The traditional site of their disembarkation in North America is Plymouth Rock.
The Mayflower Steps are flanked by the British and American flags and mark the final English departure point of 102 passengers who set sail on the Mayflower in 1620.
The actual steps the pilgrims left from no longer exist. A granite block bearing the ship’s name marks the approximate site, while a tablet commemorating the voyage was erected alongside in 1891.
The 'Steps' today consist of a commemorative portico with Doric columns of Portland stone that was built in 1934 and a small platform over the water with a brushed steel rail and a shelf with some nautical bronze artwork and historical information. It is on a small pier that was built about a century ago when some very old houses that were blocking construction of a road around the seaward side of the Citadel leading to the Hoe were cleared together with the significant Watch House.
The best effort by local historians to place the actual site of the Mayflower finally casting off is roughly where a Victorian public house, the Admiral MacBride, now stands.
The passengers who came predominantly from East Anglia sought religious and other freedoms. They had no links with Plymouth, but because of bad weather in the English Channel they were forced to put in at Plymouth seeking shelter and essential repairs. Several surviving local buildings including what is now the Plymouth Gin Distillery in Southside Street and the Island House on the Quay are claimed to have accommodated some of them for one or more nights. Today, boat trips leave the Mayflower Steps for trips around the Sound and up the Tamar for sight of the 'Dockyard and Warships'.
Nearby plaques chronicle other key events to occur near the site: the return in 1838 of four Tolpuddle Martyrs after exile in Australia; the departure in 1839 of the Tory, the pioneer ship that colonised New Zealand; and the arrival in 1919 of the American seaplane that made the first transatlantic flight, almost 300 years after the Pilgrims’ voyage.
Visitor Attraction
The Elizabethan House is a historic property laid out in the style of a merchant or sea captain’s home from the 1600s. The house is currently closed due to essential conservation work.
Visitor Attraction
The Mayflower Museum explores the story of the voyage of the Pilgrims and their journey aboard the Mayflower.
Historic Site
The Mayflower is thought to have made a final unexpected stop at Newlyn Bay, Cornwall to take a supply of fresh water on board.
Visitor Attraction
The oldest working gin distillery in England. The Pilgrims are thought to have dined here on the eve of the Mayflower departure.
Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa
Hotel
The 5-star Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa is situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and just five minutes from Plymouth.
Copthorne Hotel
Hotel
The Copthorne Hotel Plymouth offers spectacular views towards the historic Barbican and Hoe areas.
Holiday Inn, Plymouth
Hotel
Jurys Inn Plymouth
Hotel
In the heart of the city centre adjacent to Plymouth's historic tourist quarter and shopping centre.
New Continental Hotel
Hotel
The New Continental Hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore Plymouth's maritime delights.
Premier Inn Sutton Harbour
Hotel
Dream of life on the open waves with Premier Inn Hotel Plymouth City Centre (Sutton Harbour). Just minutes from Plymouth's bustling shops and buzzing nightlife you're in a great location.
The Duke of Cornwall Hotel
Hotel
Set in the heart of Britain’s Ocean City, the Duke of Cornwall is a stunning period hotel brimming with character and style.
The Grosvenor Plymouth
Bed & Breakfast
Originally built in 1879 this beautiful Victorian property has been welcoming guests since 1990.
Travelodge Plymouth
Hotel
Travelodge Plymouth is in the heart of the city, a short walk from the breathtaking views of Plymouth Sound from Hoe Park.
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