A Guide to Plymouth for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers
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A Guide to Plymouth for Hackney
Carriage and Private Hire drivers
June 2022
1
Few know Plymouth better than the drivers that cover its 3,270 streets
and 1,040km of road every day. But we don’t always have time to stop
and look at the landmarks we regularly pass to find out a bit more
about them.
There’s so much to see in Plymouth and there’s an extraordinary blend
of the ancient and modern. Anywhere you go you are not far from
some of the historical characters and events that have helped shape
the world.
This booklet aims to give a few facts about some of the most
important locations in Plymouth. There are hundreds more, which we
may cover in future if you find it useful.
2
CONTENTS
PLYMOUTH HOE 4
THE BARBICAN 6
THE BOX 8
SUTTON HARBOUR 9
PLYMOUTH SOUND 10
CITY CENTRE 14
DRAKE’S ISLAND 18
PLYMOUTH TO TAVISTOCK 20
PLYMOUTH TO PRINCETOWN, DARTMOOR 21
PLYMOUTH TO BUCKLAND ABBEY 21
PLYMOUTH TO BUCKFAST ABBEY 22
PLYMOUTH TO RAF HARROWBEER 23
PLYMOUTH TO MOUNT EDGCUMBE 23
PLYMOUTH TO COTEHELE HOUSE 24
PLYMOUTH TO DARTMOOR ZOO 25
PLYMOUTH TO MORWELLHAM QUAY 25
TAMAR BRIDGE 26
BURGH ISLAND, SOUTH DEVON 27
3
PLYMOUTH HOE
1 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE’S STATUE
Drake is probably Britain’s most celebrated seafarer. He was a
privateer commissioned by Elizabeth I to plunder the Spanish
colonies, arriving back in England in1580 laden with gold and
as the first Englishman to have circumnavigated the globe.
He was knighted by Elizabeth 1 and became Mayor of
Plymouth in 1581.
Legend has it that Drake continued a game of bowls on
Plymouth Hoe on 20 July 1588 after news of that a large
Spanish invasion fleet was on its way.
His defeat of the Spanish Armada is seen as one of Britain’s
great naval victories.
2 NO. 3 ELLIOT TERRACE
Was the home of Lord Astor, MP for Plymouth
Sutton 1910 to1919 and Lord Mayor of Plymouth
1939 to 1944. His wife Nancy Astor became the
first woman MP to take her seat in the House of
Commons, serving the Sutton constituency 1919
to 1945. The family gifted the house to Plymouth
and it is now used for functions and events. It can
be hired for weddings.
3 WEST HOE PIER
A three meter tall, cast iron human sculpture known as a ‘Look II Statue’ can be found
on Plymouth’s West Hoe Pier, in the place where tens of thousands of people watched
Sir Francis Chichester land on 28 May 1967 in Gipsy Moth IV after circumnavigating the
world single-handed in 266 days. He arrived back at The Royal Western Yacht Club’s HQ,
which is now The Waterfront bar and grill next to the pier.
The sculpture was designed by world famous artist
Sir Antony Gormley OBE, who also designed the
iconic Angel of the North and was unveiled in
September 2020 to mark the 400th anniversary of
the sailing of the Mayflower from Plymouth.
The sculpture is designed to have a rusty look and
has been nicknamed ‘Rusty Reg’ by Plymothians. It
weighs nearly 3 tonnes and is made from 22 blocks in
one cast iron form, stacked like a house of cards but
substantial, like the stones of Stonehenge. The artist
hoped that the work would evoke the yearning to
travel across the horizon in order to establish a new
life in another place.
4
4 THE HOE PROMENADE
Was used as a military parade ground
for centuries. With its stunning views
over Plymouth Sound it is the scene
of many of Plymouth’s biggest events,
including Armed Forces Day and the Half
Marathon.
5 SMEATON’S TOWER
Plymouth’s best known landmark
originally stood 12 miles out to sea as
the Eddystone Lighthouse. It was built in
1759 by the engineer John Smeaton and
stood on the reef until 1877, when it was
dismantled after the rock underneath
eroded.
It was rebuilt on the Hoe in1882. There
are great views – including of the fourth
Eddystone Lighthouse – if you climb the
93 steps to the top.
6 PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
Commemorates 7,251 sailors of the First World War
and 15,933 of the Second World War.
Identical memorials were built in Portsmouth and
Chatham after the First World War and were extended
after WW2.
The memorial is maintained by the Commonwealth War
Graves Commission and is grade 1 listed.
7 TINSIDE LIDO
Is an art deco seawater pool built
in 1935. It closed in 1992 but was
reopened to the public in 2005
after a major refurbishment. It
is open from the end of May to
September. For further information
about opening times, please visit
www.everyoneactive.com
5
THE BARBICAN
8 BLACK FRIARS DISTILLERY
Has been the home of Plymouth Gin
since 1793 and is the oldest working gin
distillery in England. The building dates
back to the early1400s, with the oldest
part of the building, the Refectory, dating
to 1431. It is in this building that the
Pilgrims are said to have spent their last
night before setting sail in the Mayflower.
