Barry PhilipsPlymouth is one of England’s most historic coastal cities, famous for its naval heritage, Victorian forts, maritime landmarks, and hidden ruins. Beyond the busy waterfront and modern developments, the city also has a haunting side—forgotten forts, disused dockyards, abandoned tunnels, derelict civic buildings, and mysterious islands left to decay over time.
For urban explorers, history lovers, and curious travelers, abandoned places in Plymouth offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. From military defense structures to once-thriving leisure centers, these locations tell stories of war, industry, and changing times.
In this guide, we explore the Top 40 Abandoned Places in Plymouth, highlighting the most intriguing sites, their history, and why they continue to capture attention.
Top 40 Abandoned Places In Plymouth
1. Drake’s Island
Drake’s Island is perhaps the most famous abandoned place in Plymouth. Located just off the coast in Plymouth Sound, this island has a long military history dating back centuries. It was once used as a defensive fort, prison, chapel site, and later even as an adventure training center.
After being abandoned in the 1980s, many of its structures—including barracks, tunnels, and gun emplacements—were left to deteriorate. The island has since become a symbol of mystery and local fascination.
Its isolation adds to the eerie atmosphere. Empty passageways, decaying walls, and restricted access make it one of the most talked-about abandoned sites in the city. Many locals still hope for redevelopment, but for now, it remains one of Plymouth’s most haunting landmarks.
2. Fort Bovisand
Built in the 19th century to protect Plymouth Sound, Fort Bovisand once served as a major military defense structure. Positioned dramatically on the cliffs, it offered strategic protection against coastal attacks.
Although parts of the fort were later used as a diving center, significant sections remain abandoned today. Visitors and explorers are drawn to its dark tunnels, rusting gun positions, and old barracks that still reflect military life from another era.
The rugged setting and weather-worn stone walls create a dramatic and haunting experience. It remains one of the best examples of Plymouth’s abandoned coastal defense architecture.
3. Devonport Dockyard (Disused Sections)
One of the oldest dockyards in Britain, Devonport Dockyard has served the Royal Navy for centuries. While large parts remain operational today, some old warehouses, industrial spaces, and dock facilities have fallen into disuse.
These forgotten sections reveal rusted machinery, abandoned storage buildings, and crumbling industrial architecture that remind visitors of Plymouth’s naval dominance.
The contrast between active naval operations and neglected corners of the dockyard makes this location especially fascinating. It represents both Plymouth’s past glory and the inevitable decline of aging infrastructure.
4. Crownhill Fort
Crownhill Fort is one of Plymouth’s best-known military forts and is often associated with ghost stories and urban legends. While parts are preserved, many areas reflect the abandoned military atmosphere people seek.
Massive walls, underground passages, and old defensive systems make the site feel like stepping into another century. It attracts history enthusiasts and paranormal investigators alike.
Its haunting reputation and fortress-like appearance make it one of Plymouth’s most memorable forgotten landmarks.
5. Mount Wise Nuclear Bunker
Hidden beneath Plymouth lies one of its most mysterious abandoned structures—the Mount Wise Nuclear Bunker. Built during the Cold War, this underground bunker was designed as part of civil defense planning.
Today, it stands as a forgotten reminder of Cold War fears and government preparedness strategies. Its secrecy and underground setting add to its appeal for urban explorers.
The bunker’s silence, isolation, and historical significance make it one of Plymouth’s most intriguing hidden abandoned places.
6. Royal William Yard (Unused Sections)
Although Royal William Yard is now largely redeveloped into apartments, restaurants, and businesses, some older unused sections still preserve its abandoned atmosphere.
Originally built as a victualling yard for the Royal Navy, it once supplied food and provisions to naval forces. Quiet stone warehouses and forgotten storage spaces remain reminders of that industrial past.
These quieter corners offer a striking contrast to the modern redevelopment surrounding them.
7. Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway (Abandoned Tracks)
This early railway once transported granite from Dartmoor into Plymouth. While much of the route disappeared over time, abandoned sections of track, old stone bridges, and overgrown pathways still remain.
