Mayflower Museum
Explore the historic Mayflower voyage and its impact at this engaging museum, featuring interactive exhibits and a replica ship nearby.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Engaging for kids, fewer crowds
Mayflower Museum
Best Time
Engaging for kids, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic Mayflower voyage and its impact at this engaging museum, featuring interactive exhibits and a replica ship nearby.
"A brief but educational museum, positioned just across the road from where it’ll tell you the mayflower steps probably weren’t."
🎯 Kid-Friendly Fun
Level 2 is a hit with kids, featuring a dress-up box and interactive activities.
🗺️ Location, Location!
Conveniently located across from the historic Mayflower Steps on the Barbican.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Level 2
Engaging displays, including a dress-up box and activities, make history come alive for younger visitors.
The Mayflower's Journey
Main exhibition
Discover the fascinating timeline of the Pilgrims' journey before their departure from Plymouth.
Mayflower II Ship
Water Street, Pilgrim Memorial State Park
A full-scale reproduction of the historic ship that carried the Pilgrims to America.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Kid-Friendly Fun
Level 2 is a hit with kids, featuring a dress-up box and interactive activities.
🗺️ Location, Location!
Conveniently located across from the historic Mayflower Steps on the Barbican. 
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are welcoming, helpful, and available to answer questions.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caveats)
Well-behaved dogs in buggies are welcome, but note there are no public toilets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Kid-Friendly Fun
Level 2 is a hit with kids, featuring a dress-up box and interactive activities.
🗺️ Location, Location!
Conveniently located across from the historic Mayflower Steps on the Barbican.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are welcoming, helpful, and available to answer questions.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caveats)
Well-behaved dogs in buggies are welcome, but note there are no public toilets.
🛍️ Gift Shop Note
The gift shop has more Devon items than Mayflower-specific souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mayflower Museum to be a brief yet educational experience, effectively bringing the history of the 1620 voyage to life. The interactive exhibits are particularly praised for engaging younger audiences, and the staff are consistently noted for their friendliness and helpfulness. While some find the gift shop selection limited, the museum offers good value and a pleasant glimpse into Anglo-American history.
"A brief but educational museum, positioned just across the road from where it’ll tell you the mayflower steps probably weren’t. There are interactive elements suited to younger children, and wall panels of text for the adults. All in, it did a good job of bringing the history to life and positioning it within an appropriate context."
Andy Allsopp
"Ladies at the counter were very friendly and helpful
Pretty much what it says on the tin. Lots of interesting history
Gift shop was a let down. Lots of Devon stuff very little mayflower stuff"
Some Guy
"Visited early in the morning and boys enjoyed every minute. Level 2 was particularly engaging with dress up box and many activates. Staff excellent and very welcoming. Thank you."
spooks101
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mayflower Museum is located in the city centre on the Barbican. You can find it by climbing the stairs to the left of the museum.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the museum is in a central area, suggesting nearby public parking facilities might be available. It's best to check local Plymouth parking information for the most up-to-date options.
Given its city centre location, it's likely accessible by local buses. For those backpacking, it's a walkable destination within Plymouth.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, but it's often recommended to visit early in the morning. Checking the official website or local tourist information for the most current hours is advised.
The museum offers a pleasant price/performance ratio, making it an affordable option for exploring history. Specific ticket prices should be confirmed on their official channels.
Advance booking is generally not mentioned as a requirement, but it's always a good idea to check their official website, especially during peak seasons, to avoid disappointment.
While the museum is described as compact, accessibility might be limited due to the building's structural conditions, particularly regarding public toilets. Visitors with specific needs should contact the museum directly for detailed information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum offers a compact overview of the Mayflower's 1620 voyage and the Pilgrims' emigration to the USA. It features interactive elements for children, wall panels of text for adults, and multimedia information.
Yes, the museum has interactive elements, especially on Level 2, including a dress-up box and activities that are particularly engaging for younger visitors.
The museum explores the history of the Mayflower's voyage and its passengers, the Pilgrims, who sought a new life in America. It provides context for this pivotal event in history.
Yes, the Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the ship, is located at Pilgrim Memorial State Park. +1 Additionally, the Plimoth Patuxet Museums offer a broader living history experience.
+1
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff upon arrival to ensure you comply with their guidelines.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum is situated on the Barbican, a vibrant area known for its restaurants and cafes, offering plenty of dining options nearby.
The museum itself does not appear to have an on-site cafe or restaurant. However, the surrounding Barbican area is well-equipped with various eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the museum's exterior, especially its location near the historic Mayflower Steps. Inside, focus on the exhibits that visually represent the voyage and the ship.
The Mayflower II is docked at Pilgrim Memorial State Park and offers excellent photo opportunities. You can capture its full scale and historical presence. +1
Visitors often appreciate the context provided by the museum's location on the Barbican, near the presumed Mayflower Steps. The Mayflower II ship itself is a prime subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Backpackers
📚 History Enthusiasts
For a broader understanding, consider visiting the Plimoth Patuxet Museums to explore the wider historical landscape. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mayflower II: A Living Replica
This meticulously crafted vessel allows visitors to step aboard and imagine the challenging voyage undertaken by the original passengers and crew. It's a key attraction for understanding the scale and conditions of that historic journey. Originally built in Brixham, England, the Mayflower II has undergone significant restoration and maintenance over the years. It has even sailed back to Mystic Seaport Museum for refits, highlighting the ongoing commitment to preserving this important historical artifact.
Visiting the Mayflower II provides a unique perspective on maritime history and the daring spirit of exploration that defined the era. Understanding the Pilgrims' Story
The museum's exhibits often highlight the timeline of events leading up to the departure from Plymouth, England, offering a comprehensive narrative of this significant historical undertaking. While the museum details the Pilgrims' experience, it's important to remember that this story is also intertwined with the Indigenous homeland of Patuxet. For a more complete understanding of the historical context, visiting the broader Plimoth Patuxet Museums is highly recommended, as they offer insights into the lives and perspectives of the Wampanoag people.
This dual perspective is crucial for a nuanced appreciation of early colonial history. Exploring Plymouth's Maritime Heritage
+1 The museum's exhibits, alongside the Mayflower II ship, offer a glimpse into the adventurous spirit that has long defined Plymouth. Beyond the Mayflower, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park offers further opportunities to explore the region's maritime heritage.
This area is steeped in history, from ancient mariners to naval endeavors, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the sea and its impact on human history. 
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