You can take tour of the distillery and
relax in the cocktail lounge afterwards.
www.plymouthdistillery.com
9 THE MAYFLOWER STEPS
Commemorate the final English
departure point of the Mayflower by
the Pilgrims in 1620. When the Pilgrims
landed they set up the new colony of
Plymouth, in what is now Massachusetts.
The steps mark the spot close to the site
from where it is believed the Mayflower
set sail. The actual quay no longer exists
but legend has it that it would have
been on a site now under the Admiral
MacBride pub. There are several plaques
nearby relating to other famous voyages.
10 MAYFLOWER MUSEUM
The newly refurbished museum
celebrates the story of Plymouth’s role
in the Pilgrims’ epic journey to the New
World.
You can explore the story of the
Mayflower and the Pilgrims through
exhibits and hands on activities. The
museum features a scale model of the
Mayflower.
www.plymouth.gov.uk
6
11 THE DOLPHIN HOTEL
Is one of Plymouth’s best known and
popular pubs. It is a no-frills, down to
earth, un-modernised pub, popular
for its cask ale direct from the barrel.
The Dolphin was frequented by the
artist Beryl Cook when she lived in
Plymouth and some of her paintings
feature colourful characters in the pub.
12 THE ROYAL CITADEL
The fortress was built between 1665
and1671. As Plymouth had sided with
the Parliamentarians during the Civil
War the Royalists placed cannons facing
both towards the sea and the town as
a warning against any future disloyalty.
It is home to 29 Commando Royal
Artillery though the Ministry of Defence
has announced plans to leave. English
Heritage manage the buildings and are
currently carrying out a refurbishment.
13 THE ELIZABETHAN HOUSE
Provides an opportunity to discover what daily life was
like for people in the Golden Age of the 16th century.
The house in New Street was saved by Plymouth
Corporation in the 1920s for preservation at a time
when slum housing in the area was being demolished. It
is now a museum which offers an authentic recreation
of Plymouth at the time of the Armada and the reign of
Elizabeth 1. It also remembers the Pilgrim Fathers who
passed through Plymouth on their way to America. The
house is currently closed for restoration.
14 JACKA BAKERY 15 CAP’N JASPERS
In Southside Street is On the Barbican quayside
thought to be the oldest is one of Plymouth’s
commercial bakery most popular eateries.
in the world still in Open from 7.30am to
operation, having been midnight it is handy for
going since the 1600s. many city nightspots.
www.capn-jaspers.co.uk
7
16 THE BOX
The Box is Plymouth’s new £46 million cultural destination.
The Box is a museum, gallery and archive and also has a café,
shop and bar. It is a place where the City’s heritage meets
contemporary art; where archives meet interaction; and
where the Mayflower meets a mammoth.
The opening of the Box is the most significant cultural initiative in the UK in 2020. The
galleries, collections and archives will bring the world to Plymouth and Plymouth to the
world. The original City Museum and Art Gallery has been completely transformed and
extended to combine the Edwardian building with the former City Library and St. Luke’s
Church. The Box also features a striking elevated ‘archive in the sky’ with research and
learning facilities, along with a major new public square for gigs, performance, theatre
and events.
Plymouth has a fascinating past and a dynamic present. The blend and richness of our
collections tell the stories of international and local significance through immersive
experiences and amazing objects. They also give contemporary artist the opportunity
to create new work that responds to the Box’s vast collection.
Six outstanding national collections, over two million artefacts, archives, film,
photographs, figureheads, the Mayflower and a mammoth.
The box is an incredible experience. To find out more visit www.theboxplymouth.com
8
SUTTON HARBOUR
17 SUTTON HARBOUR
Is Plymouth’s original port and for
centuries was its main harbour. It is still
used by commercial fishing boats and
a yacht marina is operated by Sutton
Harbour Holdings. Lock gates were added
to the entrance of the harbour in 1993.
You can catch water taxis and tour boats
from the Barbican Landing Stage near the
Mayflower Steps. The ‘Prawn’ sculpture on
West Pier is an artwork of an imaginary
sea creature called ‘The Leviathan’.
