My early morning walk around one of U.K's most recognisable landmarks was a complete joy with an empty expanse and wonderful views. My visit also coincided with  the arrival of a Brittany Ferry returning from Spain and a fine Royal Naval vessel moored out towards the Breakwater

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The lighthouse was originally built on the Eddystone reef in 1759 at a cost of £40,000 but was taken down in the early 1880s when it was discovered that the sea was undermining the rock it was standing on. Approximately two-thirds of the structure was moved stone by stone to its current resting place on the Hoe.

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Now standing at 72 foot high, Smeaton's Tower offers fantastic views of Plymouth Sound and the city from its lantern room which, along with the rest of the building, has been painstakingly restored to its original glory and was repainted in 2020 to mark the Mayflower 400 Celebrations.

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There are many statues and monuments in this location, not least that of Sir Francis Drake intrepid explorer and local hero. The statue shows Drake scanning the horizon just beside the green where he finished his game of bowls before heading out to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588.