![NEWS Summer 01](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=50&q=80&w=100&s=9e195c59f8e3f81abdac1c4990679898)
SUMMER, SORTED. FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES EVERY WEEKEND AT ROYAL WILLIAM YARD
Families can head to Plymouth’s waterfront this summer for a series of free activities every Saturday and Sunday in August at Royal William Yard.
Something for everyone, children can get creative with craft sessions, puppet making and open-air children's theatre, and they can get active with mini-golf, mini-tennis, zorbing and soft play on the Green. With a stand-up paddleboarding Summer Holiday Club, sewing school, fishing trips, fireworks boat trip, and a shark-themed community print all taking place too, it’s shaping up to be a summer to remember. As the school summer holidays beckon, take a look at our round-up of local adventures and staycation inspiration.
Free Fun
![GEO TRAILS](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/GEO_TRAILS.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=9e8fabf4e9b2026416cf9608add2359b 1200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/GEO_TRAILS.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=0e97bb6fa19e90206bebf0b6e2f6b252 1000w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/GEO_TRAILS.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=1ba8b84b7025eea43cc62a36cde38190 800w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/GEO_TRAILS.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9201e18716df42dfe73dbe99c46218ae 600w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/GEO_TRAILS.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=735eef1b7edd2d04ba1657c971c103df 400w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/GEO_TRAILS.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=150&q=80&w=200&s=e9d7d3f241a4e46c048b5f8c27b2fdec 200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/GEO_TRAILS.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=75&q=80&w=100&s=495ee191d594fa4d7f55c8194d5aa44d 100w)
![Geo trail qr code archway 2](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/geo-trail-qr-code-archway-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=6be8bcc53c42b86a2690b78de706c9f1 1200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/geo-trail-qr-code-archway-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=52692eca0929d07d61a3f2a561b13f76 1000w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/geo-trail-qr-code-archway-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=5a74db9a13b15b4682cbc1b95b81e557 800w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/geo-trail-qr-code-archway-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=f1fc56d5c5f7aba5331e95fbadfc57e0 600w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/geo-trail-qr-code-archway-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=23a6ea2b2b32c381b402f217e5069ace 400w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/geo-trail-qr-code-archway-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=150&q=80&w=200&s=5171fbe0314d3fba17e6f84d16c26a39 200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/geo-trail-qr-code-archway-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=75&q=80&w=100&s=81eee09ab1c66a8564651e41506c603f 100w)
Saturday 3rd August, 10am-2pm: Children’s Craft Zone on the Green. This activity is free - but book a place here to ensure there is enough material for everyone wanting to take part
Sunday 4th August, 10am-3pm: Head to the Good Food & Craft Market for dozens of family-friendly stalls. Have a blast from the past on our Geo Trail – an immersive and interactive walking trail around Royal William Yard, created for families and developed with the University of Plymouth, find out more here
![NEWS Summer 06](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=88d3038fad19480f50a28ba3d08786ad 1200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=400f8c569729456f7c1f9e9691292661 1000w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=526d64c9c6e87783748520ff53ecb5a7 800w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=06b72952098af13bc438af083debe283 600w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=c9e4cd752d3ed23d1fecbed4056674ee 400w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=150&q=80&w=200&s=e810a1c83fa2ca339b90bc9011e3c489 200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_06.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=75&q=80&w=100&s=8b614d3f61a90c0eba77f0b7291ccd13 100w)
![NEWS Summer 08](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_08.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=a6f0a72e9116efc99cb38c9d188e342f 1200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_08.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=e7120652ec81674d4cd92bad0443fa96 1000w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_08.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=77a55fb2c6cf72f05153614292f597b7 800w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_08.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=837d9159d826bcb92f95394d927cdb0a 600w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_08.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=92cc71a25f57ed36e968af43b90a0543 400w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_08.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=150&q=80&w=200&s=dc8bae5684ef10008ef0c7aee38bf38b 200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_08.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=75&q=80&w=100&s=7a33392e0fe10a358bf10ed319f8ded7 100w)
Saturday 10th August, 11am-2pm: Mini Tennis on the Green. Join High 5 – winner of the Best Children’s Activity Company Award – for a day of open-air tennis
Sunday 11th August, 10am-3pm: RNLI Open Day (Event Postponed).
This Sunday (11th August) we were due to run a RNLI Open Day at Royal William Yard as part of our summer holiday event programme. Unfortunately, this is no longer going ahead, as it needs to be postponed due to RNLI operational issues. Don't worry though, we have another free family activity planned to make it a great day out.
Last weekend, we welcomed 300 children for crafting activities in the sunshine. It was such a popular event that we will hold another Children's Craft Zone with a summer theme. Join us this Sunday from 10am-2pm, on the Green. The New Cooperage building (the same building as Bistrot Pierre, YOKE, and Le Vignoble) is the wet weather option. This activity is totally free and there is no need to book - just come along and get involved!