18 NATIONAL MARINE
AQUARIUM
Is one of the UK’s biggest aquariums. It
takes you on a journey across the world’s
oceans, from the shores of Plymouth to
the coral reefs of the tropics. It boasts
more than 70 sharks from more than ten
different species. A highlight of any visits
is the interactive dive show.
www.national-aquarium.co.uk
19 PLYMOUTH FISH MARKET
Is the second largest fish market by volume in England with a vast number of different
types of fish landed. In any day up to 2,000 boxes (around 60 tonnes) of fresh seafood
are auctioned to around 60 buyers through a digital auction system. Plymouth
Fisheries offer tours of the market. www.plymouthfisheries.co.uk
9
PLYMOUTH SOUND
20 PLYMOUTH SOUND
Is one of the world’s most spectacular
natural harbours and both a busy working
port and a playground. Thousands come
to watch yacht races such as the Fastnet,
while it is used daily by swimmers and
small boats from the marinas including
the Mount Batten Watersports and
Activity Centre. The Sound and its
estuaries are a European Marine Site due
to their diverse marine life.
21 DRAKE’S ISLAND
For centuries up to World War Two the
island named after Sir Francis Drake, who
was its governor, played an important
role in the defence of Plymouth. Planning
permission has recently been given to
create a luxury hotel on the privately
owned island.
22 MOUNT BATTEN PIER
This 279 metre long breakwater built
in 1881 and is now a popular pier for
fishing. Mount Batten itself was used as
a flying boat base between 1917 and
1945. Writer, soldier and diplomat T E
Lawrence of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ fame
was stationed there as Aircraftsman Shaw.
The RAF vacated Mount Batten in 1986.
23 MOUNT BATTEN TOWER
Is an old artillery battery built in 1650 to
guard the approach to Plymouth harbour.
For years the tower was under threat,
not least from quarrying work below. The
City Council recently refurbished it and
installed distinctive lighting. The tower is
not currently open to the public.
1024 PLYMOUTH BREAKWATER
Is a remarkable piece of engineering built to stop so many ships being wrecked by
storms in Plymouth Sound. Built between 1812 and 1814 using more than 4 million
tonnes of rock, it provided protection to the Channel Fleet in Plymouth Sound. After
the 1,560 metre breakwater was opened it was possible for visitors to promenade
along its length. The cage at the end of the breakwater is designed as a refuge for
shipwrecked sailors.
25 NAPOLEON PLAQUE
A plaque in Madeira Road remembers
the 10 days in 1815 French emperor
Napoleon Bonaparte was held prisoner
on HMS Bellerophon moored in
Plymouth Sound, before being taken to
exile in St. Helena. Hundreds rowed out
to catch sight of the defeated dictator.
26 DEVIL’S POINT
For centuries families have watched
sailors leave and arrive from this vantage
point. In 1831 Charles Darwin was on
board HMS Beagle when it left its nearby
anchorage on a voyage that resulted in his
book ‘On the Origin of Species’.
27 MILLBAY
The docks built by Isambard Kingdom
Brunel in 1850 were a disembarkation
point for transatlantic liners. Stars
including Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin and
Laurel and Hardy were visitors. It is now
a port for Brittany Ferries and the area is
undergoing regeneration.
1128 ROYAL WILLIAM YARD
Was designed by Sir John Rennie and built
between 1825 and 1831 as a victualling
yard to supply the Royal Navy around the
world. It is now the largest collection of
Grade 1 listed military buildings in Europe
and contains apartments, businesses,
restaurants and shops.
29 PRINCESS YACHTS
Based in Durnford Street is one of the
world’s leading manufacturers of luxury
motor yachts. The company has expanded
its operations into South Yard. Around
90 per cent of their boats are exported
outside the UK.
30 DURNFORD STREET
In 1882 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator
of Sherlock Holmes, worked at a friend’s
medical practice in Durnford Street.
Some of Holmes’ most famous quotes
can be found in the pavement.
31 STONEHOUSE BARRACKS
Tom Reading
In Durnford Street is home to 3
Commando Brigade, Royal Marines. Parts
of the barracks date from 1756, but much
of it was built between 1779 and 1785.
The MOD has announced that it will be
vacating the barracks in a few years time.
32 ADMIRAL’S HARD
Is the landing stage where you can catch
the Cremyll Ferry to Mount Edgcumbe
Country Park and the South West
Coast Path. It is the starting point of
the Waterfront Walkway, a 10km route
along Plymouth’s waterfront, featuring
many artworks celebrating the city’s rich
history.
1233 SCOTT MEMORIAL
The impressive memorial to the explorer Sir
Robert Falcon Scott (Scott of the Antarctic)
was installed at Mount Wise in 1925. Scott led
the first British expedition to the South Pole
in 1912, only to find they had been beaten by
a Norwegian team. Scott, who was born in
Devonport, died with his colleagues on the
return journey. There’s a plaque to Scott near
St Bartholomews Church in Outland Road
which was the location of his family home.
34 HM NAVAL BASE
Is the largest Naval Base in Western
Europe with base ported vessels
including nuclear submarines and
large warships. Many ships from
foreign navies visit Plymouth for
training.
35 NO 1 COVERED 36 DEVONPORT
SLIPWAY MARKET HALL
In South Yard was Was the hub of daily
built in 1763 and is life in Devonport after
the oldest remaining it was built in 1852.
covered slipway in the Taken over by the
world. It is a scheduled military until recently,
ancient monument. it is about to open as a
digital hub.
