Plymouth Hoe
Walk the clifftop lawns and see Smeaton’s Tower above Plymouth Sound.
Explore Plymouth Hoe, the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, then sail from Millbay to Brittany or northern Spain with Brittany Ferries.
Use FerryEU to compare live ferry sailings, fares, passenger and vehicle options for England. When you continue, the live booking results open in a new tab so this FerryEU destination guide stays available.
Plymouth is one of Britain’s great maritime cities, combining a dramatic natural harbour with historic waterfront districts and easy access to Devon and Cornwall.
Plymouth Hoe is the city’s signature viewpoint, with Smeaton’s Tower overlooking Plymouth Sound. Below it, the Barbican and Sutton Harbour preserve narrow streets, quays and the city’s historic maritime character.
Royal William Yard adds restaurants and converted naval architecture, while the National Marine Aquarium is a popular all-weather stop beside Sutton Harbour.
Brittany Ferries operates from Millbay. Current 2026 services include the established Plymouth–Roscoff route and Plymouth–Santander sailings, with Plymouth–St Malo also offered on selected dates.
The terminal is close to the city centre but vehicle traffic can build around departure times, so follow the reporting time shown on the booking and allow extra time during holiday periods.
The city centre and waterfront are close enough to combine easily on foot, and Plymouth has a strong food-and-drink scene around the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Royal William Yard. These areas are convenient for an overnight stay before or after a crossing.
Plymouth is also a natural gateway to Dartmoor and the coasts of Devon and Cornwall. Travellers arriving with a car can reach beaches, fishing villages and countryside quickly, making the ferry port a useful starting point for a wider South West England itinerary.
Plymouth offers maritime heritage, broad sea views and a strong base for exploring Devon and Cornwall.
Walk the clifftop lawns and see Smeaton’s Tower above Plymouth Sound.
Explore historic lanes, independent shops and waterfront pubs around Sutton Harbour.
Visit one of the UK’s best-known aquariums beside the old harbour.
Enjoy restored naval buildings, restaurants and waterfront views west of the centre.
See the historic waterfront area associated with the Mayflower departure story.
Use Plymouth as a gateway for moorland, coast and cross-border day trips.
Browse Plymouth walking tours, harbour cruises, maritime experiences and Devon day trips before or after your ferry crossing.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
The France and Spain routes carry vehicles as well as foot passengers. For overnight or longer Spain crossings, cabins and vehicle space are worth booking well ahead in peak periods.
Brittany Ferries’ current 2026 programme includes Plymouth–Roscoff and Plymouth–Santander services, with selected Plymouth–St Malo sailings also available.
Brittany Ferries uses the Millbay ferry terminal, a short distance southwest of Plymouth city centre. Vehicle and foot-passenger check-in arrangements are clearly signed on approach.
Central Plymouth is walkable, with rail and buses useful for Devon and Cornwall and road access convenient for wider South West touring.
The Hoe, Barbican and Sutton Harbour form a rewarding central walking circuit.
Plymouth station has intercity and regional services toward Exeter, Bristol, London and Cornwall. Find Plymouth rail tickets here...
A car opens up Dartmoor, the South Devon coast and Cornwall soon after leaving the ferry terminal.
The Hoe and Barbican are best for sightseeing, while Millbay is convenient for an early ferry and still close to central Plymouth.
Brittany Ferries uses the Millbay terminal, southwest of Plymouth city centre and close to the waterfront.
Current Brittany Ferries services include Roscoff and Santander, with selected St Malo sailings also available.
Yes. Plymouth–Roscoff is a core Brittany Ferries route with 2026 sailings.
Yes. Brittany Ferries operates the Plymouth–Santander route in 2026 with vehicle and foot-passenger options.
Yes. The principal France and Spain routes are vehicle-carrying services.
Plymouth Hoe, the Barbican, Sutton Harbour, Royal William Yard and the National Marine Aquarium are strong choices.
Yes. Plymouth station has regional and long-distance trains toward Exeter, Bristol, London and Cornwall.
Yes, especially for summer travel, cars, caravans, cabins and Spain crossings.
Check live sailing options, passenger fares, vehicle prices and onboard accommodation for your travel dates.