Mayflower 400

The Mayflower sailed from city of Leiden, Holland to Plymouth, England and then across the Atlantic to America in 1620. 2020 marks the 400^th anniversary of the ship's arrival in what is now called New England, and was known to English explorers at the time as The New World.

The ship’s passengers were in search of a new life. A significant number were known as Separatists, a group of people who mostly wanted to live a life free from the then oppressive regime of the Church of England. Others were on the ship for a multitude of reasons – some anticipated the chance to build a better future for their families and the opportunity of new land, while for others the offer of freedom and adventure was too good to turn down.

They would go on to be known as the Pilgrims and influence the future of the United States of America in ways they could never have imagined. So the Mayflower’s story isn't just about the ship’s passengers, it's about the people who already lived in America and the enormous effect the arrival of these colonists would have on Native Americans and the land they had called home for centuries.

Nowadays more than 35 million people (including 9 US presidents) can trace their ancestry to the 102 passengers and 30 crew that arrived in Plymouth Bay, Massachusetts, in the harsh winter of 1620. On board were men, women and children from different walks of life across England and Leiden, Holland. This epic, two month voyage not only changed the lives of its passengers irrevocably but also the course of world history.

Guests can book a private full day tour of sights in nearby Plymouth with Mayflower expert, Charlie Keeler, and comfortable travel provided by The Nare's Range Rover Chauffeur Service.

Charlie will guide guests around the historic landmarks of the iconic story and tell the tales that accompany them. Tours may include the Mayflower steps, the historic inns and workhouses on the Barbican, the far-reaching views from Plymouth Hoe, a wander round the Royal William Yard, and the Mayflower's very departure point four centuries ago. Lunch can be also taken in a location famously related to the Mayflower story.

Nare guests can book a private helicopter flight to follow the ship's route from Plymouth harbour. On route to the Atlantic the Mayflower would have travelled along the full length of the south Cornish coast, sailing past the beautiful Gerrans Bay, which The Nare overlooks today. The passengers would have enjoyed pretty views of rolling rural landscapes, quaint coastal villages, winding river estuaries, and rugged headlands that stretch out into the sea.

Their route would have seen them sail past the Fal and Helford estuaries, Lizard Point (the most southerly tip of mainland England), Mount's Bay (and the majestic St Michael's Mount castle built during the 12th century), and Newlyn (where the Mayflower allegedly made a final stop for water). As the helicopter reaches the Atlantic guests can choose to turn back for The Nare or continue round the north Cornish coast to have a full aerial tour of Cornwall. 

Alternatively more adventurous guests may wish to see a section of the south Cornish coastline on board The Nare's classic motor launch, Alice Rose. From its moorings on the beautiful Fal River, guests can take the picturesque journey up river towards Carrick Roads and out on to the English Channel. The passage plan can then include a gentle jaunt over to the stunning Helford River or a punt around Lizard Point to Mount's Bay and Newyln Harbour. 

September 2020 - September 2021 - Legend and Legacy Exhibition
Legend and Legacy will be the largest commemorative Mayflower exhibition in history and will include over 300 objects. The exhibition has been co-curated with the Wampanoag Native American Advisory Committee.
 

April 21 - This Land Production
Theatre Royal Plymouth will stage its first-ever international community production, titled This Land. Created and performed by 120 citizens of Plymouth, UK and 30 members of the Native American Wampanoag Tribe from Massachusetts, USA, This Land is the story of what happened then and what it means to us now. Witness the making of history with this unique and vital piece of theatre, which brings together communities from both sides of the Atlantic. Directed by Alan Lane and produced by TRP, it also features text by Nick Stimson and songs written and performed by Seth Lakeman.

8 - 11 July  - Mayflower International Festival including Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony
An exciting week festival celebrating Plymouth's military heritage in partnership with the UK, US and Dutch Armed Forces, including live displays, interactive demonstrations, rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines, and a host of fun activities for families. The main ceremony on 11 July will involve a major public event on The Hoe in Plymouth comprising a 1,000-voice choir, the Royal Marines orchestra, a depiction of the Mayflower story and representation from the four nations – UK, USA, The Netherlands and, for the first time, the Wampanoag nation.

Please contact Abbi Robins for further details on Mayflower 400 celebrations and activities in 2021.