37 DEVONPORT GUILDHALL AND
COLUMN
Were designed by John Foulston in 1824.
The Guildhall was the municipal centre of
the town of Devonport. It included police
cells and a mortuary. The column designed
to celebrate the founding of Devonport,
is now open to the public and there are
great views of the waterfront from the top.
www.devonportguildhall.org
13CITY CENTRE
38 ABERCROMBIE PLAN
The city centre was rebuilt after the
Blitz of Plymouth in World War Two to
the ‘Plan for Plymouth’ created by Sir
Patrick Abercrombie and James Paton
Watson. While the result has been much
complained about over the years, the
city centre is now considered to be one
of the best examples of 1950s urban
architecture in the world.
39 PLYMOUTH 40 CHARLES
GUILDHALL CHURCH
Was rebuilt after Was bombed out in
the bombing of 1941 and remains
Plymouth and now as a memorial to
hosts many concerts the 1,200 civilians
and functions, who lost their
including weddings. lives following the
Plymouth Blitz.
41 ST ANDREW’S CHURCH
The Minster Church of St Andrew’s is the
largest parish church in Devon and is on
the site of a Saxon church. In March 1941
the church was bombed and a note saying
‘Resurgam’, latin for ‘I shall rise again’,
was put up. The church was restored and
reconsecrated in 1957 with an inscription
on the entrance saying ‘Resurgam.’
42 THEATRE ROYAL
Is one of the best regional theatres in the
UK with many of its own productions
going on to the West End in London.
There are two theatres – the Lyric
seating 1,315 is the main auditorium,
while the smaller Drum puts on many
innovative productions. The TR2
production and learning facility is on the
waterfront at Cattedown.
1443 PLYMOUTH LIFE CENTRE
Was built in 2012 at a cost of £46 million
and boasts some of the biggest and best
sports facilities in the region. They include
a 50m pool and a diving pool that has
been used by Olympic Athletes including
Tom Daley and Tonia Couch. It regularly
hosts national diving competitions.
44 CROWNHILL FORT
Is the best preserved of the 10 forts and
batteries built in the 1860s to defend
the naval base from a French attack. The
military left in 1985 and the Landmark
Trust acquired the fort and restored
the Victorian buildings. It is now home
to a number of businesses and holiday
apartments. It is open to the public on
the last Friday of each month.
45 CENTRAL PARK
Is Plymouth’s green lung and the city’s
largest park. It was opened in 1928 and
in the 1970s boasted a zoo. It includes an
adventure playground, skating rink and a
pitch and putt golf course. There are great
views over Plymouth Sound from the
highest points. Baseball and lacrosse clubs
use the park and circuses visit regularly.
46 HOME PARK
Is home to Plymouth Argyle FC, who got
their original name Plymouth Argyll as
the founders of the club wished the team
to emulate the style of football played by
the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
The name was later changed to ‘Argyle’
because the founding members had
rooms in Argyle Terrace in Plymouth.
Argyle, or ‘the Pilgrims’, were promoted
to League One after a successful 2016/17
season.
1547 THE OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL
In Longbrook Street, Plympton St Maurice
dates from 1671 and is interesting in
itself but a nearby wall features a plaque
commemorating the birthplace of one of
the greatest British painters, Sir Joshua
Reynolds. The18th Century portrait
artist was the first president of the Royal
Academy.
48 PLYMPTON CASTLE
You get excellent views of Plympton St
Maurice if you climb to the top of this
a motte-and-bailey fortification built in
the early 12th century. In 1136 its owner
rebelled against King Stephen resulting
in the castle being burnt. It was rebuilt
but was besieged again in 1224 by Henry
III. During the Civil War it was used as
Prince Maurice’s headquarters during the
siege of Plymouth.
49 SALTRAM HOUSE
Is an elegant National Trust owned
Georgian mansion set in beautiful
parkland featuring waterfront walks.
Saltram, was once owned by the Parker
family and boasts internal features
designed by Robert Adams. The film
Sense and Sensibility starring Kate
Winslet and Emma Thompson was filmed
at Saltram in 1995.
50 MILL PRISON IN MILLBAY, PLYMOUTH
(ORIGINALLY MILL GAOL)
Mill Prison stood on what is now park space next to the
Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Thousands of prisoners, mainly
sailors, were brought into Plymouth Sound and processed
there. The Prison housed an overflow of prisoners from
redundant warships used as floating prisons (known as
the hulks) from the American War of Independence and
later the French Revolutionary wars. Two plaques at the
entrance to Millbay Park, which later became Millbay
Barracks, reveal the history of this prison.
