Situated on the east bank of the River Plym, Plymstock is geographically and historically part of the South Hams.

The total population in 2011 increased to 24,758[1][2] The earliest surviving documentary reference to the place is as Plemestocha in the Domesday Book and its name is derived from Old English meaning either "outlying farm with a plum-tree" or, if it is short for Plympton Stock, "outlying farm belonging to Plympton".

[3] The local branch railways through the area to Turnchapel and Yealmpton have been removed, the bridges and stations demolished, and the land built on.

Pomphlett Creek (shown right), once a popular rowing stretch has been partly filled in and what remains is largely silted up.

[6] Frequent buses connect most areas of Plymstock with routes across the city linking with the railway station and Derriford hospital.