Explore an award-winning restored gardens and reservoir with 400+ years of history, featuring scenic walks, a café, and table tennis in Plymouth's urban oasis.

Drake's Place Gardens and Reservoir is a beautifully restored community space offering families a calm and relaxing escape in the heart of Plymouth. The site features an accessible, welcoming environment that serves as a safe habitat for wildlife, having won the Green Flag award every year since 2015. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the reservoir, table tennis facilities, and opportunities to simply relax and let off steam in the peaceful gardens. With roots dating back to 1592 when Sir Francis Drake oversaw construction of a 28km water channel (Drake's Leat), the site is steeped in local heritage and history. The gardens showcase remarkable architectural features including the historic Old Town Conduit, Morshead Conduit, colonnade with salvaged granite columns from Plymouth's old market, and restored fountains. The reservoir itself, built in 1825 and extended in 1828, once served as the main water source for the entire town. The University of Plymouth invested £300,000 in restoration, opening the site to the public in June 2014 after years of decline. The Reservoir Cafe in the Nancy Astor Building provides refreshments and indoor seating with views of the gardens. Drake's Place is open during daylight hours and welcomes visitors of all ages to experience both natural beauty and fascinating historical architecture in one of Plymouth's most treasured community spaces.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Anthony Curran

2 months ago

Historic place , the original reservoir for olde Plymouth . Now an oasis of calm and lovely original historic features.

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Baz Willmott

a year ago

An area of garden and reservoir once designed and maintained by Plymouth City Council, now run and managed by Plymouth University where the pathway beside the Reservoir is now open to the public. The Reservoir Cafe building once appeared in a episode of series one of the BBC 'Beyond Paradise' TV programme.

F

Fred

7 years ago

Lovely quiet spot a short walk from the town centre.

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Angus Davidson

8 years ago

This is where I met my girlfriend for the first time during second year of University. It's on Plymouth University Campus right next to a nice indoor and outdoor cafe. It's a nice place to relax with friends as you have the resovoir and then the garden as well.

L

Local Boy

9 years ago

Historical site which has been restored and renovated with assistance from Plymouth University. The well maintained gardens are quiet and peaceful. Restaurant beside the Reservoir is operated by the University. Disabled access is not so good.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026