Panoramic views from the column
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Devonport Column Plymouth

4.4
·30 reviews·Column, United Kingdom

Ascend 137 steps to the top of this historic column for breathtaking 360° views of Plymouth and its naval base.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More accessible tours

CrowdMedium
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Panoramic views from the column

Devonport Column Plymouth

Best Time

Weekends

More accessible tours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend 137 steps to the top of this historic column for breathtaking 360° views of Plymouth and its naval base.

4.4
(30 reviews)

"Great views from the top, still can't recognise some of the places we saw through the binoculars."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 30 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Devonport Column Summit

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

Historic Naval Dockyard

Surrounding Devonport

Explore the area around the column, a historic and active naval base with significant maritime history.

Parkland Exploration

Parkland Exploration

Devonport Park

Wander through the spacious park surrounding the column, featuring mature trees and historical elements.

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Planning Your Visit

Climb for Panoramic Views

Prepare for a climb! The Devonport Column offers breathtaking views, but it involves ascending 137 steps via a narrow, spiral stone staircase. It's a rewarding experience for those ready for the ascent.

Historic Naval Hub

Devonport is a historic naval base, so expect to see naval buildings and potentially ships. While the column itself is accessible, the surrounding naval base has high security. Plan your visit around the column's opening times.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More accessible tours
Crowd
Medium
When
Clear weather days
Why
Best visibility for views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍HMNB Devonport, Plymouth, UK🇬🇧 #navy #navybase #plymouth #devonport
@geounkwn
4.5K likes • 115.8K views

👟 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:

David Cameron Visits Her Majesty's Naval Base | Devonport #DavidCameron #DevonportNavalBase #RoyalNavy #PoliticalVisit #GovernmentLeaders
@bridgfvp7gp
2.6K likes • 55.2K views
Take a trip up the Devonport Column and experience spectacular views across Devonport, Plymouth and the Tamar! You can find our September, October and November dates up on our website now. Find out more and book a ticket for your self-guided tour via our What's On Page - link in bio
themarkethalluk
32 likes • 549 views

📸 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. ⚠️

✨ In Conversation With Pollenize ✨ With apiaries located in iconic Plymouth locations including Royal William Yard, the Devonport Column and the National Marine Aquarium we discuss the importance of beehives, AI technology and community projects with Pollenize co-founder Owen Finnie. 🐝 Full interview online now 👉⁠ Link in Bio / Story @pollenizeplymouth #pollenizeplymouth #flatspot
_flatspot
121 likes • 9K views

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. ⚠️

What Travellers Say

4.4
(30 reviews)

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

Amazing panoramic views
Historic significance
Rewarding climb

What People Dislike

Narrow, spiral stairs

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. Reddit

Information on specific parking availability can vary, but the area is described as easily accessible by vehicle. Reddit

Yes, you can walk to the column, especially if you are exploring the wider Devonport area and its parks. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Access to the column is usually via organized tours or specific opening times, rather than being open all day, every day. Instagram

Pricing information is available on the Market Hall website when booking tickets for the self-guided tours. Instagram

It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, as dates can be limited and popular. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

You'll get expansive views across Devonport, Plymouth city, the naval dockyard, and out towards the sea and the Tamar Estuary. InstagramReddit

Children can climb the column, but parents should be mindful of the narrow stairs and ensure children are supervised. Instagram

The column itself is a historic monument. Nearby facilities would be in the surrounding park or the Devonport area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of Plymouth. The historic architecture of the column itself is also photogenic. Instagram

Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos from the top to capture the stunning views. Instagram

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. TikTok

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