200th Anniversary

• 200 Exhibition – 13th-28th September (Melville Corner). Open Daily 11am - 4pm (through Seafest weekend on 13 and 14 September, opening hours are 10am - 3pm). This curated exhibition at Royal William Yard will showcase original artifacts, historical documents, images and art, sourced from The National Archives, Devonport Naval Heritage Centre, Plymouth Proprietary Library, local historians and more. This will sit alongside captivating public submissions gathered through the 200 Stories campaign. Located at Melville Corner, it is free to attend. Running for a limited period – it’s not to be missed.
• History Trail – Experience our new History Trail, weaving around Royal William Yard. This interactive discovery trail will connect you to a collection of information, images and audio. Take a self-guided tour through archives, plans and pictures, and hear fascinating stories and first-hand accounts that will bring the past alive in a unique way. Step into the past as Royal William Yard becomes a free open-air museum. Find out more here.

Both the trail and exhibition showcase historical insights uncovered during the Yard’s restoration (like the story of the Brewhouse built to fulfil the Navy's beer ration, which was abolished just as construction finished!), plans and drawings by engineering legend Sir John Rennie, and an array of fascinating facts, discoveries and artifacts. Much of this collection will be on display to the public for the first time, all housed together within Royal William Yard itself.

The 200 Exhibition will launch during Seafest, a citywide celebration of the waterfront. There will be additional history activities to mark the occasion. Uncover 200 years of innovation and ingenuity, hidden histories and maritime marvels, with events that bring the Yard’s rich history to life:

• History Guided Tours (10:30am-12pm, 13 and 14 September): Join guided tours around Royal William Yard with local historian Richard Fisher. Explore Europe's largest collection of Grade I listed military buildings and uncover why this remarkable site was created and its importance throughout history be it in conflict or in exploration. [Now full]
• 200th Anniversary Waterfront Cruise (7pm-9pm, Saturday 13 September): Enjoy breathtaking views of Plymouth’s stunning coastline and Royal William Yard with local historian Chris Robinson guiding you along, and back through time. Over a 2-hour journey, discover the fascinating facts and hidden gems that shaped this remarkable part of Plymouth’s heritage. Tickets £15 each. Book at: https://online.plymouthboattrips.co.uk/trips/view/1e757c30-c97a-42fa-90de-ea9473cbe743?passengers=2 [walk ins welcomed on the evening]
• Visit Devonport Naval Heritage Centre (10am-3pm, Saturday 13 September): Discover the major maritime legacy of Plymouth and explore the city’s crucial role in supporting the Royal Navy from the age of sail to today. Hop on a free shuttle bus running from Royal William Yard at 10:30am and 11:30am, returning at 12:30pm and 1:30pm.

One of Plymouth’s most recognisable destinations and a prominent symbol of the city’s proud past, Royal William Yard, once hummed with life as a Royal Navy victualling facility, producing food, drink and supplies to keep Naval fleets afloat for over a century.

Designed by legendary British engineer, Sir John Rennie, and built in 1825, Royal William Yard is one of the most important groups of historic military buildings in Britain and the largest collection of Grade I Listed military buildings in Europe. Restored and revitalised, it is now a multi-award winning destination and attracts over 1 million visitors a year.

2025 is a milestone moment for this iconic site and much is planned for its 200th anniversary. A packed programme of celebrations is taking place, from exciting events to an exploration into Royal William Yard’s rich history, there is plenty to do and discover.

Built in 1825 and designed by legendary British engineer Sir John Rennie, Royal William Yard is one of Britain's most important groups of historic military buildings and Europe's largest collection of Grade I Listed military buildings. Once a bustling victualling facility that produced food, drink, and supplies for Naval fleets, it now stands as a vibrant community hub attracting a vast volume of visitors.

Named after the last Lord High Admiral, King William IV, Royal William Yard served as a vital Royal Navy victualling facility from 1825, helping to keep Britain's naval fleet supplied for over a century.

After closing in the 1980s, it fell into disrepair until Urban Splash began its award-winning regeneration in 2004. Today, it's a thriving mixed-use destination featuring restaurants, bars, retailers, art galleries, offices, and residential spaces, while preserving its important architectural and historical heritage.

Royal William Yard has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades – and this year offers the opportunity to celebrate and remember all that has gone before.

To mark this special anniversary, we are calling on the public to help shape the celebrations. A new campaign, 200 Stories, has launched to gather memories, photographs, documents, artwork and artifacts that reflect the Yard’s rich and varied history.

The 200 Stories campaign is about uncovering the human connections to the site, as well as uncovering the hidden histories and experiences that have shaped this special part of Plymouth over two centuries. The campaign seeks to gather 200 unique contributions from the public, including:

• Personal memories and anecdotes
• Photographs and images
• Artifacts related to the Yard's history
• Artwork inspired by Royal William Yard
• Family connections to the site's Naval past
• Professional documents from Yard workers

Anyone with a story to tell or material to share should email 200@royalwilliamyard.com

All contributions will be collected, with many incorporated into the History Trail and 200 Exhibition.