Hafen
Plymouth

Scenic Drive

Following a brief Plymouth city drive, head for the 'New' Tamar road bridge and cross into Cornwall. Running Parallel is Royal Albert Bridge, built to a unique design by the Victorian engineer-genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1859. The 19 arch structure is 2240 ft long and is still used by all trains heading across the river.

Historic Looe

Travel through the green Cornish countryside to the lovely Cornish coast, dotted with small ancient harbours, stopping to explore historic Looe.

Looe is a small fishing town in South East Cornwall that welcomes thousands of tourists every summer to its warm beaches, local seafood restaurants and beautiful coastal walks. Divided by the River Looe, East and West Looe offer their own quirks adding to the charm of the coastal town. Historically, Looe is known for its fishing and boat building after both World Wars, and is therefore known for its fantastic seafood. The town of Looe also boasts a few other charms such as a monkey sanctuary, founded in 1964, that rescues and looks after a wide range of monkeys. Visit the Old Guidhall museum, where many of its original prison cells and raised magistrate benches still remain undamaged. Another site to visit is Tallard Church, a building of exceptional interest as it is perched on a cliff top at Tallard. Parts of the church were built as far back as the 13th Century and most of it was built in the 15th century.

Enjoy free time here to explore the town and picturesque harbour and visit its interesting shops and traditional pubs. Later, return to the ship in Plymouth.

Explore the picturesque beauty, history and architecture of Plymouth during this half-day sightseeing tour of the city, and a visit to Mount Edgcumbe House.

Plymouth City Tour

Depart the pier for a panoramic sightseeing drive through Plymouth. The city lies between the Rivers Plym and Tamar, and is home to one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Pass through the modern centre of the city, which underwent extensive restoration after heavy damage during World War II. From here, continue on to the historical areas of Barbican and Hoe, which commands splendid views over Plymouth Sound, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, and features a statue of renowned explorer Sir Francis Drake.

Mount Edgcumbe House

Next, drive to the outskirts of the city, cross the River Tamar via the imposing Tamar Bridge, then proceed into the County of Cornwall for a visit to Mount Edgcumbe House. This Tudor Mansion belonging to the Edgcumbe family was built in 1547, then restored following extensive wartime damage in 1941. During your guided tour, see the large, airy and beautifully furnished rooms, and learn about the legacy of this historic property.

Mount Edgcumbe House is surrounded by seven acres of formal gardens and rolling parklands beyond, and offers spectacular views of the naval establishment at Devonport and the city of Plymouth in the distance.

Ferry to Devonport

After re-boarding your coach, drive to nearby Torpoint, then re-cross the River Tamar via ferry to Devonport and return to the pier in Plymouth.

In the heart of Devon lies Dartmoor National Park -- home to more than 30,000 people, including the farmers and foresters who work the land for their livelihood. Dartmoor is justly famous for its wide-open moors, wooded valleys, rushing rivers and wildlife. Its scenery is dominated by rugged tors and outcroppings of granite formed around 280 million years ago.

Moorland Visitor Centre

Journey 40 minutes through the park to Princetown for a short visit to the Moorland Visitor Centre and gain valuable insight into the natural and cultural heritage of the moor.

Postbridge Walk

Continue to the pretty village of Postbridge. From there, your guide will escort you on a walk to the local pub. This is a very moderate, scenic walk with archaeological interest along the way.

Warren Inn Pub

At the delightfully situated Warren Inn Pub, a typical Dartmoor establishment, enjoy a traditional and simple Ploughman's lunch before returning to Plymouth.

The ancient city of Plymouth is perhaps one of the best known Maritime cities in the world. See it on foot today with an expert local guide.

Plymouth Walking Tour

Plymouth is the place where The Pilgrim fathers set sail aboard the Mayflower for the New World and Sir Francis Drake sailed to defeat the invading Spanish Armada.

Its strategic positioning and large natural harbour have made Plymouth a traditional stronghold for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and historic evidence of their continuous presence is to be seen at every glance. Across the waters of Plymouth Sound lies fortified Drake's Island guarding the approaches.  In contrast the idyllic Mount Edgcumbe country estate sits elegantly opposite.

