Tour of Post war Plymouth
See how the post war development of the city centre compliments the historic buildings like Pristine House and St Andrews Church. Plymouth boasts the largest number of listed 1950s buildings outside of London. It is the dream of the war-time architect Sir Patrick Abercrombie who’s plans formed the basis of the reconstruction of the city after the destruction of the blitz.
Visit Charles Church, Plymouth’s most dramatic memorial to the people of Plymouth who sacrificed so much to fight for our freedom.
War Memorials on Plymouth Hoe
Walk by the Royal Plymouth Citadel the magnificent 17th Century fortress and learn of it’s history and the role it played in the defence of Plymouth during WW2. Today this fortress is home to 29 Commando Royal Artillery Regiment.
The iconic Plymouth Hoe boasts stunning panoramic views of Plymouth Sound, Drakes Island and Mount Edgecumbe in Cornwall. It also has a number of important war memorials including the Royal Marines Memorial, the RAF war Memorial and the Plymouth Naval War Memorial. Take a detailed walking tour of the Hoe and listen to the stories which explain the vital role that Plymouth played during WW2.
Walk through the historic cobbled streets of the Barbican and see some of the buildings the Plymouth Pilgrims stayed in before embarking on their historic journey from the Mayflower steps across the ocean to the New World in 1620. Now it’s your turn to embark on your own journey across the Hamoaze and up the river Tamar.
Boat Trip to the Naval Base and Devonport Dockyard
Leave the Mayflower steps and sail across Plymouth Sound past Drakes Island and along the Hamoaze, heading for the River Tamar. You will get dramatic views of the Royal William Yard the old Victualing station for the Royal Navy dating back to 1826. You will sail past Mount Wise and the National Scott Memorial on your way to Devonport Dockyard and the Plymouth Naval Base, the largest in Western Europe.
Why not make it a full day?
Boat Trip From the Barbican to Calstock
Dependent on tides this two hour boat trip will take you past the Plymouth Naval Base and up the Tamar River under the the two bridges at Saltash. On the righthand bank you will see a slipway at Saltash Passage where the American troops left for the Normandy Beaches on D Day June 1944.
Marvel at Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge which crosses the River Tamar at Saltash completed in 1859. Alongside is the Tamar Suspension Bridge which was completed 102 years later.
Sail up the Tamar to the picturesque Cotehele Quay where you have the option to explore or go onto the picturesque Cornish village of Calstock. You will have time to explore this quiet, idyllic place which is dominated by Brunel’s railway viaduct.