![NEWS Summer 05](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_05.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=96033f3ed15812c5791fa9e6ef1718de 1200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_05.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=68697d14bf0fdddf001718197bc9262d 1000w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_05.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=6b77fe68ce1a4880481bf76190f04483 800w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_05.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=b34c254eee8170b4e2b528e5f0296f7e 600w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_05.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=12a1e2ae90c066122270f9abdf6347a5 400w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_05.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=150&q=80&w=200&s=21ee18e0b4b8eaa4b32b32c85f3c9a94 200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_05.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=75&q=80&w=100&s=29c4b81f8fc5f911a8a283c3785505b9 100w)
![NEWS Summer 03](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_03.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=9abe434ef4a86e43d979d39a86f650ed 1200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_03.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=468843779b26d5dc8a647b8cba5ded19 1000w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_03.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=59f34ba192b7ea395983cf35b98d76a4 800w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_03.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9ec78429d5efa90e919daf6e6f019954 600w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_03.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=1a1590b9c217053adff269714da5aa21 400w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_03.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=150&q=80&w=200&s=e7b5c3d02d2d8328129271d6fbe8a6b5 200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_03.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=75&q=80&w=100&s=65967e3f732d914c233a4d8094835f7c 100w)
Saturday 17th August, 11am-3pm: Zorbs, Soft Play and Soft Archery on the Green. High 5 are back with a whole host of exciting activities to try
Sunday 18th August, 11am-3pm: Circus Skills with Higher Beings on the Green. Learn how to balance on a tightrope, walk on stilts and all sorts of other sensational skills
![NEWS Summer 07](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=2eb13370e6099a12a831074f87aad6b6 1200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=38eaa327210830cc9ef976820b1099d5 1000w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=52ccc4c17fd8e031c2aa81e8797e52a2 800w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9be8e45906d395b749b3cca27ce30f25 600w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=e80e745f4d7cb62bd230e8d054920c5e 400w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=150&q=80&w=200&s=1190686a3a5e1587d644410cf5a68228 200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=75&q=80&w=100&s=77596fa345f3c2a3936e9821bfbb727b 100w)
![NEWS Summer 02](https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=52e6e1204c7e58223d1910dd61ea7a8f 1200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=193af6effaa6dc0a0d633705b677ca74 1000w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=fe7e36bd2df61bf607a3012e6305aeb8 800w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=3a2ccc1142d93e045ab894d8a40df6c4 600w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=9bc0e55e05cfcaa2ae2726c9faea780e 400w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=150&q=80&w=200&s=270c758d374aea07a9fae26e820b6f9a 200w, https://royalwilliamyard.imgix.net/NEWS_Summer_02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=75&q=80&w=100&s=1c8278fea321cea8342caaa6fa3c229d 100w)
Saturday 24th August, 2-5pm: Puppet Making on the Green. Join Above Bounds theatre collective to make your very own under-the-sea puppet to take home with you. We'll provide all you need to create your own sea creature. Perfect for ages 3+. This is a free activity, but places must be booked in advance – sign up here
Sunday 25th August, 11am-2pm: Mini Golf. Portable Putts will have a pitch and putt course will be laid out on the lawn, so come along for a tee-rific time
Saturday 31st August: Silly Squirrel children’s theatre show. Pull up a picnic blanket and join Above Bounds for this playful and award-winning pop-up show, with puppets, gentle interaction and lots of laughs! Perfect for ages 0-7. This is a free activity, but places must be booked in advance. 11am – 12pm session: sign up here. 2pm – 3pm session – sign up here.
Also taking place at Royal William Yard throughout the summer:
South West SUP is running Summer Holiday SUP Club for ages 9-16. Kids can learn the fundamentals of SUP and water safety in a fun and supportive environment. The focus is on helping children learn and progress at their own pace – it's an exciting way to stay active and learn new skills. The course runs Tues-Thurs, 10am-1pm each week of the summer holidays for a 3-day block (lunch included). There is also a Friday session, 10am-12, which can be booked individually in as a block of 3 weeks (drink and snack provided). Book places here.
There are also a few places left on the free Fit and Fed programme in partnership with Plymouth City Council – book places here.
RAMP at Ocean Studios, is running a free Community Print every Saturday in July and August. This year, the print is a celebration of the fascinating world of “Sharks & Rays” as part of a partnership with the Shark Trust. Each Saturday, participants will be guided by RAMP’s skilled facilitator and a knowledgeable Shark Trust volunteer, who will share exciting facts and stories about these incredible marine creatures. Find out more here
Sustainable Summer Sewing School is also at Ocean Studios. A unique opportunity for children age 8-18 years old to participate in upcycling workshop and explore the world of sustainable fashion. This two-day course, led by professional upcycling designers Abigail Schaefer from Mukta_un_done in collaboration with Lizzy Evans from Make at 140, aims to foster creativity, environmental consciousness, and hands-on skills. The course takes place on 20th-22nd August – find out more here
Plymouth Boat Trips’ Fishing Trips run daily through the summer holidays – check out the website for times and booking details. Taking 2.5 hours, it’s a fantastic way for the whole family to get out on the water and offers the perfect introduction to rod and line sea fishing. Have fun and learn more about the local marine environment while sustainably fishing in the local waters of Plymouth Sound. Tuition is provided, as is all the kit and safety gear.
Summer Swim Group. Swimmers – adults and children – can join ACE Swimming’s Summer Swim Group on Saturday 10th and 31st August. This is a mixed-ability group to suit all standards from dippers up to channel swimmers, but you must have experience with sea/cold water swimmer. This session will focus on sea safety and developing technique, confidence, distance and speed. Find out more and book your place here
Everyman, the Yard’s very own luxury cinema, offers an altogether more lavish experience. Where better to head as a family to watch new releases and family classics than with sat on a velvet sofa, with a milkshake and popcorn? There will be new releases including Despicable Me 4, and family classic running through the holidays – book here
South West Coast Path weaves through Royal William Yard and is perfect to join for a stroll along the coast. Or take a refreshing dip in our tidal pool! Use the Yard as your base for local adventures; Plymouth Boat Trips ferry service lets you hop on and off from our marina, so head to the bustling Barbican, get to Saltash and back, or take a trip to the historic house and acres of stunning Country Park at Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall.
The British Firework Championships are always a sight to behold. Not only does Devil’s Point offer a fantastic vantage point, but there are also some really unique viewing opportunities on offer. Join Plymouth Boat Trips' public spectator boat to watch the fireworks from the sea on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th August – book here