Devonport Column Plymouth
Ascend 137 steps to the top of this historic column for breathtaking 360° views of Plymouth and its naval base.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More accessible tours
Devonport Column Plymouth
Best Time
More accessible tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend 137 steps to the top of this historic column for breathtaking 360° views of Plymouth and its naval base.
"Great views from the top, still can't recognise some of the places we saw through the binoculars."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing 137 narrow, spiral steps. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
📅 Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are often self-guided and dates for September, October, and November are released online. Book ahead! :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Devonport Column Summit
Top of the Column
Ascend 137 steps for unparalleled 360-degree views of Plymouth, the naval base, and the Tamar Estuary.
Historic Naval Dockyard
Surrounding Devonport
Explore the area around the column, a historic and active naval base with significant maritime history.
Parkland Exploration
Devonport Park
Wander through the spacious park surrounding the column, featuring mature trees and historical elements.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for Panoramic Views
Historic Naval Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing 137 narrow, spiral steps. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
📅 Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are often self-guided and dates for September, October, and November are released online. Book ahead! :admission_tickets:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Don't forget your camera or phone! :iphone:
⚠️ Be Aware of Stairs
The climb involves narrow, dark, spiral stone stairs. It's historic but can be challenging for some. :warning:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing 137 narrow, spiral steps. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
📅 Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are often self-guided and dates for September, October, and November are released online. Book ahead! :admission_tickets:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Don't forget your camera or phone! :iphone:
⚠️ Be Aware of Stairs
The climb involves narrow, dark, spiral stone stairs. It's historic but can be challenging for some. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Devonport Column for its spectacular panoramic views, making the challenging climb worthwhile. The historical significance of the column and its location within the naval hub are also frequently highlighted as major draws. Some find the narrow, spiral stairs to be a bit daunting, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Great views from the top, still can't recognise some of the places we saw through the binoculars"
SIMON NORRSEMAN
"A spiral stone staircase with lots of steps to climb to get to the top, but the view is worth it once you there."
Andy Murfet
"Great place to visit. Very historic but be warned there are a lot of narrow dark stairs."
Nick King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Devonport Column is located in Plymouth, UK. It's accessible via your own vehicle and is near transport stations. The surrounding area has naval and civil historic buildings, making for an interesting approach.
Information on specific parking availability can vary, but the area is described as easily accessible by vehicle.
Yes, you can walk to the column, especially if you are exploring the wider Devonport area and its parks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for self-guided tours can be booked via the Market Hall website's 'What's On' page. Dates for upcoming months are usually released in advance.
Opening hours are typically tied to scheduled tour dates, which are released on the Market Hall website. It's best to check their site for specific times.
Access to the column is usually via organized tours or specific opening times, rather than being open all day, every day.
Pricing information is available on the Market Hall website when booking tickets for the self-guided tours.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, as dates can be limited and popular.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is climbing the 137 steps to the top for spectacular panoramic views of Plymouth, the naval base, and the surrounding coastline.
The climb involves a narrow, spiral stone staircase with many steps. While rewarding, it can be challenging for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights.
You'll get expansive views across Devonport, Plymouth city, the naval dockyard, and out towards the sea and the Tamar Estuary.
Children can climb the column, but parents should be mindful of the narrow stairs and ensure children are supervised.
The column itself is a historic monument. Nearby facilities would be in the surrounding park or the Devonport area.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of Plymouth. The historic architecture of the column itself is also photogenic.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos from the top to capture the stunning views.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, be mindful of the naval base in the vicinity, and avoid photographing sensitive areas if any are visible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should ensure children are supervised closely on the narrow, spiral stairs. The panoramic views from the top provide a fantastic opportunity to point out landmarks and discuss geography. While the column itself is the main attraction, the surrounding Devonport Park offers open green space for kids to run around.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers
The adjacent HMNB Devonport is a testament to centuries of naval history, being the largest naval base in Western Europe. Exploring the area allows you to see a mix of naval and civil historic buildings, and discover 'time pieces of history' dotted around.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Devonport Column
The column is situated within a historically rich area, adjacent to Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport, which is the largest naval base in Western Europe.
Visitors often remark on the historic nature of the location and the great views out over the sound.
Experiencing the Climb and Views
Many visitors find the climb well worth the effort for the panoramic vistas. From the summit, you can see a wide expanse, including the naval dockyard, the city, and the coastline.
Some visitors have even used binoculars to try and identify landmarks from this elevated perspective. It's important to be prepared for the climb. Wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended, and those with mobility issues or a fear of confined, dark spaces might find the ascent challenging.
Devonport as a Naval Hub
While the naval base itself has high security and is not generally open to the public, its presence shapes the surrounding landscape and history. Visitors can observe naval activities from a distance, particularly from vantage points like the Devonport Column.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit often touch upon the arrival of new navy ships and the general atmosphere of this active military port.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit