartments because we wanted an apartment, but now we don’t know why we didn’t do it before. Next trip is now planned for Christmas time, when we will get a four bedroom apartment so everyone can stay over!”
Martin & Bill – visiting from Reading
“We love city life but we also like to stay somewhere that doesn’t feel like its right in the middle of the city! Something that offers a little greenery is particularly attractive because you can wake up and enjoy some peace; we did find local gardens, but for us, to have the sea air just a moment away was just the tonic after our busy evenings. You are still close enough to walk into the city but you are not in the thick of it at Strathmore House Apartments, which is just perfect.”
Whatever your getaway desires, we have an apartment with your name on, so check our availability today and make plans for that perfect, fashionable escape!
Like choosing anything; where we go, what we like and how we smell…our choices tell a very real truth about who we are!
You just have to hear ‘I holiday in the South Of France‘ and already i’m thinking charming markets, picnics in hampers, Champagne, yacht shoes and a hint of Chanel Number 5!
BUT…Can we really stereotype in this way?
We did a little survey, nothing serious, just a fun girly chat to help us decide..!
We concluded that scents, like people and destinations are very personal when it comes to what we like. In a room full of ladies, none of us liked exactly the same! But can your scent say anything about you; and can that then tell us where we might like to holiday??
Let’s ready, steady AROMA!
MUSKY SCENTS
The women that likes musk… From our fun research, the girl that likes a musky tone would say she was a little mysterious, very curious and always in pursuit of opportunities. Like a modern day version of Rita Hayworth, this girl prefers patchouli notes for their evocative effect. She draws you in with her artful mind and quick, funny tongue. She is elegant, clever, unique and loves a good vintage find. She feels that memories are more important than anything of monetary value and loves a destination that can open her mind. She loves historic architecture and a bargain, so a sunny destination with markets, in a country steeped in culture and a glass of red wine in hand as she soaks in the atmosphere and waits for the sun to set.
FLORAL SCENTS
The women that likes floral…Floral scents are for the woman who is happy, free and always lighting up a room. A strong character and not easily pressured into anything! A charming and sensitive soul, always with a smile, even when it’s worn as a mask! Her ideal vacation is some place warm, sunny and easy-going, much like her disposition. She will be strolling in bare foot given half the chance, turning strangers into friends. He holiday wardrobe will be silks and crêpe fabrics – all effortlessly impeccable. Floral lovers, like their flowery notes, are strong ladies. Not only can you smell them from a mile away, but you can also hear them coming with their joyful energy.
Imagine Leighton Meester in her sun hat with a book and a sunny cocktail in hand!
FRESH SCENTS
The women who likes it fresh and fruity… A lady who always smells refreshingly bright and is vibrant, charming and always invited to every event, party and occasion. Energetic and likes outdoor activities, adventures and just being busy making the most of every day. They wont be happy just sitting in a resort, but hungry to fill their day with action and adventure! Her holiday wardrobe is well designed and she is never without something she needs. Although organised, she is also playfull and bubbly, a great partner in crime for any holiday! Up for anything, she will lighten the mood and inject plenty of fun into your holiday. She will try every cocktail on the menu and will then put the umbrella in her hair…and any passers by!
CLASSIC SCENTS
The women who is all about classic… She is timeless, sophisticated, polished and refined. She’s seductive, desirable and terribly intriguing, mimicking the notes of bergamot and neroli she leaves in her wake. The classic woman enjoys the finer things in life, like lavish dinner parties, luxurious hotels and the boutiques in Paris. She is always well put together, and can read people with 100% accuracy. If she pays for bells and whistles – she expects to receive bells and whistles!
This cosmopolitan women wants to see the world – with the highest star rating possible. She doesn’t need anyone, she knows her mind and would have no problem holidaying alone. She has the perfect passport case with matching hand luggage and the smartest sunglasses in town! Think Jackie Onassis; calm, clever and classy.
