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Southway

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City
—°56
Southway (United Kingdom)
ℹ️

Practical info — Southway

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Use Southway as a convenient base for exploring Dartmoor National Park (only a 15-minute drive).
  • Take a stroll through Southway Woods, a local nature reserve right on the doorstep.
  • The number 42 bus provides regular and direct links to Plymouth city centre.
  • Parking is generally straightforward and free on the residential streets of Southway.
  • Visit the local shopping centre for daily essentials and a friendly neighborhood feel.

🍽 Food

🍽
Traditional Pasties

Excellent Cornish or Devon pasties are available from local bakeries, first-rate for a takeaway lunch.

🍽
Sunday Roast

Visit the family-friendly pubs in the surrounding area for a classic British Sunday roast.

🍽
Fish and Chips

The local takeaways in Southway are popular for their fresh and affordable portions.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Southway Shopping Centre

A hub of small shops and services for all your daily shopping needs.

🛍
Community Fairs

Look out for events at the local community centre for crafts and local bargains.

🧘
Southway Woods

An extensive woodland area with plenty of hidden paths for long, peaceful walks.

🧘
Plym Valley Trail

A short drive away, this trail features total tranquility in a lush green setting.

Highlights of 2026

5

Southway is a significant residential neighborhood located in the northern sector of Plymouth, Devon. Its development was a cornerstone of Plymouths post-war expansion, beginning in the mid-1950s to provide high-quality housing for the citys growing population. The area is distinct for its integration with the natural landscape, specifically Southway Woods, an ancient woodland that provides a scenic backdrop and essential green space for the community. Architecturally, Southway is characterized by mid-20th-century urban design, featuring a mix of social and private housing, schools, and local amenities clustered around a central shopping parade. The suburb is perched on high ground, offering views toward the Plym Valley and the rugged tors of Dartmoor, which is only a short drive away. Historically, the area was rural farmland before the urban sprawl reached it, and it still retains a sense of separation from the bustling city center. Today, Southway is a spirited community, popular with young families and professionals due to its proximity to major employers like Derriford Hospital and the Plymouth Science Park.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C767912141616151297
Rain mm1159084656772778863120122124

Geography

Population
260,203
Coordinates
50.42750, -4.13170

Facts

  • The first residents moved into Southway in 1956.
  • Southway Woods is a designated Local Nature Reserve.
  • Located roughly 4 miles north of Plymouth city center.
  • The area sits at an elevation of approximately 330 feet.
  • Features a dedicated community hub and youth center.
  • Adjacent to the industrial and retail zones of Roborough.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Southway (6)

Southway Valley Nature Reserve🌿 nature

A 15-hectare site featuring diverse wildlife and rare orchid species in Plymouth.

Southway Library🏙 civic

A vital civic hub providing educational resources and community services.

Clittaford Road🏙 civic

The main thoroughfare of Southway, housing the primary local shops and amenities.

Cann Wood🌿 nature

A large forest north of Southway, popular for mountain biking and hiking trails.

Tamerton Lake🌿 nature

A tidal creek of the River Tamar, providing a unique wetland habitat near Southway.

Holy Spirit Church⛪ religious

A modern Anglican church serving as the spiritual centre for the Southway estate.

Frequently asked questions

In which city is Southway located?
Southway is a large residential district in the north of Plymouth, Devon.
Are there nature reserves there?
The Southway Valley Nature Reserve is a great spot for local wildlife watching.
How far is it to Dartmoor National Park?
The edge of the park is just a short drive (about 10 minutes) away.
Are there schools in Southway?
Yes, there are several primary schools, making it popular with families.
What shopping options are there?
There is a local shopping parade with a supermarket and post office.
Southway: where is it located?
Southway is located in United Kingdom, United Kingdom.
Southway: what is there to see?
Highlights include Southway Valley Nature Reserve, Southway Library, Clittaford Road.
Southway: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Southway: why is it worth visiting?
Southway is a significant residential neighborhood located in the northern sector of Plymouth, Devon.
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