Discover the Top 5 Abandoned Places in Plymouth: explore eerie, historic locations perfect for urbex enthusiasts and lovers of mystery.
Plymouth, with its maritime history and deep connections to the Royal Navy, is also home to several abandoned places that echo its past. From old forts and military structures to forgotten railways and grand estates, these locations reveal a haunting side of Plymouth's history. Here are 5 of the most captivating abandoned places in Plymouth for urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
1. Fort Bovisand
Originally built in the 19th century to protect Plymouth Sound, Fort Bovisand has a storied past as both a military defense and later a diving center. Although some parts have been repurposed, sections of the fort remain abandoned, with dark tunnels, decaying barracks, and rusting gun locations. The fort's rugged cliffside setting and architectural decay offer a haunting glimpse into Plymouth's coastal defenses.
2. Devonport Dockyard (Disused Sections)
The Devonport Dockyard is one of the oldest dockyards in the UK, serving the Royal Navy for centuries. While still operational, parts of the dockyard, including old warehouses and unused facilities, have fallen into disuse. These abandoned sections, with crumbling brickwork, rusted machinery, and overgrown paths, provide a poignant reminder of Plymouth's naval history and the dockyard's role in military operations.
3. Drake's Island
Located just off the coast of Plymouth, Drake's Island has a long history as a military fort and later a leisure resort. After being abandoned in the 1980s, the island's buildings and gun locations were left to decay. With empty barracks, dark passageways, and views of the Plymouth coastline, Drake's Island has an eerie beauty that captivates those interested in Plymouth's maritime history. While the island is off-limits to the public, it remains an iconic part of Plymouth's landscape.
4. Royal William Yard (Unused Sections)
Built in the early 19th century, Royal William Yard served as a victualing yard for the Royal Navy, providing supplies and provisions. While much of it has been beautifully redeveloped, certain sections remain abandoned, with empty storerooms, stone warehouses, and quiet courtyards. The unused parts of Royal William Yard exude a sense of history and solitude, reminding visitors of Plymouth's naval heritage.
5. Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway (Abandoned Tracks)
The Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway was originally built in the early 19th century to transport granite from Dartmoor to Plymouth. Parts of the railway line have since fallen into disuse, with sections of old tracks, overgrown paths, and stone bridges now hidden among the countryside. This abandoned railway offers a scenic yet haunting journey through Plymouth's industrial past, capturing the area's role in regional transport history.
