Drake's Island fortress to reopen to public after 30 years - BBC News
Drake's Island, located about 500m off the Plymouth coast, is a former fort, prison and adventure centre.
Drake's Island lies 500m off the mainland, in the heart of Plymouth Sound

An island is reopening for a one-off public tour after more than 30 years of closure.

Drake's Island, located about 500m off the Plymouth coast, is a former fort, prison and adventure centre, but has been closed to the public since 1989.

Some 105 tickets are being offered for the 15 March tour, with funds going to St Luke's Hospice.

New owner Morgan Phillips plans to open the island fully in the future, with plans for a museum and heritage centre.

The island has been left largely untouched since an adventure training facility closed in 1989

The six-acre island is home to a 16th Century barracks, pier and network of underground tunnels.

Its history includes tales of brandy smuggling, a sketch by Queen Victoria and a hoax "invasion" by a group of schoolboys in 1957.

Mr Phillips said he chose St Luke's as the beneficiary of the tour after witnessing the staff's "unwavering dedication" during a recent visit.

The charity looks after 300 terminally-ill people every day.

There is a rumour Drake's Island is joined to the mainland by two secret tunnels

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