Plymouth’s Drake Circus sees footfall hit a decade high
British Land’s Drake Circus shopping centre in Plymouth has recorded its highest summer footfall in 10 years, as the centre celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The retail destination has welcomed 170 million visitors since records began in 2016, and July to August 2026 saw Drake Circus and leisure destination The Barcode hit a 10-year summer record, welcoming 2.9 million visitors.
In the 12 months to August 2026, the two destinations attracted 16.9 million visits, supported by a mixture of retail, dining, and leisure experiences.
Since opening its doors in 2006, Drake Circus attracted national and international brands with retailers such as H&M, Waterstones, and Primark still trading at the scheme after 20 years. Today, Drake Circus is home to over 70 brands, with recent lettings including Apple, Oliver Bonas, Rituals, and Mango. A significant milestone in the destination’s evolution came in 2019 with the opening of The Barcode, a leisure and entertainment complex that expanded the centre’s appeal beyond traditional shopping.
The evolution of the centre’s retail and leisure offer has been reflected in the performance of individual categories, with health and beauty and food and beverage recording particularly strong growth in recent years:
Health and beauty sales increased by 38% between 2022 and 2025, as growth in consumer interest is fuelled by skincare, wellness, and beauty trends. The category recorded its strongest summer sale performance for three years in 2026.
Meanwhile, food and beverage sales increased by over 10% between 2022 and 2025. The Barcode recorded its highest summer sales volumes since opening, supported by blockbuster cinema releases – including The Devil Wears Prada 2, Toy Story 5, The Odyssey, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Recent leasing activity has also strengthened the destination’s offer, with more than 11,500 sq ft of deals agreed this summer.
Louisa Holmes, head of shopping centre asset management at British Land, said: “Celebrating 20 years of Drake Circus is a significant milestone, even more so given the changes and challenges the retail sector has navigated over that time. Its continued success demonstrates the resilience and ability of the centre to respond to the changing market, as well as the vital role major retail destinations play in regional cities like Plymouth and its wider catchment area.
“Our record summer is testament to the continued appeal of the centre, underpinned by a proactive asset management strategy that reflects how people want to shop and spend their time. By bringing together a strong mix of retail, dining and leisure, we’ve created a destination that continues to attract new brands and gives visitors more reasons to return.
“Looking forward, our focus remains on building on that success and ensuring Drake Circus continues to play an important role in Plymouth’s city centre and its future growth.”