With autumn moving on, the weather being less predictable and the winds a-blowing, we took advantage of a sunny day. We took a day trip to Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican to catch the passenger ferry to Mount Batten.
The clocks had gone back an hour overnight, so we started off a little earlier. We also weren’t sure of the ferry times, particularly the evening times, with the clock changes and the COVID restrictions still prevailing. There was no need to worry really, it’s a very reliable service and their website is up to date.
Plymouth Hoe & Barbican
On arrival, we parked up and opted for a short walk around the Hoe seafront, leading down to the Barbican. This is the main tourist area of Plymouth. Smeaton’s Tower, the lighthouse, is up higher, near the parade ground. Plymouth Hoe seafront has many lovely cafes and restaurants.
Tinside Pool is a lido that was recently renovated. It’s a lovely facility that has been enjoyed by generations of holidaymakers and locals, including me as a young lad.
The Hoe seafront road and promenade seamlessly enter the Barbican area. Mayflower Steps is on the right on the way into the Barbican and marks the Pilgrim’s journey to New Lands in 1620.
Here, there are many boutiques, craft and gift shops, bars and restaurants. There was time for a coffee in one of many cafes and tea rooms in the area.
Ferry & Mount Batten
The ferry departs from the Barbican. The sun was up, but so was the wind. It was a pretty choppy crossing. Thankfully it was only 10 minutes.
Upon landing at Mount Batten, we took a stroll along the waterfront. Turnchapel is a nice village to walk through. There was lots of painting and DIY work going on. People were preparing for the winter months.
Further on again, the SW Coast path turns the corner and heads into Hooe Lake, and we walked along as far as Hooe Park. We decided to go back the way we came to make sure we hadn’t missed anything. There is an alternative route, but not as interesting.
Upon reaching Mount Batten we popped into the Hotel for a drink. The staff in there are very attentive. We promised ourselves a meal on our next visit – the food coming out of the kitchens looked very tempting.
Mount Batten Breakwater
We had a bit more time to spare before our 4.30pm ferry back, so we headed off to Mount Batten Breakwater. There was a huge display of lights erected along the breakwater to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers’ voyage to America. Although we talk much about the Mayflower, there was another ship that also sailed, but had to turn back due to weather conditions. The voyagers on that ship had no new life. Instead, they had to make do as best they could in an English society that had previously ostracised them.
Back on to the ferry – choppy waters again – we snapped a few photos of our approach to the Barbican and the Hoe. The skies were already getting dark.
This is a great afternoon’s entertainment that could easily be extended to include lunch or dinner – summer or winter months – at Mount Batten, Turnchapel or the Barbican.
Arriving back at the car, we pulled away for home. We were both hungry by now. Thankfully, dinner was in the slow cooker and was waiting for us and smelling wonderful as we opened the door.
