Title: Smeaton's Tower in Barbican - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Smeaton's Tower Tours and Activities

![Smeaton's Tower](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6094305/b40ab4bb-bb9c-4acb-b8e9-9a43da3f6454.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Smeaton's Tower](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6094305/391236a9-16e9-48ef-9885-2be6dbd29405.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Smeaton's Tower](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6094305/5f6a7c7f-2460-47a4-9d9d-aef7f9df4a75.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Smeaton's Tower](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6094305/f0d76c50-d61f-4574-a309-bb54e74606e0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Smeaton's Tower](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6094305/14940f17-481c-4ff9-803f-fe6d58eb1967.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Smeaton's Tower

Activities

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#### The centerpiece of Plymouth’s Hoe, this old-fashioned lighthouse is one of the most well-known landmarks in Devon.

Admire the red-and-white stripes of Smeaton's Tower from the ground and then climb to the top to see the old lantern room. Get a glimpse into the lives of lighthouse keepers in the 18th century and take in views from all over Plymouth.

Originally built on the Eddystone Reef in 1759, the lighthouse was dismantled in the early 1880s due to the degradation of the rocks upon which it sat. Find it resting on the Plymouth Hoe, where it has been restored to its original condition after two thirds of the structure was painstakingly moved here. The lighthouse remains as a monument to its designer, John Smeaton, who rediscovered a form of ancient Roman concrete in order to build it.

Climb the 93 steps of the circular stone staircase and wooden ladders through narrow openings. Learn about the life led by the lighthouse keeper and his family as you pass the kitchen and the tiny wooden beds. Read the history of the tower on panels as you climb. Find the lantern room at the top, with its original candelabra. On special occasions the candles are still lit.

Brace yourself for the wind and enjoy an incredible 360-degree view from the top of the 72-foot (22-meter) structure. Look out over Plymouth Sound and the hills of South Hams to the east. To the west gaze across the countryside of Cornwall to the city of Dartmoor. In good visibility you might spot the original base of the tower, which still sits next to the current Eddystone lighthouse.

Find Smeaton’s Tower on the Plymouth Hoe, a short walk from the city center. The lighthouse is closed at different times of the year and opening times can vary, so be sure to check the current schedule. There is a small entry fee. Be aware that the nature of the lighthouse means that disabled access is extremely limited.

## Plan a trip to see Smeaton's Tower

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Lord Haldon Country Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1690000/1688400/1688383/fefff50b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Lord Haldon Country Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

CA $856

per person

May 13 - May 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

London (LHR) to Exeter (EXT)

8.4/10 Very Good! (372 reviews)

A grand hotel building set on a picturesque estate with very good parking. It is set quite of the beaten path and the lane leading to the car park area was quite bumpy, dirty and replete with potholes. The hotel is part of the Sure Collection which is Best Western's premier line. The décor was a little tired, especially the carpeting in the corridors, some of which seemed to have been cleaned but only on the main walkway areas. The room was nice and spacious as was the bathroom. The shower took a while to warm up but was enjoyable. Breakfast was the highlight of the stay with a friendly and enthusiastic member of staff who took my order for a cooked breakfast which was as well cooked as I have had for a very long time and got my day off to the best start.

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2025

![Cottage in Whitestone With Garden & Games Room](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/116000000/115500000/115490100/115490025/3d87d98d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Cottage in Whitestone With Garden & Games Room

CA $2,391

per person

May 13 - May 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

London (LHR) to Exeter (EXT)

No reviews

![Passage House Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2290000/2286000/2285901/76f7c47e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Passage House Hotel

CA $1,014

per person

May 13 - May 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

London (LHR) to Exeter (EXT)

8/10 Very Good! (881 reviews)

We stayed two weekends, 23rd and 30th The staff were very good at their job. When we were staying above incredibly volatile and inebriated guests on the first weekend, it was dealt with quickly. Unfortunately the next night another guest set off the fire alarm at 1am. The second weekend was faultless- thoughtful guests same excellent staff Clientelle interesting, staff incredibly professional and kind. Under refurb, so slightly odd vibe, the price was very good because of it. Close to beautiful countryside, Tors, Buckfast etc Not into pubs but there is one right next door for those who like pub grub and booze- we didnt try it Location secluded yet convenient

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

### Popular places to visit

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#### Tinside Lido

Between the sea and the green cliffs of Plymouth is an art deco swimming pool surrounded by fountains, deck chairs and a café.

[](https://expedia.ca/Tinside-Lido-Plymouth.d553248635695646997.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Hoe Park

After visiting Hoe Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Plymouth. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hoe-Park-Barbican.d553248634855452253.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Plymouth Naval Memorial

You can find out about the history of Plymouth with a trip to Plymouth Naval Memorial. Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants. 

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#### Royal Citadel

This 17th-century stronghold was a bastion of military strength. Explore the walls and fortifications with a guided tour.

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#### Plymouth Gin Distillery

Sip on expertly made gin in a historic distillery that has been making spirits for over two centuries in the same spot on Plymouth’s waterfront.

[](https://expedia.ca/Plymouth-Gin-Distillery-Plymouth.d553248621533024287.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Elizabethan House

Step inside this wonderfully preserved house to see how a merchant or sea captain would have lived in the 1500s, a time when Plymouth was a prosperous port city.

[](https://expedia.ca/Elizabethan-House-Plymouth.d6094315.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Smeaton's Tower

## Check availability on hotels close to Smeaton's Tower

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Invicta Hotel

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.