Drake's Island

Recently reopened to the public, Drake’s Island has a wealth of history from a 16th-century fort to an army barracks station to an adventure center. Hop on the ferry from the Barbican and join your tour guide for a two-hour journey around the abandoned buildings and underground tunnels.

At just over six acres, the island is on the small side, but boasts a large history. A chapel was built on the volcanic island in 1135. At that point, it was known as St. Michael’s Island, and then as St. Nicholas’s Island when the chapel was rededicated. It wasn’t until the late 16th century that the island came by its current name, after the explorer Sir Francis Drake, who sailed from Plymouth on his journey to circumnavigate the globe.

For several centuries, the island was fortified and served as a point of defense for the nearby coastal towns. Those defenses were upgraded in the late 19th century, and the island was used by the military during World Wars I and II. In the 1960s, Drake’s Island transformed from a military post to an adventure center that offered boating, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities to students. The adventure center shut down in 1989, and for years the island lay largely abandoned. It’s only in recent years that it has reopened to visitors.

From war history buffs to those interested in the abandoned and somewhat creepy, this island has something for everyone. Occasionally, you may be lucky enough to book a specific supernatural tour with a team of dedicated ghost hunters. 

The highlight is by far the panoramic views of Plymouth Sound as well as the remains of huge cannon-type guns which you can stand right next to. The custodian of the island and tour guide are around to answer any questions you might have.  

The only warning you might need is to avoid the nesting geese population with a few rowdy fathers and mothers protecting their nests!