Walking these forgotten routes feels like stepping into industrial history. Nature has slowly reclaimed much of the railway, creating a unique blend of decay and beauty.
It is one of the most peaceful yet atmospheric abandoned locations in the region.
8. Plymouth Pavilions (Old Pools and Ice Rink)
Many locals still remember the swimming pools and indoor ice rink inside Plymouth Pavilions. Once a major leisure attraction, these spaces gradually closed—the pools in 2012 and the ice rink later in 2023.
Now left unused and facing demolition, the abandoned interior represents a nostalgic part of Plymouth’s modern history. For many residents, it feels like losing a major piece of childhood memory.
Its emotional significance makes it one of the city’s most talked-about abandoned spaces.
9. Efford Fort
Efford Fort is another hidden military structure often mentioned by local explorers. Known for old tunnels and underground passages, it has become part of Plymouth’s urban exploration culture.
Many locals believe old tunnel systems connect several forts across the city, adding mystery and legend to the site.
Its remote setting and hidden entrances make it especially appealing to those fascinated by forgotten military networks.
10. Plymouth Civic Centre
The former Civic Centre became one of Plymouth’s most visible abandoned buildings after being left vacant in 2015. This Grade II-listed structure stood as a city-center ghost tower for years.
Although redevelopment plans are now underway, its long period of emptiness made it one of the city’s best-known derelict landmarks.
Its story shows how even major urban buildings can fall silent before finding new life again.
Comprehensive List
| No. | Abandoned Place | Type | Main Attraction | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drake’s Island | Island Fortress | Military ruins, tunnels, isolation | Restricted |
| 2 | Fort Bovisand | Coastal Fort | Cliffside fort, old barracks, tunnels | Partly abandoned |
| 3 | Devonport Dockyard (Disused Sections) | Naval Yard | Industrial ruins, warehouses | Partly active |
| 4 | Crownhill Fort | Military Fort | Haunted atmosphere, underground passages | Partly preserved |
| 5 | Mount Wise Nuclear Bunker | Underground Bunker | Cold War history, secret tunnels | Abandoned |
| 6 | Royal William Yard (Unused Sections) | Naval Supply Yard | Historic stone structures | Partly redeveloped |
| 7 | Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway | Old Railway | Overgrown tracks, stone bridges | Disused |
| 8 | Plymouth Pavilions | Leisure Complex | Abandoned pools and ice rink | Closed |
| 9 | Efford Fort | Hidden Fort | Underground tunnels, urban legends | Forgotten |
| 10 | Plymouth Civic Centre | Civic Building | Urban decay landmark | Under redevelopment |
| 11 | Tinside Lido (Old Sections) | Outdoor Pool | Seaside art deco ruins | Partly restored |
| 12 | RAF Mount Batten Buildings | Military Aviation Site | Old RAF structures | Mostly disused |
| 13 | Turnchapel Naval Buildings | Naval Site | Forgotten military compounds | Abandoned |
| 14 | Plymstock Quarry Ruins | Industrial Site | Overgrown quarry remains | Disused |
| 15 | Plym Valley Railway Ruins | Railway Site | Old railway remnants | Forgotten |
| 16 | Ham Woods Structures | Woodland Ruins | Hidden stone remains | Abandoned |
| 17 | Eggbuckland Keep | Historic Fort | Defensive fort remains | Neglected |
| 18 | Staddon Heights Battery | Coastal Defense Site | Old gun emplacements | Disused |
| 19 | Whitesand Bay Barracks | Military Barracks | Coastal military ruins | Abandoned |
| 20 | Devil’s Point Military Structures | Coastal Defense Site | Hidden bunkers and ruins | Forgotten |
| 21 | Stonehouse Barracks Old Sections | Military Barracks | Historic military decay | Partly active |
| 22 | Weston Mill Lake Structures | Naval Storage Site | Old maritime ruins | Disused |
| 23 | Keyham Gun Wharf | Naval Industrial Site | Rusting dock remains | Forgotten |
