Plymouth
Tobago's oldest town, with a 1770s fort above the bay and a gravestone whose inscription nobody can explain.
Updated 2 September 2026
Plymouth on Tobago's leeward coast is the island's oldest town, settled in the seventeenth century when the island changed hands repeatedly between European powers. Fort James, built in the 1770s, stands on the headland above the bay with cannon on the terrace and a view along the coast. In the churchyard is the Mystery Tombstone of 1783, whose inscription about a woman who was a mother without knowing it has never been satisfactorily explained.
What to look for
- Fort James - a 1770s fort on the headland with cannon and a coastal view.
- The Mystery Tombstone - a 1783 gravestone with an inscription nobody has explained.
- The bay - the shoreline below the fort with fishing boats.
- The old town - the oldest continuous settlement on Tobago.
When to go
January to May is driest. Mornings are best for the fort before the heat. The town is quiet year round.
Practical notes
The fort is small and there is little interpretation. The tombstone is a curiosity rather than a substantial visit. Facilities in the town are minimal.
Nearby
Grafton is nearby, and Castara is north.
What to pack for Plymouth
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Travel rod + reel - A packable multi-piece rod fits in a case and covers most holiday fishing. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A small tackle selection - Hooks, weights, line and a few lures or flies suited to local waters. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Plymouth is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
