On the day with the worst weather, we decided to go do a “town thing” and went to Plymouth, from where the Pilgrims once sailed to the new world. Plymouth is a beautiful town with lots of non-Pilgrim history as well, going all the way back to the Bronze Age. It has a remarkable and beautiful natural harbor.
Historic Plymouth Harbour
Sir Francis Drake was its most famous citizen. He was knighted for circumnavigating the world. He also sailed on a slaver, but I don’t think he was knighted for that.
Sir Francis Drake and Royal Naval Obelisk
Smeaton’s Tower at Hoe Park
New Street in Old Plymouth (the Barbican)
We were incredibly lucky to find on-street parking right near the Mayflower monument. Like Plymouth Rock, in Massachusetts, the Mayflower Steps, from where the Mayflower departed, is make-believe. The originals no longer exist.
Phony Pilgrim Steps
We had tea in the Strand Tea Rooms.
Strand Tea Rooms
Plymouth Gin Distillery, Since 1793
Photos © 2014 P.J. Gardner. All rights reserved.