Drake's Island
Drake's Island
5
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
For almost 600 years, Drake’s Island has provided protection for the city and port of Plymouth. Situated in Plymouth Sound just 600m from the famous Hoe, the island’s rich and varied history dates back centuries. Originally known as St Nicholas Island, it has been home to a chapel, a military barracks and an outward bound centre to name just a few. After 30 years of being closed off from the public, Drake’s Island is now open and available to everyone for guided tours and special events such as corporate functions, weddings, birthday parties and much more, cementing it’s place as a unique and intriguing tourist destination in Plymouth, Devon. Take the short ferry ride with one of our expert guides for a unique and informative experience and learn all about the history of the island, walk the tunnels, see the wildlife and view Plymouth from a whole new perspective.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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5.0
63 reviews
Excellent
56
Very good
3
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Wendy H
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Finally we got to visit Drakes Island and it was well worth it. We were in a small group of 12 and Dr Pete was very informative of the history of Drakes Island and gave an insight to the future plans to help conserve the buildings and island. His passion for learning more about the Island as more is slowly unearthed and discovered is shared as he guides you around. The short ferry trip from Plymouth Barbican also gives a lovely sea...nic view of Plymouth Hoe.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
After living all my life in Plymouth it was great to eventually visit the Island. The guide ( Dr) was excellent, very interesting and informative. It was all efficiently organised. I would highly recommend the trip.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen P
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Enjoyed a fascinating tour of the island with our excellent guide Dr Pete. A light hearted but hugely insighful account of the history and geography of this unique destination. Two hours went by very quickly indeed.
Would highly recommend.
Would highly recommend.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miriam
Plymouth, UK5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Thoroughly enjoyed visiting this amazing island! The tour guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. Spectacular views from the top of the island and fascinating going through the tunnels. Highly recommend!
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard F
6 contributions
Aug 2023
The tour was well led by the guide. You need to be aware that there are only 2 somewhat rudimentary compostible toilets on the island, and no catering, and few areas to sit down.
The island has a military history and as a young persons adventure center. The guide did very well to keep the tour going for 2 hours - very little of any significance has ever happened here. There are fine views of the Hoe and Tamar.
The tour would be best shortened to one hour on the island, and introduce some basic refreshments, even if it is just a tea urn and chilled water.
The current owner has had it since 2017, and with some basic funds, the island could demonstrate some love and care. Its in a forlorn state, and one really does wonder whether the plans for a hotel will ever be realised.
with limited funds, it could be loved, and have a cafe with a regular boat service.
The island has a military history and as a young persons adventure center. The guide did very well to keep the tour going for 2 hours - very little of any significance has ever happened here. There are fine views of the Hoe and Tamar.
The tour would be best shortened to one hour on the island, and introduce some basic refreshments, even if it is just a tea urn and chilled water.
The current owner has had it since 2017, and with some basic funds, the island could demonstrate some love and care. Its in a forlorn state, and one really does wonder whether the plans for a hotel will ever be realised.
with limited funds, it could be loved, and have a cafe with a regular boat service.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary S
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
What a fantastic tour of the island!
Peter - our brilliantly engaging guide for the afternoon- really brought the story of the island to life.
Peter - our brilliantly engaging guide for the afternoon- really brought the story of the island to life.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda H
Plymouth, UK62 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
We had a fantastic tour today. Many thanks to our guide, Bob, who was extremely knowledgable and made the island come alive with his stories of its past. This is certainly a must do experience.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cruiser824572
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Couples
I loved learning about the history of the Island and the beautiful views from all around the island. Our tour guide was very informative and the grounds man was also full of good stories of ghostly happenings and sightings. See photo 1 , I thought I was taking a picture of an empty tunnel but looking at it now it looks like some spooky figures were there. All in all a fantastic trip. Thank you.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne M
2 contributions
Jun 2023
This was a great visit to Drakes Island. A very informative and fun guided tour around the grounds of this historic place. Peter was our guide who was so interesting and knowleadgeable on the history of this fascinating island. Would highly recommend a visit - and you can get gift vouchers too, so ideal for a birthday gift
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susieroo
London, UK22 contributions
Jun 2023
A rare treat to be guided around Drake's Island by our extremely well-informed and passionate guide Peter. We heard all about the history, geology, buildings and changes over the years, flora, fauna and some fascinating tales of some of the previous inhabitants of the island and their misdemeanours! We also heard about the current plans for the island and will be keen to watch it's progress over the coming years. A great trip, well organised, thoughtful towards the older less mobile participants, and an all round most enjoyable couple of hours!
Written 21 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingDRAKE'S ISLAND: Tickets, Tours & Tips (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Drake's Island
- Drake's Island is open:
- Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:30
- Sat - Sun 00:00 - 23:59
- Hotels near Drake's Island:
- (0.58 mi) Sea Breezes
- (0.66 mi) Edgcumbe Guest House
- (0.69 mi) Mariners Guest House
- (0.91 mi) Tudor House
- (0.97 mi) The Imperial, Plymouth
- Restaurants near Drake's Island:
- (0.55 mi) Artillery Tower
- (0.68 mi) The Fig Tree @ 36
- (0.92 mi) Rhubarb & Mustard
- (0.87 mi) Salumi Bar & Eatery
- (1.05 mi) Revolution Plymouth
- Attractions near Drake's Island:
- (0.58 mi) South West SUP
- (0.82 mi) Devon Sailing Experiences
- (0.96 mi) Roomsmiths Escape Rooms
- (0.88 mi) Naval Memorial
- (0.95 mi) Live Escape Rooms