Mount Batten Ferry Plymouth
A charming ferry connecting Plymouth's Barbican to Mount Batten, offering scenic harbour views and easy access to historic sites and eateries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and pleasant crossing
Mount Batten Ferry Plymouth
Best Time
Best views and pleasant crossing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming ferry connecting Plymouth's Barbican to Mount Batten, offering scenic harbour views and easy access to historic sites and eateries.
"£3 for a single is so cheap. It saves you parking in town/barbican and paying the rup off prices."
💰 Budget-Friendly Travel
Ferry single fare is only £3, saving on town parking costs. Punch cards offer discounts for commuters.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Journeys
Dogs are welcome aboard the ferry, making it easy to explore with your furry friends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Harbour Crossing
Barbican to Mount Batten
Enjoy a brief, picturesque journey across Plymouth Harbour, offering lovely coastal views.
Mount Batten Tower Views
Mount Batten
Climb the historic 16th-century tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Plymouth Sound.
Royal William Yard Access
Mount Batten
Use the ferry as a gateway to explore the stunning architecture and amenities of Royal William Yard.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Fun: A Quick Hop Across the Water
Timing is Key for Ferry Travel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Budget-Friendly Travel
Ferry single fare is only £3, saving on town parking costs. Punch cards offer discounts for commuters.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Journeys
Dogs are welcome aboard the ferry, making it easy to explore with your furry friends.
⏰ Check Ferry Timings
Ferries usually run every 30 mins, but confirm schedules to avoid waiting.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Enjoy scenic views of the harbour and coastline during your short trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Travel
Ferry single fare is only £3, saving on town parking costs. Punch cards offer discounts for commuters.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Journeys
Dogs are welcome aboard the ferry, making it easy to explore with your furry friends.
⏰ Check Ferry Timings
Ferries usually run every 30 mins, but confirm schedules to avoid waiting.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Enjoy scenic views of the harbour and coastline during your short trip.
☕️ Mount Batten Bites
Grab a bagel or pizza at @koalakarlousbagelco on Mount Batten after your ferry ride. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Mount Batten Ferry is a cheap and cheerful way to cross Plymouth Harbour, praised for its convenience and scenic views. While many find the journey pleasant and the staff friendly, some reviews mention issues with staff courtesy and payment. Overall, it's a well-loved local service offering great value. +2
"Easy way to get into Plymouth without having to find parking drops you at the Barbican £3 per person dogs welcome runs every 30 mins on the hour and half past and returning quarter past and quater too little trip across the harbour."
Len Noble
"Useful and pleasant crossing but staff are usually rude and don't care about their customers while giving friends free rides. Also I was once not allowed on as I didn't have the right change as the pilot's pay-thing wasn't there/working. Another time a pilot told off a whole family for not sitting quickly enough and then he spent 10 minutes rudely talking with another pilot and using all kinds of profanities in front of the children and the ferry left 10 minutes late for it."
jon st francis
"Interactions with the staff were disappointingly characterized by a distinct lack of courtesy; verbal responses were often perfunctory and unhelpful, suggesting a deficit in interpersonal skills. The ride itself offered a placid and comfortable experience, though its unhurried progression at a maximum of 2 miles per hour is hardly a feat of engineering. It was also notable that staff members seemed predisposed to contentious exchanges/making assumptions, an observation that became apparent with relative ease."
Joesph Moseley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the Mount Batten Ferry from the Barbican Landing Stage. It's a short, scenic ride across the harbour.
The ferry typically runs every 30 minutes on the hour and half past. Return trips are usually on the quarter past and quarter to. It's best to check current schedules as they can vary.
Yes, there is a car park near Mount Batten, but taking the ferry from the Barbican is often recommended to avoid town parking fees and hassle.
Absolutely! Dogs are welcome on the Mount Batten Ferry, making it a convenient option for pet owners exploring Plymouth.
The ferry crossing is very short, usually just a few minutes, offering a quick and pleasant journey across the harbour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single fare is typically around £3 per person. Discounted tickets or punch cards are available for regular commuters.
Tickets are usually purchased directly from the ferry operator upon boarding. It's advisable to have the correct change, as card machines may not always be available.
Yes, regular commuters can often purchase books of tickets or punch cards at a discounted rate.
No, the ferry operates on a hop-on, hop-off basis, and advance booking is not required for standard travel.
Some reviews suggest that not having the correct change might cause issues, so it's best to be prepared.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mount Batten offers the historic Mount Batten Tower with great views, the Mount Batten Centre for water activities, and new eateries like @koalakarlousbagelco.
Yes, it's a fantastic day trip destination. You can explore the tower, enjoy coastal walks, and dine at local spots, all easily accessible via the ferry.
Mount Batten provides stunning panoramic views of Plymouth Sound, the coastline, and the city. The tower offers particularly impressive vistas. +1
Yes, Mount Batten is a great place for dog walks, with coastal paths and open spaces. The ferry is also dog-friendly.
Yes, new spots like @koalakarlousbagelco offer bagels, pizzas, and drinks, making it a convenient place to refuel.
📸 📸 Photography
The ferry crossing itself offers great shots of the harbour. Mount Batten Tower provides panoramic views, and the coastline is beautiful for photography. +1
Definitely! Mount Batten is listed as one of the best places in Plymouth to catch a winter sunset, offering spectacular light over the water.
Yes, the ferry route offers opportunities to photograph various boats and the maritime activity in Plymouth Harbour.
Occasionally, events like free photoshoots for bikers are held at Mount Batten, so keep an eye out for local listings.
It's ideal for landscape, seascape, maritime, and architectural photography, especially with the historic tower and harbour views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Remember to check the ferry schedule to make the most of your visit and avoid long waits. Bringing snacks and drinks is always a good idea for younger children. The ferry is also dog-friendly, so if you have a family pet, they can join in on the fun too!
🐶 Dog Owners
Combine your ferry trip with a visit to Mount Batten Tower for stunning views, or explore the waterfront. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it an enjoyable outing for both you and your furry friend.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to capture sunset vistas from Mount Batten, which are considered among the best in Plymouth.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Batten Ferry Experience
While the ride is short, the views are consistently praised. You get a unique perspective of the harbour, the boats, and the coastline.
Ferry Operations and Practicalities
The ferry typically runs every 30 minutes, with return journeys also on a regular schedule.
Exploring Mount Batten: History and Modern Delights
Beyond the tower, Mount Batten has become a hub for leisure and dining. The Mount Batten Centre is a focal point for water sports and outdoor activities.
More recently, new eateries have opened, such as @koalakarlousbagelco, serving delicious bagels, pizzas, and drinks in a fantastic waterfront location. +1 This blend of historical exploration and contemporary amenities makes Mount Batten a versatile destination for a day out.Sunset Views and Coastal Walks
Mount Batten is also recognized as one of the prime locations in Plymouth for watching the sunset.
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