Drake's Island Plymouth
Explore a historic island fortress in Plymouth Sound, offering rich military history, stunning views, and unique guided tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset cruise & island tour
Drake's Island Plymouth
Best Time
Sunset cruise & island tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic island fortress in Plymouth Sound, offering rich military history, stunning views, and unique guided tours.
"A 2hr plus adventure for those who like history and a story behind the natural visual of what you see."
🔦 Bring a Torch for Tunnels
Essential for navigating the dark, historic tunnels.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain is uneven; comfortable shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Fortress Exploration
Drake's Island
Wander through abandoned military tunnels and discover the island's rich history, from gun emplacements to a former prison.
Panoramic Plymouth Sound Views
Drake's Island summit
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Plymouth Sound, the coastline, and the city skyline.
Guided Historical Tours
Drake's Island
Engage with knowledgeable guides who bring the island's past to life with fascinating stories and insights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility & Mobility
What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Torch for Tunnels
Essential for navigating the dark, historic tunnels.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain is uneven; comfortable shoes are a must.
🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Limited facilities on the island, so come prepared.
🌬️ Dress for Wind & Weather
It can get breezy, especially on the boat trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Torch for Tunnels
Essential for navigating the dark, historic tunnels.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain is uneven; comfortable shoes are a must.
🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Limited facilities on the island, so come prepared.
🌬️ Dress for Wind & Weather
It can get breezy, especially on the boat trip.
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of photo opportunities of the island and sound.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Drake's Island for its rich history, informative tours, and stunning panoramic views. The boat trip is a pleasant prelude to exploring the island's fortifications and tunnels. While the terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues, the overall experience is highly recommended for its unique blend of natural beauty and built heritage.
"It was a good tour. You need to be able to climb quite a few steps and climb hills easily. Very informative and tour guide had a great sense of humour."
Tanya Fisher
"The tour guide/custodian we had was very insightful and engaging and more than happy to answer any questions. If you're at all interested in history (not just Plymouth's) this is well worth the trip. We had gale force winds so strong we could barely walk and it was still one of the best days of our trip here. Children will love it (especially the dark tunnels and the cannons) and the few dogs on our tour were thoroughly enjoying exploring. This may be tricky for those with limited mobility as it's a decent walk and very uneven but long term plans for the island sound like it will be much improved as time goes on. We will definitely be heading back over if we're ever back in Plymouth to see the next part of this island's history. In short though Views: 10/10 Staff: 10/10. There are toilets on the island but these are the only facilities I recommend bringing a snack and a drink with you or even better a cup of tea.
The boat ride over is relatively short but pleasant and takes you past a lot of the landmarks."
Becky Pearson
"For those seeking adventure and excitement this is not the place for adults and young children and teenagers, for people who like history and a story behind the natural visual of what you see is a 2hr plus adventure 3 to 4 hours is a stretch"
Paul Bettinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Drake's Island is typically via boat tours from Plymouth. Ocean City Tours offers guided tours and sunset cruises, often departing on Wednesdays.
Several operators provide trips, including Ocean City Tours which offers jetski tours and guided island visits.
Parking is available in Plymouth, particularly near the waterfront areas where boat tours depart. It's advisable to check specific parking options near your chosen tour operator.
Yes, organized charity swims like the Chestnut Appeal's Drakes Island Swim allow participants to swim to the island.
The boat ride is generally short and pleasant, offering views of Plymouth Sound and its landmarks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking tickets in advance for guided tours is highly recommended, especially for specific events.
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour operator and what's included. Check with specific tour providers for current pricing.
Drake's Island is accessible via scheduled tours. Tour times vary, with some operators offering evening tours.
Yes, Drake's Island hosts unique events like sea shanty parties with bands like The Wellermen.
Currently, access is primarily through organized tours. Independent visits are not typically facilitated.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic fortress, learn about its military past, enjoy panoramic views, and participate in guided tours.
Yes, children often enjoy the dark tunnels and cannons, making it an engaging historical adventure.
Dogs are welcome on Drake's Island, but ensure they are comfortable with uneven terrain and potentially windy conditions.
Toilets are available on the island, but they are the only significant facilities.
A guided tour usually lasts around 2 hours, with a total visit time potentially extending to 3-4 hours including travel.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Plymouth Sound. The historic tunnels and fortifications also make for dramatic shots.
Drone footage is popular for capturing aerial views of the island and its surroundings. +1
Golden hour, especially sunset, provides beautiful light for photographing the island and Plymouth Sound.
Yes, but a good torch is essential for lighting your shots inside the dark tunnels.
Generally, photography is encouraged, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific site rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the island involves climbing and walking, the engaging historical narratives and the sheer novelty of exploring a former fortress make it a memorable outing. The panoramic views from the top are also a great reward for young explorers.
🚶 History Buffs & Urban Explorers
The island's tunnels offer a glimpse into its operational past, providing a unique urban exploration experience. Guided tours are invaluable for understanding the historical context and uncovering hidden stories. The island's regeneration is slowly revealing more of its heritage, making it an evolving destination for history enthusiasts.
🌊 Adventure Seekers & Water Enthusiasts
+2These activities offer a different perspective on the island and its surrounding waters, combining adrenaline with the chance to explore a historic landmark. The boat trips themselves offer great views of the coastline and the island from the water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Military History of Drake's Island
+1During the 16th century, Sir Francis Drake himself is said to have used the island, and by the 19th century, it was a key part of the Palmerston Forts network, designed to defend against potential French invasion. The island's fortifications include impressive artillery batteries and underground tunnels, remnants of which can still be explored today.
+1While its defenses were never truly tested in major conflict, the island stands as a testament to Britain's maritime history and strategic military planning. Today, its regeneration aims to preserve this heritage while making it accessible to the public, offering a tangible link to the past.
Exploring Drake's Island: What to Expect
Once on the island, guided tours are highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about its past, from its role as a military stronghold to its time as a prison. You'll explore the remnants of fortifications, including gun emplacements and the intriguing, dark tunnels that honeycomb the island.
Be prepared for a physically engaging experience. The island involves walking on uneven terrain and climbing numerous steps. However, the effort is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views from the summit, making it a memorable outing for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike.
Community Events and Activities
+3These events highlight the island's potential beyond its historical significance, transforming it into a cultural hub. Airsoft skirmishes also take place on the island, utilizing its varied terrain for tactical games, attracting enthusiasts and veterans.
These activities not only provide entertainment but also contribute to the island's ongoing regeneration and connection with the local community, offering diverse reasons to visit throughout the year.
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