1651 THE MINERVA INN
Reading Tom
The Minerva Inn is Plymouth’s oldest serving
public house, circa 1540. It is situated in
Looe Street, which is a short stroll from the
Barbican, on a steeply graded cobbled street
which was once home to Sir Francis Drake
(he is said to have quaffed a gallon at the
Minerva after defeating the Armada).
Originally the home of an Elizabethan sea
captain, the Minerva was built using timber
reclaimed from galleons belonging to the
vanquished Armada. Part of one of the ship’s masts forms the core of a spiral staircase.
The Minerva Inn was named after the Goddess Minerva. Minerva was the daughter
of Jupiter and Metis. She was considered to be the virgin goddess of warriors, poetry,
medicine, commerce, wisdom, crafts and the inventor of music.
One of the previous owners was The Octagon Brewery, which traded in Martin Street,
Plymouth between 1861 - 1970, its emblem remains on the stain glass window on the
front of the premises.
In the 17th Century the Minerva was home to the Press Gang and stories of secret
tunnels and doorways are still evident within the timber walls. There is a small stairway
peephole where the Press gang would look out for potential sailors entering the
establishment and drop the Kings shilling in to their beer, if the unsuspecting patron
drank from the beer then they had accepted the Kings shilling and were taken off to
join the navy, anyone not complying would be taken by force, usually with a blow to the
head and then taken off to a ship, by the time they had regained consciousness they
would be out at sea. Plymouth’s most famous seamen Sir Frances Drake had a home on
Looe Street, so it is more than likely he would have visited the pub.
The pub hosts some old photos of the Street before the Blitz, and the wall in the
lounge area has been dedicated to Minerva Memorabilia.
52 NORMANDY WAY
Kristine/Flickr
In 1944 the US Army Route No 23 was
used by US forces making their way from
the encampment at Vicarage Road to take
part in the D-Day landings.
Previously known as Tamar Terrace, the
road was renamed Normandy Way in
their honour and for the last 70 years a
memorial sign has proudly stood at the
corner of Normandy Way and Victoria
Road.
1753 KING BILL, MUTTON COVE
‘King Billy’ is a standing figure of William
IV and was originally the figurehead on
the 120 gun warship HMS Royal William
which served for many years as a guard
ship at Devonport.
A glass fibre replica of ‘King Billy’ stands
inside the Devonport Dockyard wall at
Mutton Cove, on the banks for the River
Tamar – still keeping eye on Naval traffic.
The monument can be seen from Mount
Wise.
The original figurehead is displayed at
‘The Box’.
DRAKE’S ISLAND
Drake’s Island lies in the heart of Plymouth harbour and has hosted a military
fortification since at least the Tudor period. The range of remains and fortifications
and the prominent location of Drake’s Island, make it a heritage site of national
importance.
Drake’s Island has significant wildlife interest and is located within the Plymouth
Sound and Estuaries special Area of Conservation. The island has eelgrass (seagrass)
beds which provide habitat for rare and protected species such as the spiny seahorse.
There was a chapel on the Island that was originally dedicated to Saint Michael and it
was as St Michael’s Island that it first appears in the records in 1135. At some point
the chapel was re-dedicated, this time to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.
In 1549 the chapel was demolished and the first bulwark was constructed at the
highest point.
The first fortification on Drake’s Island was commissioned in the mid–sixteenth
century as a result of war with France. A stone and turf wall was built capping the
island and a garrison was installed in 1551.
A petition was raised in 1583 for Sir Francis Drake to be made Governor of the
Island. At the same time, Plymouth passed over ownership of the Island to the state,
following disagreements between the people of Plymouth and the Government about
who was responsible for paying for the defence of the island.
By the 1590s the fortifications on the island had been strengthened. A garrison of 100
men and 40-50 guns had been installed and by 1599 this had been increased further
as war with Spain continued.
After the war with Spain, Drake’s Island was used for 25 years as a state prison.
18The defences visible today largely date from the mid-nineteenth century when
the large casemates were constructed complete with supporting magazines and
accommodation. Finally the Island was garrisoned by just under 500 soldiers for much
of WWII supporting coastal defence and anti-air operations.
From 1963 to 1989, Plymouth City Council obtained a lease from the Crown and
operated a youth adventure centre on Drake’s Island. Mains water was available to
the island in 1964. Ten years later, as the Drake’s Island Adventure Centre, custody
passed to the Mayflower Centre Trust which was responsible for running the
Mayflower Sports Centre in Central Park. In 1976 it was sold to the Council. A large
proportion of the island is a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM 12614),
comprising three designated areas. At the western end of the island, the designated
area includes the main entrance, coastal walls and the western gun battery. A small
area in the north east of the island encloses a small area believed to contain remains
of the 16th century artillery tower. The largest area includes the majority of the
central and eastern parts of the island, enclosing the casemated batteries of 1860-
1, and most of the later artillery batteries and magazines. There are also Grade II
listed buildings on the island, comprising the 18th and 19th century former Barracks,
Ablution Blocks, Commanding Officer’s House and Guardhouse.
