Mount Wise Park is something of a hidden secret situated on the southern edge of Devonport and offers spectacular views over the Royal William Yard, Plymouth Sound and across the Hamoaze to Mount Edgcumbe. The park is of great historical, ecological and geological interest.
Mount Wise Park reinforces Devonport's historic links to the sea and forms part of a complex of historically significant structures relating to Plymouth's naval history including Hamoaze House (built for the port Admiral in 1795) and Devonport Dockyard.
The highest point of the park has variously been home to Mount Wise House, Mount Wise Fort, Mount Wise Signalling Station and since 1998, a circular viewing platform offering 360 degree views. Under the park, Second World War tunnels and a Cold War nuclear bunker have been carved out of the rock.
The park also features an impressive memorial to the ill-fated polar expedition in 1912 led by Sir Robert Falcon Scott, one of Plymouth's most famous sons. The final words of Scott's diary are displayed on the memorial.
The Devonport Park heritage trail runs through some of the park.
Facilities and visitor information
Opening times
Open 24 hours a day and free to use.
Sports facilities
Free open air swimming pool (three different pools).
Playground
Small playground on the waterfront next to the swimming pools.
Access and Seating
Seating throughout the park.
Most paths have a good surface allowing access to most areas.
The steep nature of the site makes steps inevitable in places.
Refreshments
A small café is located among the swimming pool complex.
Toilets
Toilets are located among the swimming pool complex.
Travel and directions
500m walk from Devonport Guildhall, one and half miles from the city centre.
Accessible using public transport with bus stops along James Street and Clowance Street.
Free car parking available at the southern end of James Street (Mutton Cove) and adjacent to the Scott Memorial at the southern end of George Street.
Nature
The park is bordered by the waters of the River Tamar which form a European Marine Site, consisting of a Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area.
Important habitats include sandbanks, estuaries and salt meadows that support important wintering bird populations including the avocet, the Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum (TECF) promotes the delivery of integrated management to ensure long term sustainability
Part of the park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the presence of Devonian Plymouth limestones
The site is being considered for designation as a County Wildlife Site because of the presence of several notable species of plants including approximately 150 flowering heads of autumn ladies tresses, an orchid.
