Plymouth Ferries

The port of Plymouth plays a key role in the ferry network of United Kingdom, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Plymouth serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Plymouth, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Santander - Plymouth connecting Plymouth with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Brittany Ferries run regular services from Plymouth, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Plymouth offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Plymouth is well-connected by road via the A38 Devon Expressway, linking to the M5 motorway network, with journey times of approximately 3.5 hours from London by car. The city boasts regular train services from London Paddington (around 3 hours), Bristol (2 hours), and other major cities, with Plymouth station located just a mile from the ferry terminal. For those arriving from further afield, Exeter Airport is the closest major airport, about 45 miles away with good road connections. The ferry terminal itself is easily accessible by taxi or local bus services from the train station, and several long-stay parking options are available nearby for those traveling by car.

Nestled on England's southwestern coast, Plymouth seamlessly blends maritime heritage with modern urban charm. This historic port city has played a pivotal role in British naval history and serves as an important gateway for ferry travel to France and Spain. With its stunning waterfront, rich seafaring legacy, and vibrant cultural scene, Plymouth offers visitors the perfect mix of historical exploration and contemporary coastal living.

Plymouth enjoys a mild maritime climate, making it a year-round destination, though summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather with temperatures typically reaching 18-22°C. May through September provides the most pleasant conditions for exploring the waterfront and enjoying outdoor activities. The city comes alive during August with the British Firework Championships and the annual Ocean City Blues 'n' Jazz Festival. Winter visits (November to February) offer quieter streets and lower accommodation rates, though some attractions may have reduced hours. Ferry services operate year-round, with more frequent sailings during the peak summer season, making spring and early autumn ideal for combining good weather with less crowded ferry crossings.

Plymouth serves as a key departure point for exciting ferry journeys across the English Channel and beyond. Travelers can sail to Roscoff in Brittany, France in approximately 6 hours, opening up the charming towns and rugged coastlines of northwestern France. The longer crossing to Santander, Spain (about 20 hours) rewards passengers with access to northern Spain's beautiful beaches, mountains, and distinctive cuisine. The Scilly Isles are another popular destination, offering pristine beaches and subtropical gardens just a few hours away by seasonal ferry. Many of these routes feature spectacular ocean views, with opportunities to spot dolphins and seabirds during the crossings, making Plymouth an excellent starting point for exploring Western Europe by sea.

Plymouth's historic Barbican district enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, Elizabethan houses, and the famous Mayflower Steps marking where the Pilgrims departed for America in 1620. The National Marine Aquarium, the UK's largest, showcases mesmerizing ocean life just steps from the ferry terminal. For stunning views, head to Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake allegedly played bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada, and climb Smeaton's Tower lighthouse for panoramic vistas across Plymouth Sound. The city's dining scene excels in seafood – try the freshly caught fish at the waterfront restaurants along Sutton Harbour or sample a traditional Cornish pasty from one of the local bakeries. The Royal William Yard, a beautifully restored naval victualling yard, now houses upscale restaurants and boutiques in a spectacular waterfront setting.

Plymouth's Gin Distillery, established in 1793, is the oldest working gin distillery in England and still produces 'Plymouth Gin' using the original recipe that became the official gin of the Royal Navy. The city's harbor was the departure point for the Mayflower's famous voyage in 1620, carrying the Pilgrims who would later establish Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. During World War II, Plymouth endured some of the heaviest bombing in the UK outside London, with the city center almost completely rebuilt in the distinctive post-war architectural style. The famous Plymouth Breakwater in the Sound took 28 years to build and contains over 4 million tons of rock, creating one of the world's most impressive man-made harbors.