On 1 May 1987, a telephone connection was installed to the Island using a cable
attached to the mains water pipe. Shortly afterwards, on 31 March 1989, the
Mayflower Trust surrendered their lease and sold off the boats and sports equipment.
Ownership reverted to the Crown.
In 1995 it was put up for sale and sold to Mr Dan McCauley, then the owner of
Plymouth Argyle Football Club.Various plans have been put forward to develop
Drake’s Island as a tourist centre but so far none have come to fruition.
19PLYMOUTH TO TAVISTOCK
Distance 15 miles Its history dates from around 800AD
Approximate travel time: 35 minutes when as Iron Age Fort was recorded as
Tavistock is a lively and attractive Market ‘Tavy-stoc’.
Town, which is very proud of its history. Sir Francis Drake was born in Tavistock
There is a good mix of small independent in 1542, at a farm at Crowndale just
shops including delicatessens famous downstream on the Tavy.
throughout the south west. Behind the In the 10th Century a Benedictine Abbey
Town Hall is the award winning and was founded there, and the land later
historic Pannier Market. went to the Russell family, who as the
Situated just five minutes from the Town Dukes of Bedford have maintained a
Centre between the River Tavy and close interest in the town ever since.
the canal you will find The Meadows. The Town, which had received its
This beautiful and peaceful park with Market Charter from Henry I in 1105,
attractive walks, children’s play area and developed from its wool trade, enjoying
Trim Trails. the monopoly to manufacture woollen
There are many leisure and sporting cloths known as Tavistock Kersies. The
activities available in and around the wool trade flourished for many years,
Town including live entertainment and the town prospered from its weekly
and cinema at the Wharf Arts Centre, markets, being the centre of a large
swimming at Meadowlands Leisure Pool, farming district.
golf, cricket, football, tennis and being the It also had the distinction of being one
birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, bowling. of the Stannary Towns where all the
Tavistock is often referred to the mined metal was weighed, stamped and
‘Western Gateway to Dartmoor’. assessed for duty.
Laim O’Malley
20PLYMOUTH TO DARTMOOR
Distance: 15 miles Princetown to house the French prisoners
Approximate travel time: 31 minutes of war during Napoleonic wars which had
Princetown is the highest village within previously been held in the prison hulks
Dartmoor National Park. It is the home in Plymouth. The prison site was given
of Dartmoor Prison which once held by the Prince of Wales and is still legally
Category A criminals such as the Kray the property of the Duchy of Cornwall,
brothers. Dartmoor Brewery is situated owned by the current Prince.
in the village producing real ales.
Andrea Vail
Princetown is a good base to discover
the High Moor. There is an old disused
railway heading down towards Yelverton
which is a fantastic cycle route for the
whole family with lovely views along the
way.
There is a walking and cycling route out
past the car park at the Plume of Feathers
Public House and you can take in South
Hessary Tor and head on to the beautiful
Burrator. There is a High Moorland Visitor
Centre in the centre of the village.
In 1806 a purpose built prison was built at
PLYMOUTH TO BUCKLAND ABBEY
Distance: 9 miles
James Stringer
Approximate travel time: 24 minutes
Buckland Abbey began life as a tranquil
monastery with a productive estate. It
was founded in 1278 and was the last of
the Cistercian monasteries to be built in
medieval England and Wales. At one point
it was owned by Sir Francis Drake and
remained in the Drake family for around
400 years until following a fire in 1938, it
was sold to Captain Rodd, who presented
it to the National Trust in 1948.
The Treasures Gallery contains Drakes
Drum. Myth has it that Sir Francis Drake
said that if England ever were in danger,
then the drum should be beaten and he
would return.
21PLYMOUTH TO BUCKFAST ABBEY
Distance: 23 miles
Richard Szwejkowski
Approximate travel time: 31 minutes
The original monastery at Buckfast was
founded in 1018. Buckfast was a small and
unprosperous abbey compared to the
other abbeys in 11th century England.
Famous for its Beekeeping and Buckfast
Tonic wine, a fortified wine which the
monks began making in the 1890’s.
PLYMOUTH TO SLAPTON SANDS
Distance: 30 miles. Approximate travel time: 60 minutes
Slapton Sands is a shingle beach stretching between Strete in the north and Torcross in
the south. At the Torcross end, the bar divides the sea from Slapton Ley - a freshwater
lake and Nature Reserve.
In 1943, the beach was taken over by the allied forces to use as a rehearsal area for the
D-Day Landings. Unfortunately, a combination of live ammunition and poor visibility
resulted in the deaths of 749 American servicemen. The seaborne craft were also
attacked by German E Boats, with several landing craft and vessels destroyed.
You can visit a stone monument which was set in place on Slapton Sands to
commemorate the ill-fated ‘Operation Tiger’, along with a Sherman Tank at nearby
Torcross.
