Commando Training Centre

Updated March 30, 2026

Description

The Commando Training Centre stands as one of Britain’s most formidable military training establishments, where aspiring Royal Marines undergo their legendary transformation from civilian to elite commando. Located along the rugged Devon coastline near Lympstone, this facility has been forging some of the world’s most capable amphibious soldiers since 1940. While it remains an active military installation where serious business happens daily, the Centre has become an intriguing destination for travelers interested in military history, physical endurance, and understanding what makes the Royal Marines such a respected fighting force.

Now, I’ll be honest with you – this isn’t your typical tourist attraction with gift shops and guided tours running every hour. But that’s precisely what makes it fascinating for those who appreciate authentic military culture rather than sanitized museum experiences. The Centre sits on approximately 76 acres of demanding terrain that’s been specifically chosen to test human limits. You’ll see recruits tackling obstacle courses that would make your gym’s CrossFit setup look like a playground, and the famous Tarzan assault course that’s broken more than a few spirits over the decades.

What strikes most visitors is the sheer intensity that permeates the atmosphere here. The sound of boots pounding mud, instructors barking orders, and recruits pushing through what they thought were their physical boundaries creates an environment unlike anywhere else. And while you can’t just wander freely around an active military base (security’s pretty tight, as you’d expect), there are occasions when the public can glimpse this world through open days, charity events, and nearby observation points where the training spills into surrounding areas.

The Centre processes around 1,300 recruits annually through its grueling 32-week training program – significantly longer than most other military training courses worldwide. This extended period reflects the Royal Marines’ commitment to producing multi-skilled commandos capable of operating in any environment. For perspective, that’s about 40% longer than US Marine Corps basic training, which tells you something about the standards maintained here.

Key Features

• The legendary Endurance Course – a mud-soaked, six-mile circuit featuring water obstacles, tunnels, and climbs that epitomizes commando training philosophy
• Bottom Field training area where recruits learn amphibious operations and small boat handling in the Exe Estuary’s challenging tidal waters
• The Tarzan assault course with its famous 30-foot rope swings and death slides that test nerve as much as strength
• Modern indoor training facilities including swimming pools designed for military swimming tests and combat survival scenarios
• The Commando Memorial Garden honoring fallen Royal Marines, offering a sobering reminder of the ultimate sacrifice many have made
• Observation points along public footpaths where civilians can witness training activities without interfering with operations
• Historic training structures dating back to WWII that remain in use today, connecting modern commandos with their predecessors
• The King’s Squad final passing out parade ground where successful recruits earn their green berets in emotional ceremonies
• Specialist training areas for urban warfare, mountaineering, and arctic warfare preparation
• Physical Training Instructors who are among the fittest soldiers in any military worldwide, often achieving remarkable athletic performances

Best Time to Visit

Here’s where things get a bit tricky compared to visiting a regular attraction. Since this is an operational military facility, your visiting opportunities are limited to specific occasions throughout the year. But knowing when these happen can help you plan an unforgettable experience.

The absolute best times to experience the Commando Training Centre are during passing out parades, which typically occur every few weeks when a new batch of recruits completes their training. These ceremonies happen year-round but are particularly moving during spring and autumn when weather cooperates and families fill the parade ground. You’ll need an invitation from a recruit to attend these events, but they’re genuinely spectacular – watching young men and women who’ve earned their green berets after eight months of hell is surprisingly emotional, even for complete strangers.

Open days occasionally happen during summer months, usually announced through Royal Marines official channels. These rare opportunities let you tour facilities normally off-limits, chat with training staff, and sometimes even attempt modified versions of obstacle course elements. Summer weather makes these events more comfortable, though Devon’s climate can be unpredictable even in July.

For those who can’t access the base itself, late spring through early autumn offers the best conditions for observing training from public footpaths surrounding the Centre. The longer daylight hours mean more visible training activity, and you’re more likely to see amphibious operations in the estuary when weather’s cooperative. Winter training happens too, and there’s something raw about watching recruits tackle frozen obstacles in horizontal rain, but it’s considerably less pleasant for observers standing around in the same conditions.

Avoid planning visits during August when training often scales back slightly due to leave periods, and mid-December through early January when activity decreases around holidays. Though I should mention, watching recruits who remain at the Centre during Christmas undertaking extra training has a certain dedication to it that’s quite impressive.

How to Get There

Getting to the Commando Training Centre requires reaching the village of Lympstone in East Devon, which sits about 10 miles southeast of Exeter. The journey varies considerably depending on your starting point, but most travelers find it more accessible than they initially expect.

