Hotel near Drake's Island | Drake's Island Plymouth

Drake's Island

Plymouth UK History | Plymouth Tours | Plymouth Island

The island off Plymouth is called Drake's Island after the famous explorer. Are you allowed on Drake's Island? Yes, you are! Originally known as St Nicholas Island, Drake's Island is one of the most unique and interesting guided tours. Learn about the history and mysteries surrounding the island. Walk the tunnels, see wildlife and see Plymouth from a new perspective with views across Devon and Cornwall.

Drake's Island Tunnels

Legend has it that a tunnel leads from Drake's Island to Plymouth Hoe. A labyrinth of smugglers' tunnels is believed to be underneath the Barbican. Centuries ago, Plymouth's 'press gang' members reportedly used the tunnels to take unknowing drunken locals to waiting ships.

Urban explorers have been trying to find evidence of the tunnel for the last 10 years by trawling maps, documents and city blueprints and physically exploring hidden parts of the city. And it looked like evidence of the tunnel had finally been found when work on West Hoe exposed a tunnel entrance underneath the Wet Wok - but as yet, no link to the private island in Plymouth Sound has been found.

Drake's Island History

The first mention of a building, a chapel, on the island was in 1135. The island was an important strategic defensive point protecting Plymouth. King Henry VIII had cannons installed here to stick enemy ships. During the Civil War, it withstood a 4 year Royalist siege. After the restoration of King Charles II in 1660, the island was used as a state prison. The breech-loading guns defended the ports during World War One and the early part of World War Two. Upgrades were done in 1943. The military handed back the island to the Duchy of Cornwall in 1961. After that, there was an Adventure Centre on the island, which closed in 1989. Now parts of the island are open for guided tours.

Drake's Island Ferry Prices

The boat departs from The Barbican. The guided tours last over 2 hours. The ferry prices are currently £6.50 for adults and £3.00 for a child.

Drake's Island Tour Prices

Adult - £16.50
Child (up to age 16) - £6.50

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Stay at Future Inn Plymouth

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Future Inn Plymouth is a modern and comfortable hotel conveniently located near main access roads and public transportation. It offers easy access to the city centre and the surrounding Devon countryside. Alongside its excellent location, the hotel boasts spacious and airy bedrooms - all of which sleep up to four guests - that feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a desk and workspace, a laptop safe, a complimentary robe and slippers, and home-away-from-home services like the guest laundry room, ice buckets, and wine glasses. There's also a small exercise room and free parking.

The only way to see Drake’s Island is to book one of the tours that run regularly throughout the spring and summer months. Boats depart from The Barbican, a 20-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth. Alternatively, it would take around 34-minutes on public transport, with regular buses going from outside the hotel. Or 26-minutes by bike. Did you know we're a cycle-friendly hotel?

Make a reservation

Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.

Book your stay online or with our Reservations Team at:
01752 701000 or reservations.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk.

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Future Club Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!

Plymouth Restaurant

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Fishbone Restaurant is a welcoming and contemporary dining venue. Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and seafood dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.

Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace. A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands such as Atlantic IPA, Offshore, Tarquins Gin, and Plymouth Gin. Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.

Bookings can be made on 01752 701000 or fishbone@futureinns.co.uk. Alternatively, you can book online:

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