Anita Sethi cools off in Plymouth, dubbed Britain’s Ocean City

GAZING out of the train, I gasp as we reach the Devon coast and the sea flashes into view.

A beautiful vista opens of dramatic red sandstone cliffs falling into the sparkling sea. I am on my way to Plymouth, branded “Britain’s Ocean City”.

Getting close to the ocean – in sight, taste and touch – is the main attraction of a staycation in this south-west city. The natural beauty of the coast is striking; here the cliffs are decorated with bright pink flowers and covered in a thick carpet of grass.

Walking along the promenade, I pass bustling market stalls selling fresh local produce.

I decide to stop off for lunch at the delightful Tudor Rose Tea Rooms (36 New Street, Barbican).

Sitting outside in the beautiful gardens, I devour fish and chips followed by a traditional Devonshire cream tea. Afterwards, I climb some stone steps leading to a lovely landscaped maze dotted with roses.

Itching to get out on the water, I book a sailing boat trip from the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club. It’s exhilarating to speed through the water and gain a view of Plymouth from out at sea.

During lunch at the Boathouse Cafe (2-5 Commercial Wharf, Barbican), I overhear conversations in various foreign languages. I close my eyes and feel the sun on my skin. At moments like this, Britain could compete with the French Riviera.

Royal William Yard’s harbour, a ten-minute water taxi ride from the Barbican, is the jewel in Plymouth’s crown.

Here, Richard Branson’s record-breaking boat, the Virgin Atlantic Challenge II, is docked – a 72ft boat that took the record in the Transatlantic Blue Ribbon Challenge, crossing in three days, eight hours and 31 minutes.

My visit also coincides with the final leg of the Route des Princes, a bi-annual five-leg European multi-hull sailing race.

As I enjoy a dinner of scampi and chips at the newly opened Rockfish (headed by chef Mitch Tonks, voted Tatler’s restaurateur of the year), nine racing yachts set off for the finish line in the Bay of Morlaix, France.

To celebrate, a music festival takes place on the seafront, set against the backdrop of Plymouth’s red and white lighthouse. I order a gin and tonic, inspired by an earlier visit to the Blackfriars Distillery.

As part of the master distiller’s tour, our enthusiastic guide, Harriet, filled us in on the history of gin in Plymouth.

We also had the opportunity to sample five different gins and even make our own concoction. I opted for juniper, nutmeg and coriander – delicious.

Giddy with excitement – and a few gins – I take a ride on the seafront big wheel which offers spectacular night views. The informative commentary offers nuggets about the city’s history.

But the highlight of my trip is a visit to the National Marine Aquarium where I learn about life below the sea in a guided tour. I gaze at moon jellyfish, white spotted jellyfish, crayfish, a sleeping turtle and even sharks.

I feel energised after a weekend that is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air.