| 24 | Cattedown Industrial Buildings | Industrial Zone | Old warehouses and factories | Abandoned |
| 25 | Millbay Docks Old Warehouses | Port Structures | Historic shipping ruins | Partly redeveloped |
| 26 | Union Street Old Buildings | Urban Decay Zone | Derelict nightlife buildings | Neglected |
| 27 | North Prospect Old Estate Sections | Residential Area | Demolished housing remains | Mostly redeveloped |
| 28 | Lipson Co-op Building | Commercial Building | Empty retail structure | Closed |
| 29 | Plympton Hospital Old Wing | Medical Building | Forgotten hospital sections | Abandoned |
| 30 | South Yard Naval Buildings | Naval Complex | Disused naval structures | Restricted |
| 31 | Ernesettle Creek Defenses | Military Site | Hidden war defenses | Forgotten |
| 32 | Jennycliff Battery | Coastal Fortification | Old artillery positions | Disused |
| 33 | Maker Heights Barracks | Military Barracks | Ruined military compounds | Abandoned |
| 34 | Mount Edgcumbe Old Structures | Estate Ruins | Forgotten estate buildings | Neglected |
| 35 | Cremyll Old Defenses | Coastal Defense Site | Historic military ruins | Disused |
| 36 | Saltash Passage Structures | Riverfront Ruins | Old ferry and dock remains | Forgotten |
| 37 | Tamar Bridge Construction Ruins | Industrial Site | Old support structures | Disused |
| 38 | Forder Valley Ruins | Hidden Woodland Site | Nature-covered remains | Abandoned |
| 39 | Plym Bridge Industrial Ruins | Industrial Heritage Site | Old industrial foundations | Forgotten |
| 40 | Radford Castle Ruins | Historic Manor Site | Ancient stone ruins | Partly preserved |
Why Plymouth Has So Many Abandoned Places
Plymouth’s strong connection to the Royal Navy and coastal defense means the city was once filled with forts, dockyards, military tunnels, and strategic buildings. As warfare changed and modernization took over, many of these places were left behind.
Some locations were closed due to maintenance costs, while others became unsafe, inaccessible, or simply outdated. Today, these forgotten spaces attract photographers, ghost hunters, historians, and urban explorers searching for hidden stories.
Places like Drake’s Island and parts of Devonport Dockyard remain iconic examples of Plymouth’s abandoned heritage.
Comparison Table of Abandoned Places in Plymouth
| Place | Type | Main Attraction | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake’s Island | Island Fortress | Military ruins & tunnels | Restricted |
| Fort Bovisand | Coastal Fort | Cliffside decay & barracks | Partly abandoned |
| Devonport Dockyard | Naval Yard | Industrial ruins | Partly active |
| Crownhill Fort | Military Fort | Haunted atmosphere | Partly preserved |
| Mount Wise Nuclear Bunker | Underground Bunker | Cold War history | Abandoned |
| Royal William Yard | Naval Supply Yard | Historic stone structures | Partly redeveloped |
| Plymouth & Dartmoor Railway | Old Railway | Overgrown tracks | Disused |
| Plymouth Pavilions | Leisure Complex | Abandoned pools & rink | Closed |
| Efford Fort | Hidden Fort | Underground tunnels | Forgotten |
| Plymouth Civic Centre | Civic Building | Urban decay landmark | Under redevelopment |
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Conclusion
Plymouth’s abandoned places are more than forgotten ruins—they are pieces of living history. From military forts and naval dockyards to hidden bunkers and deserted leisure centers, each location tells a unique story about the city’s past.
Whether you are interested in urban exploration, photography, local legends, or historical architecture, these places reveal a side of Plymouth many visitors never see.
While some sites remain off-limits for safety and legal reasons, their stories continue to fascinate locals and travelers alike. The mystery surrounding these abandoned places ensures they remain an unforgettable part of Plymouth’s identity.