Do you agree with Lonely Planet about Devon?

By Jemima Laing
BBC Devon

Plymouth is described as "gritty and certainly not always pretty".

Plymouth has come in for a bit of a hard time in the latest Lonely Planet guide to the South West.

"If parts of Devon are nature programmes or costume dramas, Plymouth is a healthy dose of reality TV," says the write-up on page 162.

"Gritty, and certainly not always pretty, its centre has been subjected to bursts of building even the architect's mother might question."

The book does then go on to praise Plymouth as a "city of huge spirit and great assets".

The county's other major centres - Torquay and Exeter - fare much better.

Exeter, the book says, has a "youthful vibe visible in bursts of ultramodern construction and a thriving arts scene.

"Down by the River Exe, the atmospheric quayside is a launch pad for explorations by bike or kayak. Add a unique movie museum, the chance to go on subterranean tours and some superstylish places to stay and eat, and you have a relaxed but lively touring base."

Meanwhile Torquay is described as at first glance being the "quintessential faded English seaside resort, beloved by both the coach-tour crowd and stag and hen-party animals."

But, the book goes on, it boasts "a mild microclimate and an azure circle of bay have also drawn a smarter set and Torquay now competes with foodie-hub Dartmouth for fine eateries."

Why not let us know what you think of these assessments using the messageboard below. The board is pre-moderated.

---

Coming from the Midlands, I also lived in Bristol for 5 years and London for 2 years. I've lived in South Devon for 10 years, and in my experience Plymouth compares very favourably with other places I am familiar with. Mike, Ivybridge

I completely disagree with Lonely Planet. I was born in Torquay and now live in Plymouth and Plymouth is a far nicer place. It has a stunning and historic waterfront and is just a more pleasant place to live. Torquay has gone downhill beyond recognition in the past 30 years or so and is now a rough place. The planners also knocked down some of the town's best buildings - the Marine Spa and the Victorian Fleet Walk. Obviously, Plymouth is a dockyard city so you can't really compare it to a seaside resort like Torquay but even so, it wins hands down for me. Joanna, Plymouth

I laughed out loud when I read the comment 'bursts of building even the architect's mother might question'! Nonetheless there are still many good reasons to visit Plymouth and the stunning nearby Tamar Valley. I think the whole of Devon needs to get its act together and pool its marketing. Between Torbay, Plymouth, Exeter and the nice green bits in between, along with North Devon surf you have everything you need for a propur' oliday'...! Robbo, Exeter

Sadly the comments are justified, but not completely true. Plymouth has the most woderfull sea front, the Hoe is gloriouse. No other city has such beauty and history, but is sadly let down by ill conceived planning decisions that have ruined the city centre. The dress sence of the people is awfull. They look dowdy and common. A sence of depression pervades, and it should'nt. Sucksessive councils have followed their own agendas to the detriment of the ordinary person. Having said that, I stand on Plymouth hoe, and think to myself..I love this place, and am proud to be allowed to live here. Geoff, Plymouth

Plymouth has had a very hard life and a corner stone for the southwest and the country as a whole. It has not had the privilege to rest and ponder its future and for such has given us chapters in our history. Its post war redevelopment has caused much debate but we now have the largest collection of 50`s architecture in europe plus a vibrant Barbican waterfront with a cobbled street plan that would still be recognized by Sir Francis Drake and beyond a gateway to the world. Plymouth is now pulling herself in many new directions as well as shouldring `business as usual`. Investment, especially on the waterfront in growing,and why not, look what she has to offer. Give Plymouth a little time and I`m sure she will become a jewel in the westcountry. Alan, South Brent

Sadly that very "youthful" culture it describes is being ruined by the university of exeter being the main economic driving force in this city, and the students of the same have little or no taste in music, art or culture. They now fill whole tracts of the city, turning it into a summer ghost town when out of term. Give us back the vibrant and arty city of the 1970 80s and 90s, give us back a balance, we need more of a demographic than a whole city controlled by the 18-20's on a academic booze cruise. At least Plymouth and Torbay have some variety in their crumbling shabbiness. From one saddenend old exeter resident. Rob, Exeter

i compleatly agree with the comments about plymouth, it is in a right state, dirty streets, high crime, it really is a dreary place, and this is coming from a plymouth lad!!!! M Scott, Exmouth

I'm a Plymouthian and I agree that Plymouth is the 'Birmingham' of Devon and probably always will be BUT it has a character of its own! Margaret, Cockwood

Plymouth was flattened in the war, so it is not surprising its centre is a bit hit and miss. However, it is a good city for visitors to base themselves in for the region, as is Exeter. It is Torquay I would worry about - so much potential, yet it so tired and downmarket! Pablo, Exeter

When Plymouth was bombed, the planners got it wrong. With Exeter, got it right. Torquay has much potential, when the planners stop 'debating' and make their minds up! Stevie, Torquay

Name

Your E-mail address

Town & Country

Comments

The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide.

Terms & Conditions