Plymouth , England

World War II Heritage Tour

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About this experience

"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.

Available options

World War II Heritage Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Chilled water

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

driver/guide

Detailed itinerary

Devons' biggest city and still home to Western Europes' biggest naval dockyard.

Perched majestically on the mouth of the River Dart, Dartmouth Castle was conceived in Medieval times and continued its development right up to WWII when howitzers were introduced to help defend the mouth of this strategic entity. For castle lovers, you can go on tour around the castle and we can re-model the rest of the day

A unique experience awaits you with the fresh water ley on one side (largest example in the UK) and the stunning Slapton sands (beach) on the other. The sea (on the beach side) and the ley are separated by a thin beachy causeway which provides the base for the tarmac road. With its future under threat from the winter storms, this beautiful location is a must see.

Home to one of the most famous war memorials of WWII, Torcross village at the western end of Slapton Sands is the resting place for the Sherman tank that took local hero Ken Small 20 years to extract form the sea bed of Start Bay and now pays homage to the hundreds of Americans that died out in the bay. Wether you have an interest in World War II or not its difficult not to be moved by this tragic story and one mans' quest to ensure it was never forgotton.

This beautiful coastal town is without one of Devons' gems.

What's not included

A table is booked for lunch, however choice of food and the cost is guest responsibility

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Reasonable fitness levels and the desire to walk short distances will ensure you get the most out of this tour

About Plymouth

Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city in England known for its rich maritime history, stunning waterfront, and proximity to the picturesque Devon countryside. As the starting point of many historic voyages, including those of the Pilgrims to the New World, Plymouth offers a unique blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and modern attractions.

Top Attractions

Plymouth Hoe

A large public park and seafront area with stunning views of Plymouth Sound and the coastline.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

The Barbican

A historic harbor area with narrow streets, charming buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, attractions may have fees

Royal William Yard

A UNESCO-listed naval victualling yard built in the 19th century, now a cultural and dining hub.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, attractions may have fees

Plymouth Aquarium

A modern aquarium showcasing marine life from the region and beyond.

Nature 1-2 hours £15-£20

Dartmoor National Park

A vast, rugged national park with stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Nature Full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plymouth Gin

A locally produced gin with a unique flavor profile, made using a traditional recipe.

Drink Contains alcohol

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish featuring battered and fried fish served with chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Cream Tea

A traditional Devon treat consisting of scones, clotted cream, and jam.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy

Plymouth Crab

Freshly caught crab, often served in a sandwich or as part of a seafood platter.

Lunch Contains shellfish

Popular Activities

Hiking in Dartmoor National Park Sailing in Salcombe Coasteering in Brixham Picnicking in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park Enjoying a cream tea at The Tea Garden Strolling along Plymouth Hoe Visiting the Plymouth Gin Distillery Exploring the Barbican's historic streets

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits. The city is lively with festivals and events.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Plymouth is generally safe for tourists, but as with any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis

Getting there

By air

Exeter International Airport • 65 km (40 miles)
Newquay Cornwall Airport • 100 km (62 miles)

By train

Plymouth Station

By bus

Plymouth Coach Station

Getting around

Public transport

A comprehensive bus network covers the city and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Barbican Plymouth City Centre Millbay Stonehouse Devonport

Day trips

Dartmoor National Park

20 km (12 miles) • Full day

A vast, rugged national park with stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Salcombe

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, sailing, and charming shops.

Totnes

35 km (22 miles) • Half day

A historic market town with a bohemian vibe, known for its independent shops, cafes, and historic castle.

Festivals

Plymouth Seafood Festival • June British Firework Championships • August Plymouth Jazz Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the Plymouth Gin Distillery for a unique and historic experience
Explore the Barbican's narrow streets and historic buildings for a glimpse into the city's past
Take a day trip to Dartmoor National Park for stunning landscapes and outdoor activities
Enjoy a cream tea at The Tea Garden for a taste of traditional Devon fare
Visit the Royal William Yard for its unique architecture and cultural offerings