Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth, South Devon
Plymouth's famous waterfornt area
Plymouth Hoe is a famous waterfront area in Plymouth providing stunning views across Plymouth Sound to sections of the South Devon and East Cornwall coastlines.
Location of Plymouth Hoe
We've positioned Plymouth Hoe on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its exact location.
Hoe or high place
Whilst there are a number of interpretations, we take 'hoe' to mean 'high place'. The area sits high above the coastline and is said to be where Sir Francis Drake played bowls whilst waiting for the arrival of the Spanish Armada.
Plymouth Hoe Park
Plymouth Hoe has two public parks. In the western section is Plymouth West Hoe Park. The central section of the Hoe is covered by the much larger Plymouth Hoe Park. It's Plymouth Hoe Park that's home to the famous red and white striped lighthouse Plymouth Smeaton's Tower, the promenade and a number of statues and memorials. There are large grass areas, gardens, a pitch and put and places to eat and drink. The views from Plymouth Hoe Park across Plymouth Sound are amazing.
Hoe Park is next to Plymouth The Royal Citadel, Plymouth Barbican and Plymouth Sutton Harbour. In these areas, visit Plymouth National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Smeaton's Tower and take a tour of Plymouth Gin.
'The park's origins date back to the medieval period when the first settlements occurred nearby - long before the infamous exploits of Sir Francis Drake, who purportedly played bowls here while waiting for the arrival of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Bull baiting is known to have taken place until 1815, in the vicinity of the Belvedere Memorial, which also acted as the seat of local politics for Plymouth before 1882.' (Source: information board on site)
We'd recommend viewing Plymouth Hoe from Mount Batten Breakwater. Take a water taxi from the Barbican area to Mount Batten Point and Tower.
If you're looking for other public parks in the local area we'd recommend visiting Plymouth Devil's Point Park and Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Saltram Park and Jennycliff.
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