Martin Thomas
22PLYMOUTH TO RAF HARROWBEER
Distance: 9 miles 54C aircraft, nicknamed the Sacred Cow
Approximate travel time: 25 minutes (the forerunner of Airforce One), after
The former RAF Harrowbeer Airfield is attending the Potsdam Conference in
located approximately 9 miles North of Germany which shaped much of Europe
Plymouth near to Yelverton and within for many decades to come.
the boundary of Dartmoor National
Park.
The Airfield was a three runway fighter
station, home to Spitfires, Typhoons,
Hurricanes, by-plane Walruses and twin
engined Anson’s with the purpose of
protecting Southern Devon Ports. There
are still 12 fighter blast pens, the MT
section, bomb store and other features
that can be seen of the airfield which
played such a crucial role in the allied
victory in the Second World War.
On the 2nd of August 1945 President
Harry Truman made an unscheduled
visit to RAF Harrowbeer on his way to
meet King George VI on HMS Renown in
Plymouth Sound. The President landed at
Harrowbeer in his famous Douglas VC-
PLYMOUTH TO MOUNT EDGCUMBE HOUSE AND
COUNTRY PARK
Distance: 1.5 miles based on dropping In 1515 King Henry VIII issued a license
passenger to the Cremyll Ferry in to empark the lands and over 500 years
Admirals Hard. later descendants of the original herds of
Approximate travel time: 10 mins to fallow deer can be seen roaming in the
Cremyll Ferry. Deer Park. Notable Royal visitors to the
House and Gardens have been Henry VIII,
Mount Edgcumbe House is the former
George III and Queen Victoria.
home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe.
Surrounded by formal gardens and set in The house and furniture have been
a Grade I listed landscape, the country restored to reflect the 18th Century, the
park covers 865 acres of the Rame period of which this nationally important
Peninsula in South East Cornwall. historic garden was at its peak. There are
colourful gardens in the Italian, French
Built nearly 100 years before the
and English styles, with newly established
Mayflower set sail in 1620, the Tudor
American plantation and New Zealand
style mansion stands at the top of an
garden. A superb landscaped park, fallow
equally ancient double avenue of trees.
23deer, woodland and coastal walks and marvellous view, combine to make Mount
Edgcumbe one of the most spectacular attractions in the West Country at any time
of the year. It is one of only three Grade I Listed gardens in Cornwall and is home to
the National Camellia collection.
The house and garden is open from April - September with the wider park open year
round, daily from 8am to dusk and is free to the public.
James Stringer
PLYMOUTH TO COTEHELE HOUSE, QUAY AND MILL
Distance: 16 miles rigged Tamar sailing barge in the world.
Approximate travel time: 38 minutes She was built in Plymouth in 1899 to
The current house is mostly Tudor carry cargo on the river.
and was built in Medieval times. The
Flickr
Edgcumbe family owned it for 600 years.
The manor house is set high on the
Cornish bank of the river Tamar which
gave natural protection from skirmishing
armies approaching from the east.
Cotehele Mill dates back to the 19th
Century. Today millers grind seven tonnes
of grain into flour every year producing
about 4,600 bags of organic wholemeal
plain flour. The team mills on Thursdays
and Sundays provided there’s been enough
rain to power the water mill.
The historic Cotehele Quay on the
River Tamar is home to the Discovery
Centre, the Victorian Tamar sailing barge
‘Shamrock’ and the Edgcumbe tea room.
Shamrock is the only fully restored ketch
24PLYMOUTH TO DARTMOOR ZOO
Distance: 11 miles
Lee Morgan
Approximate travel time: 26 minutes
Dartmoor Zoo is found just outside of
Plymouth in Sparkwell. The zoo was
first opened as Dartmoor Wildlife Park
in 1968 Dartmoor Zoological Park
has over 70 different animal species,
including some endangered and critically
endangered species. The zoo has a
breeding programme with common
Marmosets, Tapir, Slender-tailed Meerkats,
Kafue Lecher and Wallaby.
The story of how this local zoo was
purchased by the current owners was
recorded in their book ‘We bought
a Zoo’ which was also released as a
Hollywood movie in 2011 starring Matt
Damon and Scarlett Johansson.
PLYMOUTH TO MORWELLAM QUAY
Distance: 15 miles Approximate travel time: 45 minutes
Morwellham Quay is an historic river port in Devon that developed to support the
local mines. The port had its peak in the Victorian era and is now run as a tourist
attraction and museum. It is the terminus of the Tavistock Canal, and has its own
copper mine.
Rob Phillips
25The open-air museum includes the restored 19th-century village, the docks and quays,
a restored ship, the George and Charlotte copper mine which is toured by a small
train, a Victorian farm and a nature reserve with trails.
In July 2006, UNESCO (the cultural arm of the United Nations) awarded World
Heritage Site status to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape area.
