Plymouth Ferries

Unlock your adventure to United Kingdom at the incredible port of Plymouth! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Plymouth boasts an impressive 4 ferry routes operated by 1 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Plymouth, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Plymouth offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Roscoff - Plymouth, Santander - Plymouth. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Plymouth. You'll find companies like Brittany Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Plymouth.

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.