EARTHY SCENTS
The women with the earthy tones… Think sandalwood and amber notes swirling in the air and you will see this women, exploring every corner with a bohemian skirt, creased linen and distressed jeans, with a satchel slung over her shoulder and a paper map in her hand …full of her scribbles and doodles.
You will be transfixed with her effortless silhouette, big, bouncy curls and unique style. The earthy girl smells as uninhibited and bold as her disposition. Her interests, like her music, are varied and different to that of the majority. Not afraid to stand out she will holiday in places that no one else can find on the map, let alone think of going to visit!
If you holiday with her you will be guaranteed to find something new, a hidden gem and certainly everything you discover will be off the beaten track! Music, art, history – her big, worn leather backpack has seen many a mile and had many experiences. This is the lady who has tags on her luggage bags from 1998 and a passport full of stamps. Well travelled and well placed as the perfect holiday buddy! She will always have paid the least in any airport for her travels – a seasoned traveller and a bargain hunter.
She’s grounded in every sense of the word and with her common sense and practical thinking, you will always be safe with her by your side.
SWEET SCENTS
The women who is oh so sweet… She is addictive. If you have had a bad day – you need here! She is innocent, funny, caring and kind. Optimistic and positive. She finds herself in the centre of all attention, not by choice but just because she is her!
Her youthful charisma and free spirit means that she will holiday wherever you like! She will be happy no matter what – as long her companions are happy! Her holiday wardrobe will have matching accessories for every outfit, with pretty lace and lots of baby pink. If you want to let your inner child out on holiday, she is your girl. Waterparks, theme parks and candy floss with plenty of laughs and selfies! A girly-girl who doesn’t mind being silly with her pals to make their holiday fun.
Let us know if our girly chit chat tells a tale (or smells) anything like you! Leave a message with your scent and your last holiday destination – let’s see if we really can deceiver our holiday choices through how we like to smell!
We love nothing more than hearing from our guests about their time at Strathmore House Apartments. Whether they are leisure guests, travelling to Plymouth on business or simply visiting family and friends, we love to hear their thoughts on their stay.
We sat down and took five minutes to hear from John and Wendy about why they had returned to Plymouth and Strathmore House Apartments this August for the 5th year in a row…
It was lovely to welcome you back, how did you find your time in Plymouth this year?
We adore Plymouth; it holds a lot of great memories for us. When our children were young we used to come in our caravan and we had many a happy summer holiday. Then as they got older, we started to do foreign trips and now we have come full cycle and are back making more memories, this year with our grandchildren.
Why do you like Strathmore House Apartments?
It’s convenient and we like the privacy that it offers. John plays golf and so when he is out in the car, I can still be out and about as everything can be done on foot. It’s such a great location. I also like cooking, we don’t really enjoy eating out so having the kitchen with everything I need works for us.
Has it been a different holiday this year with the Grandchildren?
Yes, and we are glad of the comfy bed at the end of the day more than ever! It’s been lovely to see the other apartments too. John and I have only stayed in a one bedroom apartment in the past, so to have a four bedroom apartment with the upstairs and downstairs has been lovely. The one bedroom apartments are really roomy and great for just us, but this has felt like a real treat – and the grandchildren have really appreciated the space and the big TV!
Did you get to see a different side to Plymouth this year?
Yes, it was nice to take them to The Hoe and on the Gus Honeybun train – we have a picture of our daughter on it when she was young and now one of our granddaughter with the same expression and a bag of candy floss! We also went to the Aquarium which John and I haven’t done before.
Will you be back next year?
We have actually booked to come back in December, just John and I. We haven’t been to Plymouth at that time of the year and would like to see the Christmas Market.
Is there anything you and John would change, or improve at Strathmore House Apartments?
No. It’s just perfect for us; we really enjoy everything about it. We are now talking to our friends who want to join us next year. They live in France and so we thought Plymouth would be a good city to meet as they always come back on the ferry, and normally drive up to us in Cambridge.
If you want to find out more about how you can make your holiday memories happy ones in Plymouth – we would love to hear from you.
