Top Plymouth Historical Tours

Discover the history of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table—and see some of England’s most beautiful scenery and oldest monuments besides—on this two-day tour from Glastonbury. After pickup from your accommodation, travel via comfortable coach through Dartmoor, where you’ll stop to see the sights, before arriving in Tintagel, Cornwall. The next day, see Merlin’s Cave and Tintagel Castle, view Bronze Age landmarks, and learn more about the area’s history before returning to Glastonbury.

Exeter is one of England’s most historically significant cities, where Roman ruins meet medieval splendor. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore a former Roman fortress that became a wealthy medieval trading center that exported valuable cloth. You’ll discover the radical people and ancient places that give Exeter its distinctive character. The tour starts at Exeter Central Station. You’ll weave through historic streets and past the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, with treasures like Gerald the Giraffe and the Exeter puzzle jug. You’ll walk alongside sections of the Roman wall that’s defined the city for nearly 2,000 years, and pass through ancient gateways that once controlled access to this prosperous city. You’ll learn about the Prayer Book Rebellion and discover how Exeter’s waterways powered its trade and industry for centuries. You’ll see the remains of Exeter’s medieval bridge and hear tales of the city’s resilience during multiple sieges.

There’s more to Plymouth than the Mayflower but getting to know this historic port city takes time that few of us have. Whatever your level of mobility and access needs, enjoy the Plymouth: Harbour to Hoe walking tour created by a proud Plymothian. From historic sites to post-War architecture, follow a step-free route with a guide who tailors the experience to the group’s needs and interests.

Turning the Streets of Exeter Into an Adventure Playground! Get a unique perspective of the city on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt with an escape room twist. It's the best way to see the city! Gamified Adventure! Unlock a hidden trail finding clues, solving puzzles, and completing challenges, earning points along the way. Discover the city's highlights, explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts and see things that most people just pass by. As the activity is SELF GUIDED through the app: * INSTANT ACCESS - Book now, start immediately! * Choose your start time. No groups to follow. *Go at your own pace, stopping for longer in one location, taking a break, or having a snack in one of the many cafes and pubs along the trail OR you can make it a race and try to get to the top of the city leaderboard! Add up to 5 people in the app for one low price!

Exeter’s ancient streets and historic buildings are filled with whispers of the past. On this self-guided audio ghost walk, you’ll hear chilling tales of the spirits that still linger in the city’s most atmospheric locations. This tour starts at Exeter Cathedral, where a spectral nun glides silently across Cathedral Green and vanishes through solid walls. You’ll weave through Southernhay, once a site of public executions, and past the former Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where a mysterious ”grey lady” in an old-fashioned nurse’s uniform has been spotted since 1949. You’ll visit historic pubs where phantom judges and children make their presence known, and hear the remarkable story of Mary, a heroic World War II carrier pigeon who returned to her loft in West Street despite suffering severe wounds. The tour ends at the Exeter Catacombs, built in 1837 to protect the dead from body-snatchers.

Dartmoor’s granite was forged 280 million years ago. On this audio driving tour, you’ll trace 10,000 years of human history across one of Britain’s most extraordinary landscapes, from Bronze Age settlements to Napoleonic prison walls. The tour starts at the Haytor Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre, where you can climb one of Dartmoor’s most iconic granite tors before setting off. You’ll wind south through the villages of Widecombe in the Moor and Ponsworthy, their very names encoding the Old English and Latin of early settlers. From Merrivale’s Bronze Age hut circles and stone rows, to the ancient oak woodland of Wistman’s Wood and the twin granite rings of Grey Wethers, you’ll encounter a landscape that was once densely settled and then gradually abandoned as the climate turned colder. The last stop before heading back up to Haytor is at the House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey, a working glass and marble studio housed in the original Victorian pottery buildings.

Plymouth’s maritime history stretches back centuries, and the Barbican district will give you a glimpse into its storied past. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll explore the historic heart of a city that launched voyages of both discovery and conquest. You’ll also find out how Plymouth’s strategic location shaped not just British history but world events – from the sailing of the Mayflower to Napoleon’s final defeat. The tour starts at the iconic Mayflower Steps Memorial where, in September 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers departed on their momentous journey to the New World. Along the way, you’ll discover how this bustling port connected England to global trade networks, and played a crucial role in the development of Britain’s naval power. The tour ends back near the Mayflower Museum, where you can hear more of the story of the famous voyage that forever linked Plymouth to American history.

Explore Dartmoor like never before with personalized guided tours led by expert Rob. Tailor your adventure to suit your group’s interests—be it scenic walks, historical insights, or educational experiences. Journey through Dartmoor’s iconic Tors and hidden gems, uncovering the rich folklore and natural history that define this stunning landscape. full-day (5-6 hours) tours, perfect for families, friends, or corporate groups seeking a unique outing. - Custom itineraries designed for your group's interests and abilities - Private tours for up to 8 participants with transport options available - Educational adventures ideal for school trips or corporate team-building - Discover iconic locations like Haytor, Belstone, and Princetown on challenging trails

The vast outdoor landscape of Dartmoor is a place best explored by car, and if you want to access wild and remote sites with ease, then this Land Rover Discovery private driving tour is a great pick. Relax and enjoy the views as a driver takes you between ancient settlements, granite tors, and windswept moors. You can also enjoy the opportunity to walk near wild ponies and highland cattle—with binocular rental included in the package.

