The House That Jack Built, Plymouth

The House That Jack Built, Plymouth

The House That Jack Built in Plymouth is a whimsical, craft-filled arcade that draws visitors into a fantasy world, thanks to the imaginative vision of its creator, local artist Jack Nash. Nestled in the historic Barbican area, this unique shopping experience feels like stepping into a wonderland, where gnomes, fairies, and rotating witches welcome guests into narrow, nostalgic corridors. Originally a family-run fruit and vegetable warehouse, the building transformed into this quirky haven in 1982, inspired by Jack’s trips to Cornwall and the craft markets in Saint Ives.

Inside, visitors find a delightful mix of shops and artisans, each offering something special. From fine hand-made jewelry at Sam Birch Jewellery, where sea glass and custom designs sparkle, to GONE WILD’s custom dog accessories, there’s a touch of magic in every corner. Magic enthusiasts will love Top Secret Magic, home to a resident magician with a collection of mind-bending tricks, while fans of pop culture can browse The Tusken Trader’s range of vintage toys and fandom memorabilia. Pokémon trainers flock to BPH Cards for the latest collectible cards, while Kooky Castle and Kook-E-Mart offer a whimsical selection of kawaii toys and Japanese sweets.

The arcade isn’t just about shopping; it’s also about community and creativity. You can meet local artists like Jodie Smallwood of Smallshroom, whose psychedelic artworks brighten the walls, or stop by Tarot by Jo for an in-house reading to see what’s in the cards for you. There’s even a place for spiritual seekers at MySoul4Stones, a haven of crystals, tarot, and gothic-inspired homewares.

With each shop’s unique schedule, following the businesses online is recommended to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re looking to discover hidden treasures, explore handmade crafts, or simply escape into a fantastical world for an afternoon, The House That Jack Built offers an enchanting journey that keeps people of all ages coming back for more.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Plymouth. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

The House That Jack Built on Map

Sight Name: The House That Jack Built
Sight Location: Plymouth, England (See walking tours in Plymouth)
Sight Type: Shopping

Walking Tours in Plymouth, England

Create Your Own Walk in Plymouth

Create Your Own Walk in Plymouth

Creating your own self-guided walk in Plymouth is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Plymouth Introduction Walking Tour

Plymouth Introduction Walking Tour

Plymouth's early history began in the Bronze Age when the first settlement emerged at Mount Batten. It is mentioned in Ptolemy's Geographia as a maritime outpost exporting bronze mirrors.

The settlement was a major port in the southwest of England in Roman times. It was surpassed as a port in the ninth century by the nearby wealthier village of Sutton, later called Plymouth.

...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Plymouth Hoe Walking Tour

Plymouth Hoe Walking Tour

Plymouth Hoe, referred to locally as the Hoe, is a large south-facing open public space in Plymouth with commanding views of Plymouth Sound, Drake's Island, and further afield into Cornwall. The name derives from the Anglo-Saxon word hoh, which means a sloping ridge shaped like an inverted foot and heel.

This part of town has always been a meeting place, where people would come regularly...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Pilgrim Fathers Trail

Pilgrim Fathers Trail

Back in the early 17th century, a group of English Puritans – nowadays reverently referred to as the Pilgrim Fathers – fled religious persecution in their homeland and established a colony in North America that later became known as Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims embarked on their perilous journey across the Atlantic from Plymouth, England in 1620 aboard a ship called the Mayflower,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.5 Km or 0.3 Miles