Plymouth Hoe

Walk out of the docks and up to Plymouth Hoe, where Drake was famously playing bowls when he received news of the invading Armada.  'We have time to finish the game' he is reported to have said!' From here enjoy fine panoramic views of the area and out to sea.

Plymouth Gin Distillery

Continue your tour on to visit the Plymouth Gin Distillery, the oldest distillery in England since 1793. Here you can learn about the history of Gin, the distillation process and join a tutored tasting of Plymouth Gin. After visiting the distillery, continue your walking tour of Plymouth.

The Citadel and Historic Barbican

Nearby lies the fortified garrison, or Citadel, and continuing done the gradual slope come to the historic Barbican.  This is the original trading dock of the city and is the place from where the Pilgrim Fathers departed. Now the warehouses are homes to fashionable galleries, cafes and quaint antique shops. See the Mayflower steps and enjoy a little time here to browse before continuing up the hill and into the bustling city centre.

At this point you may choose to return to the ship or spend some free time in the city and return later.

The ancient city of Plymouth is perhaps one of the best-known Maritime cities in the world. From here the Pilgrim Fathers set sail aboard the Mayflower for the New World and Sir Francis Drake sailed to defeat the invading Spanish Armada.  Its strategic positioning and large natural harbour made Plymouth a traditional stronghold for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and historic evidence of their continuous presence is to be seen at every glance.   Across the water of Plymouth Sound lies fortified Drake’s Island guarding the approaches and in contrast the idyllic Mount Edgcumbe country estate sits elegantly opposite.

Plymouth Hoe

Walk out of the docks and up to Plymouth Hoe, where Drake was famously playing bowls when he received new of the invading Armada. ‘We have time to finish the game’ he is reported to have said!  From here there are fine views of the area and out of sea.    Nearby lies the fortified Garrison, or Citadel, and continuing down the gradual slope lies the Barbican.   This is the original trading dock of the city and is the where the Pilgrim Fathers departed from.  Now the warehouses are homes to fashionable galleries, cafés and quaint antique shops.    See the Mayflower steps and enjoy a little time here before continuing up hill and into the bustling city centre.

At this point, take some time to explore the city at leisure before returning to the Barbican and your awaiting tender.

Embark on an exploration of Plymouth's rich history with a leisurely walking tour around Plymouth Hoe. As you stroll along this iconic waterfront location, taking in breath taking views of the Sound and the Channel. Your journey will lead you to the impressive 17th-century fortress, The Royal Citadel.

The Royal Citadel

Perched high on Plymouth Hoe, The Royal Citadel offers a commanding presence, originally constructed in the late 1660s to safeguard the British Coastline from Dutch invasions. Marvel at the strategic positioning that allows panoramic views into the Channel and Western Approaches, reminiscent of the fortress's historical significance during the times of Sir Francis Drake.

Private Guided Visit

As you enter The Royal Citadel, you'll find yourself immersed in a living piece of history. This fortress, still an active military base today, houses the esteemed 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. Your private guided visit provides a unique opportunity to delve into the fortress's past, uncovering 350 years' worth of stories, strategic importance, and the role it played in safeguarding the nation.

After absorbing the fascinating history of The Royal Citadel, embark on a scenic walk back to the Barbican, retracing your steps through Plymouth's charming streets.

Buckland Abbey is the former home of Sir Francis Drake, seaman, adventurer and explorer.

Buckland Abbey

Tucked away in its own secluded valley above the beautiful River Tavy, Buckland Abbey holds the secret to over 700 years of history. Originally a Cistercian monastery it was converted after the Dissolution to become the home of Sir Richard Grenville and then, most famously, Sir Francis Drake. The Abbey remained a Drake family home and the centre of a large farm estate for nearly four hundred years after the death of Sir Francis in 1596.

Visit the furnished period rooms and wonderful ancient buildings, craft workshops, a gem of an herb garden, the massive medieval Great Barn and a unique new decorated plasterwork ceiling in Drake Chamber.

Dartmoor

Afterwards enjoy a panoramic overview of Dartmoor. Steeped in legend and myth, your guide will recount of some of the age old stories of this vast wilderness. Pause for photographs at scenic points along the way, such as the two bridges and see the Victorian prison at Princetown before returning to Plymouth pier.