In the heart of Plymouth, a new way to experience the city’s hidden gems is captivating residents and visitors alike. Local poet and lifelong resident, Marianne Baxter, has launched a series of imaginative walking tours that marry poetry with the city’s lesser-known corners. These guided walks invite participants to explore the sights, sounds, and stories that often go unnoticed amid the daily hustle of urban life.
Baxter’s inspiration for the tours stems from her lifelong fascination with Plymouth’s layered history. "Our city is full of stories whispered by its cobblestones and alleyways," she explains. Realising that poetry could act as a bridge between the past and present, Baxter began crafting verses that illuminate both iconic landmarks and secret spaces many locals have never noticed. Her approach transforms familiar surroundings into a canvas for creativity and discovery.
The walking tours, which take place several times each month, typically last two hours and cover a route that winds through Drake Circus, the Barbican, and tucked-away residential neighbourhoods. Baxter pauses at select locations to perform original poems inspired by each spot. Participants are invited to reflect on what they see and share their own memories, effectively creating a communal sense of storytelling.
Feedback from those attending the tours has been overwhelmingly positive. "I’ve lived here my entire life, yet I’ve never seen Plymouth quite like this," said Mark, a local schoolteacher who attended a recent walk. Others echo that sentiment, noting that the blend of poetry, conversation, and gentle exercise fosters a deeper connection to the city and one another.
In addition to revealing overlooked parts of Plymouth, Baxter’s tours delve into lesser-known historical details. For example, she brings attention to remnants of wartime history hidden in plain sight or long-forgotten trades that once thrived in certain areas. Many participants leave not only with a greater appreciation of their surroundings but also with intriguing facts to share with friends and family.
Local historians have praised the initiative for making history more accessible. Dr. Caroline Lewis of Plymouth University remarks, "Marianne’s work breathes new life into our city’s heritage. By using poetry to highlight the humanity behind historical events, she invites people into a dialogue with the past, rather than merely presenting facts." This academic endorsement has attracted participants from broader educational and artistic backgrounds.
Baxter is also committed to inclusivity, welcoming people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. She tailors certain walks specifically for families, including interactive story-telling elements to engage younger participants. The popularity of these family-friendly tours has grown steadily, with parents commenting on social media about their children's newfound fascination with local history and literature.
Beyond educating and entertaining, the tours have fostered a sense of community among participants. Strangers form friendships, exchange stories, and encourage one another to rethink their surroundings. "It’s not just about poetry or history—it’s about bringing people together," Baxter says. She hopes to inspire others to engage creatively with their own environments, whether through writing, photography, or simply paying closer attention to the world around them.
Looking ahead, Baxter plans to expand the project through collaborations with schools, cultural organisations, and local artists. There are also discussions underway about creating a poetry map of Plymouth, marking points of interest with verses accessible via QR codes. As word spreads, it seems more people are eager to rediscover Plymouth’s hidden corners—one poetic step at a time.