If you’re driving from London, you’re looking at roughly a three-hour journey down the M4 and M5 motorways, exiting at Junction 30 toward Exeter before following the A376 toward Exmouth. The Centre sits just outside Lympstone village, clearly marked with military signage. Parking near the main gate is limited and restricted, so plan accordingly based on whether you’re attending an official event or exploring the surrounding area. During passing out parades, temporary parking arrangements are typically communicated to invited guests.

Train travel works surprisingly well for this destination. Lympstone Commando station sits directly adjacent to the training centre – in fact, it’s one of the few railway stations in Britain named after a military unit. Regular services run from Exeter St Davids station, which connects to the national rail network. The journey from Exeter takes about 15 minutes, and trains run roughly hourly throughout the day. From London Paddington, you’re looking at around 2.5 to 3 hours total travel time with the connection in Exeter. The station platform literally overlooks parts of the training area, so you’ll get glimpses of activity as you arrive.

For international visitors flying into the UK, Exeter Airport is your closest option, sitting just 15 miles from Lympstone with taxi or rental car access. Alternatively, Bristol Airport or even London Heathrow provide larger international connections before continuing to Devon by train or car.

Bus services run from Exeter to Lympstone village, though less frequently than trains. The number 57 service operated by Stagecoach connects Exeter with Exmouth, stopping in Lympstone, but you’ll want to check current schedules as they vary seasonally.

Tips for Visiting

Before you make the trek to this corner of Devon, there’s some practical stuff worth knowing that’ll save you frustration and help you make the most of what’s actually quite a unique experience.

First and most important – you cannot simply show up and expect to tour an active military facility. Security is serious here, and approaching gates without proper authorization will get you politely but firmly turned away. If you’re attending a passing out parade or open day, bring your invitation and valid photo ID. Security checks are thorough but professional.

Dress appropriately for Devon weather, which means layers and waterproofs regardless of season. The climate here can shift quickly, and if you’re observing from public footpaths, you’ll be exposed to elements with limited shelter. Comfortable walking shoes are essential – the terrain around the Centre isn’t manicured parkland.

Photography deserves special mention. Military installations have strict rules about what you can photograph. During official events, you’ll typically receive guidance about permitted photography. From public areas, use common sense and discretion. Avoid photographing security measures, gates, or anything that could compromise operational security. When in doubt, ask permission from military personnel or simply don’t take the shot.

Respect the serious nature of what happens here. Recruits are undergoing some of the most challenging experiences of their lives, and training staff are conducting professional military instruction. Keep noise down in public areas near the facility, don’t interfere with training activities, and maintain appropriate decorum. This isn’t entertainment – it’s where people prepare for potential combat.

If you’re particularly interested in Royal Marines history and culture, combine your visit with trips to the Royal Marines Museum in Portsmouth (about 90 miles east) for comprehensive historical context. The museum provides background that makes witnessing training much more meaningful.

Accommodation in Lympstone itself is limited to a few B&Bs, so most visitors stay in nearby Exeter or Exmouth, both offering wider choices and additional attractions. Exmouth’s seafront is pleasant and only a few miles from Lympstone, making it a good base for combining military interest with traditional seaside experiences.

Local pubs in Lympstone occasionally attract off-duty Royal Marines, and while you should be respectful and not intrusive, you might find opportunities for interesting conversations about the training experience. The Globe Inn and Swan Inn are local establishments where military and civilian worlds occasionally intersect.

Finally, check official Royal Marines social media and websites before traveling, as training schedules, open days, and parade dates change. What was accurate six months ago might have shifted, and there’s nothing more disappointing than making the journey only to find minimal activity or cancelled events.

The Commando Training Centre isn’t for everyone – it lacks the polish and accessibility of conventional tourist sites. But for those fascinated by military excellence, physical achievement, and the processes that create elite soldiers, it offers genuinely authentic insights you won’t find replicated elsewhere. Just remember that you’re glimpsing a working military establishment where serious preparation for serious responsibilities happens every single day.

Key Highlights

• The legendary Endurance Course – a mud-soaked, six-mile circuit featuring water obstacles, tunnels, and climbs that epitomizes commando training philosophy
• Bottom Field training area where recruits learn amphibious operations and small boat handling in the Exe Estuary's challenging tidal waters
• The Tarzan assault course with its famous 30-foot rope swings and death slides that test nerve as much as strength
• Modern indoor training facilities including swimming pools designed for military swimming tests and combat survival scenarios
• The Commando Memorial Garden honoring fallen Royal Marines, offering a sobering reminder of the ultimate sacrifice many have made
• Observation points along public footpaths where civilians can witness training activities without interfering with operations
• Historic training structures dating back to WWII that remain in use today, connecting modern commandos with their predecessors
• The King's Squad final passing out parade ground where successful recruits earn their green berets in emotional ceremonies

Location

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