The tower turned out to be the Pilgrims’ Monument, built between 1907 and 1910 to commemorate the Pilgrims first landing in America. Having explored the area, they decided to sail on to the mainland and establish the first permanent settlement in the northeast – at Plymouth. Despite only 116 steps we decided to explore rather than climb this time.

We cycled up the man street in town, the central area being very busy, full of tourists, shops, restaurants and art galleries. It is another popular destination for the gay community and reminded us of Key West, Florida.

We also went to the public library, outside of which was a large art project taking place, to promote a local artists new book.

Inside, I got online whilst Nick discovered a model boat upstairs! It was a half size replica of the Rose Dorothea. Built in situ, it took a team of volunteers 11 years to complete. It is 66 ft long with a beam of 12’6” and has a mast and bowsprit that extend beyond the room it resides in.

The rose Dorothea was one of the famous ‘Indian Head’ schooners built on Essex, Massachusetts in 1905. She won the Lipton Cup in 1907, a 42 mile Fishermans Race with a cash prize of £650, provided by Sir Thomas Lipton of Lipton’s Tea fame (and fortune). He was the most famous of all Americas Cup challengers of all time, making 5 attempts although all unsuccessful. The New York Yacht Club eventually awarded him a cup however, for the best loser.