Discover 185 million years of geological history on this private guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Journey along the stunning cliffs and vibrant fishing villages of East Devon and West Dorset, observing unique rock formations from the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Triassic periods. From the red desert sandstone to fossil-rich beaches, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the Earth's past while also visiting iconic seaside towns like Sidmouth and Lyme Regis. Enjoy the option to search for fossils on the beach, and experience the breathtaking landscapes that have inspired countless artists and writers. - Private guided tour ensuring personalized attention and flexibility - Explore the unique geology and stunning coastal scenery - Visit charming villages and classic Victorian seaside retreats - Opportunity for fossil hunting at famous sites like Lyme Regis and Charmouth - Lunch booking made if required in a country Inn

"Probably the most militarised county in WWII", some 1.5 million GI's were stationed in the county of Devon. The north and south coasts of Devon were used extensively to both house the GI's and enable them to practice amphibious landings before the Normandy landings. This includes the notorious Slapton sands, one of the US military's darkest secrets of WWII. Focussing on the south coast, in addition to Slapton we'll visit Plymouth, where some 36,000 GI's departed. Plymouth is said to be the most bombed city in WWII (per sq mile) more than London and Coventry and is still the largest naval dockyard in Western Europe. Down the coast the picturesque coastal town of Dartmouth is home to two stunningly preserved castles at the mouth of the River Dart as well as Britannia Naval College, home to US naval command and where Queen Elizabeth first set eyes on the Duke of Edinburgh. Finally Brixham, now Englands' biggest fishing port with some of the best preserved naval gun batteries of WWII.

Discover the rich history of the Royal William Yard with a friendly and engaging tour guide. Starting at the main gates, explore the restored victualing yard as you wind through its impressive buildings and hidden corners, finishing in the heart of Yard at the inner basin. Uncover fascinating stories related to the Royal Navy, the architecture and the transformation of this historic site. For those wanting more, private tours can take you to Devil's Point Park for stunning views of Plymouth Sound. The route accommodates varying mobility levels, ensuring everyone can join in the exploration. - Guided exploration of the Royal William Yard's historic buildings - Learn about the Yard’s naval significance and architectural history - Option for private tours to visit Devil's Point Park for scenic views - Accessible route available for those with limited mobility, prams, or wheelchairs

Discover Dartmoor invites you to explore its rugged landscapes on thrilling guided tours that go beyond the ordinary. With both half-day and full-day options, expert guides lead the way to iconic Tors, offering breathtaking views and a deep dive into the history and myths of the moor. These tours are perfect for those who crave adventure and wish to challenge themselves amidst Dartmoor's wild beauty. Whether you're scaling granite peaks (TORS) or discovering hidden valleys, each journey promises unforgettable moments and exploration at its finest. - 3-4 hour tours with a professional guide - Explore iconic Tors and uncover Dartmoor’s hidden gems - Led by expert guides with extensive knowledge of the area - Suitable for adventurous travelers looking for immersive experiences

This unique coastal tour starts with pick up at your accommodation. It embraces this stunning diverse, coastline. We travel to one of the most spectaculer views in the South West, that of Burgh Island and the famous Burgh Island Hotel with its beach causeway and unique sea tractor. Onto Slapton Sands and "Slapton Ley" a stretch of water kept immune from the sea by a slim shingle causeway. Learn about its dark secret from World War II and be mesmerised by over 3 x miles of beach. Learn how we are trying to defend our small local communities form ever rising sea levels and how ultimately there will probably be only one winner. We then past Blackpool Sands and onto Dartmouth and the mouth of the Dart estuary with its famous "gun castles" on either side, its Norman Church and then into Dartmouth home of the Brittania Naval College. History, heritage, beautiful views and some fun on the way make this a tour not to be missed, all thats left is to drop you off where we picked you up

Explore the stunning southeast of Cornwall on this bespoke full-day tour, designed especially for cruise passengers in Fowey as well as other visitors to the area. Travel in comfort and style with an experienced guide, who will share insights into the area’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Personalize your itinerary to include hidden gems and scenic spots and pick up and drop off time and place making this an unforgettable day in Cornwall. Your Cornwall Tour guides are experienced travellers themselves and having taken tours on all 7 continents they are now dedicated to showing vistors around their own beautiful home county and have a great understanding of what makes for a memorable and value for money excursion. - Full-day private tour tailored for up to 4 people - Visit 3 of the most beautiful and historic towns in Cornwall - Fully guided both on foot and in-vehicle - Flexible itinerary to suit your preferences and schedule

Fowey has earned its living from the sea for over a thousand years. On this self guided audio tour, you’ll discover how this Cornish harbour town prospered through trade, survived brutal attacks, and developed a talent for brandy smuggling. The tour starts at the Bodinnick Ferry near Caffa Mill Car Park, where China clay was loaded onto ships bound for the world. You’ll walk along Fore Street’s historic merchant quarter, and along the Town Quay where deep water still allows cruise ships to anchor. Along the way, you’ll find out how the River Fowey connected inland Cornwall to global trade routes, and why controlling this waterway meant controlling wealth and power. The tour ends at St Catherine’s Castle, a fortress built by Henry VIII to ensure this strategic harbour would never fall again.

Explore the haunting landscapes of Dartmoor on a unique tour inspired by the legendary Hound of the Baskervilles. Discover chilling ghost stories and local folklore dating back to the 1600s, while visiting real locations that influenced Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s dark narrative. Engage with tales of cursed maidens and eerie happenings as you traverse the moors. This immersive journey not only deepens your appreciation for the classic novel but also provides insight into Dartmoor's mysterious history. - Visit iconic locations including Holy Trinity Church, Ashburton, Grimpen Mire, Grimspound, and HM Dartmoor Prison - Learn about local ghost stories and folklore intertwined with Dartmoor's history - Enjoy a guided experience that reveals the true tales behind the Hound of the Baskervilles - Perfect for fans of literature, history buffs, and those intrigued by the supernatural