Mayflower Steps
A poignant memorial on Plymouth's historic Barbican, marking the approximate departure point of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection
Mayflower Steps
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant memorial on Plymouth's historic Barbican, marking the approximate departure point of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620.
"A significant historical site, offering a tangible connection to the Pilgrims' journey and the spirit of exploration."
🚶♀️ Explore the Barbican
The Steps are on the historic Barbican, full of shops & eateries. Don't miss the Mayflower Museum nearby!
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spot for historical photos, especially with the portico and harbor views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mayflower Steps Memorial
Plymouth Barbican
A 1930s portico and platform commemorating the 1620 departure of the Mayflower ship and its Pilgrims.
Bronze Artwork
Near the Steps
Illustrations and accounts detailing the Pilgrims' perilous voyage and experiences.
Mayflower Museum
Adjacent to the Steps
Interactive exhibits on the 1620 voyage, featuring stories from both Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'Real' Mayflower Steps
+2Combine with Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore the Barbican
The Steps are on the historic Barbican, full of shops & eateries. Don't miss the Mayflower Museum nearby!
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spot for historical photos, especially with the portico and harbor views.
🗺️ Understand the History
Remember these aren't the original steps, but a memorial to the 1620 departure.
💡 Free to Visit
The memorial site itself is free to access, making it an easy stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Barbican
The Steps are on the historic Barbican, full of shops & eateries. Don't miss the Mayflower Museum nearby!
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spot for historical photos, especially with the portico and harbor views.
🗺️ Understand the History
Remember these aren't the original steps, but a memorial to the 1620 departure.
💡 Free to Visit
The memorial site itself is free to access, making it an easy stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mayflower Steps a significant historical site, appreciating the memorial's connection to the 1620 voyage and the nearby Mayflower Museum. While acknowledging it's a memorial and not the original steps, the location and historical context are highly valued. Some reviewers suggest better maintenance of the site.
"Yep, they are steps. Enshrined with a literal and figurative doorway. You can’t go down the steps, but they’re there. It’s pretty much a guarantee the mayflower did not leave from here. But it’s a nice photo"
Some Guy
"Could not visit Plymouth without taking a look at this memorial, which stands in front of a viewing platform near to the place from where, on 16th September 1620, the Mayflower set sail with 102 Pilgrims on board, families hoping to find a better life and religious freedom in the New World. A bronze artwork tells the story of their experiences on this perilous voyage into the unknown, through illustrations, historical information, and personal accounts. The steps leading down into the water are relatively modern (the original ones no longer exist). There's a museum about the Pilgrims and the Mayflower close by. I did not get time to visit it, but there's a tourist information centre on the ground floor where I found helpful staff, and was given a free map of Plymouth. Well worth coming here to learn about this significant event in British and US history."
Valerie Hinchliffe
"As a family historian, with many ancestors who emigrated from England to the USA, I found this memorial interesting and nearby there is a list of passengers who sailed on the Mayflower. I have watched Genealogy programmes where descendants have been traced of those who set sail from near this point and it would be fun to find my own family connection. This will be of interest to those interested in the Mayflower story and there is a museum nearby. Free to visit."
Elizabeth Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mayflower Steps are located on the historic Barbican in Plymouth. You can reach it by car, with several car parks nearby, or via public transport. Local buses frequently serve the city center and Barbican area.
Yes, there are several car parks within walking distance of the Mayflower Steps on the Barbican. Some popular options include the Market Street car park and Vauxhall Street car park.
If you are in Plymouth city center, it's a pleasant walk down to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps, taking around 15-20 minutes. The route is well-signposted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Mayflower Steps memorial itself is a public monument and is free to visit. You only need to pay if you choose to enter the nearby Mayflower Museum.
As an outdoor memorial, the Mayflower Steps are accessible at all times. The adjacent Mayflower Museum has its own specific opening hours, which vary seasonally.
The original steps from 1620 no longer exist. The current site features a 1930s memorial portico and platform, marking the approximate location of the embarkation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the Mayflower Steps memorial, a bronze artwork depicting the voyage, and enjoy views of Plymouth Sound. The historic Barbican area surrounds it.
You cannot go down the steps leading directly into the water as they are part of the memorial and not for public access. However, there is a viewing platform.
Yes, the Mayflower Museum offers an in-depth look at the 1620 voyage with interactive exhibits and stories from both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.
It commemorates the departure of the Mayflower ship in 1620, carrying 102 Pilgrims seeking religious freedom and a new life in America.
Occasionally, events like Seafest are held near the Mayflower Steps, often featuring live music and local vendors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! The Barbican area surrounding the Mayflower Steps is packed with restaurants, pubs, and cafes offering a variety of cuisines.
You'll find everything from traditional pub fare and fresh seafood to international dishes and sweet treats. Many establishments offer views of the harbor.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the memorial portico, the bronze artwork, and the scenic views of Plymouth Sound. The surrounding Barbican also offers charming backdrops.
Yes, it's a significant historical site, and the memorial itself provides a strong visual element for historical photography enthusiasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the Barbican afterwards provides a fun environment with plenty of places to eat and discover. It's a great opportunity to spark curiosity about history and maritime exploration in a relaxed setting.
🏛️ History Buffs
Combine your visit with the Mayflower Museum for a comprehensive understanding of the voyage, its challenges, and its impact. Exploring the surrounding Barbican also provides context for Plymouth's rich maritime past.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mayflower Voyage: Fact vs. Memorial
+2Despite not being the exact original location, the memorial is situated close to where the Mayflower would have been anchored in Plymouth Sound. The bronze artwork at the site vividly illustrates the story of the Pilgrims' journey, offering historical context and personal accounts. This memorial serves as a crucial point of reflection for understanding this pivotal moment in both British and American history.
Exploring the Historic Barbican
Beyond the Mayflower Steps, the Barbican offers a vibrant atmosphere, especially during events like Plymouth Seafest. It's a perfect place to wander, soak in the maritime heritage, and enjoy local food and drink. The Mayflower Museum, located nearby, provides a deeper dive into the story of the Pilgrims and their voyage, making it a natural extension of a visit to the steps.
+1Modern Innovations Near Historic Sites
Scientists are monitoring this project to observe how new marine life colonizes the structure. This juxtaposition of ancient history with contemporary ecological efforts highlights Plymouth's dynamic relationship with its coastline and its commitment to both preserving the past and innovating for the future.
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