Morwellham is strategically sited at the centre of the Tamar Valley Mining District
which, together with nearby Tavistock, forms the easternmost gateway area to the
rest of the World Heritage Site.
TAMAR BRIDGE
Distance: 6 miles
Approximate travel time:
15 minutes
The River Tamar
separates Devon from
Cornwall. The first
bridge across the
River Tamar was built
in the 16th century
at Gunnislake, some
distance north of
Plymouth. This seven
arched granite bridge,
still in use today, was
for centuries the lowest
crossing point on the
Tamar and one of the main routes into Cornwall. The only other way across, other
than travelling north of Dartmoor, was by boat.
When a railway line connecting London and Falmouth was proposed in the 1830s
there was heated debate over whether it should hug the coast; an engineering
nightmare but far more useful as it could serve the big naval port of Plymouth or
travel inland. The coastal route was eventually chosen and Isambard Kingdom Brunel,
then chief engineer for Great Western Railways, was tasked with designing the first
bridge connecting Plymouth and Saltash.
Sadly, Brunel died shortly before what many consider to be his greatest achievement
was completed in 1859.
The Royal Albert Bridge still carries the Cornish mainline railway today, offering
excellent views of the Tamar Estuary, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It was joined in 1961 by the Tamar Bridge, built to accommodate the influx of cars.
The Tamar Bridge was the first major suspension bridge to be built after the war and
for a long time the longest suspension bridge in England.
26BURGH ISLAND, SOUTH DEVON
Paul Appleton
Distance: 19 miles Approximate travel time: 50 minutes
Burgh Island is an iconic landmark on the coast, located directly opposite Bigbury
on Sea beach, famed for its links to Agatha Christie, as well as at one time haunt for
pirates and smugglers.
Separated from the mainland by a beautiful sandy tidal beach, Burgh Island is only
accessible on foot across the beach at low tide or via the unique sea tractor when
the tide is high.
The area of Bigbury and Burgh Island is part of the South West Coast Path and you
can spend hours wandering along the stunning coastline just looking out to sea.
The infamous Burgh Island Hotel sits on the island, an art-deco inspired island retreat
that has housed some very famous guests, including Agatha Christie. Burgh Island
features (under different names) in two of her most well-known novels: “And then
there were none” and “Evil under the sun”.
The early history of Burgh Island is unknown however the remains of a chapel sit on
the Island known as Huer’s Hut. Originally it is thought that the chapel was where
fishermen would keep a watch for shoals of pilchard. When spotted the fishermen
would make a ‘cry’ to alert other local fishermen of Bigbury. This is where the term
Hue and Cry developed.
The Pilchard Inn on the island is a 14th century hideout for smugglers and pirates and
is said to be haunted.
27GUESS THE ATTRACTION
Guess the attractions
Find each attraction below in your books and write the answer on the next page.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
11 12
8 9 10 13 14
15 16 17 18
20
19
25 26 27
21 22 23 24
28 29 30 31 32 33 34QUIZ ANSWER SHEET Name Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16
Q17 Q18 Q19 Q20 Q21 Q22 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q26 Q27 Q28 Q29 Q30 Q31 Q32 Q33 Q34
RESOURCES Food and Drink www.visitplymouth.co.uk/food-and-drink/restaurants www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g186258-Plymouth_Devon_England.html Is it CLEAN and SAFE? http://ratings.food.gov.uk Accommodation www.visitplymouth.co.uk/accommodation Things to do www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/attractions www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/ideas-and-inspiration/things-to-do- by-area/plymouth www.picniq.co.uk/things-to-do/plymouth Keep up to date www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on The Mayflower Trail leaflet https://www.mayflower400uk.org/media/1446/plymouth-mayflower-trail.pdf Book of Wonder www.plymouth.gov.uk/investmentandgrowth/investplymouth Check Facebook Other independent sites
NOTES
NOTES
NT
RESCE
M O UNT WISE C
Mutton Cove
onal)
(SeasCycle
Hire
(Seasonal)WHAT’S
HAPPENING IN
PLYMOUTH?
Plymouth is well known for hosting some of the best events in the
South West and each week you are guaranteed to find something
to get involved in.
These vary from Plymouth’s top events, which are major annual
attractions including Armed Forces Weekend, the British Firework
Championships, Pirates Weekend and food and drink festivals -
Flavour Fest and Seafood Fest.
Plymouth has a fantastic mix of restaurants to suit all tastes.
It is well known for its traditional English food such as fish and
chips, lobster and dressed crab and local beef, game, rabbit and
poultry. You can also enjoy a variety of food from all over the world
including Greek, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Indian and many more.
For more about what’s happening in Plymouth and top tips about
where to eat and drink or stay, please visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk
Produced by Corporate Communications
Plymouth City Council
01752 307816
communications@plymouth.gov.uk
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