Take part in a month of eco-friendly events designed for the whole family, as ‘The Yard Goes Green for June’.
Royal William Yard will host a series of informative and interactive activities designed to make a positive impact on our planet and create greater appreciation of the local environment.
Head to the popular waterfront destination to enjoy the month-long celebration, which includes geoscience walks and talks, paddleboard litter picks, exhibitions and more. With lots to get involved in, it promises plenty of fun while promoting a greener future for all.
Sunday 1st June, 11am - 2pm: Soapbox Science
Taking place on the green join the University of Plymouth and explore the world of science with this interactive pop up event, taking place alongside the Good Food and Craft Market on the Green.
Soapbox Science is a novel public outreach platform for promoting women scientists and the science they do. The yearly event aims to transform public areas into an arena for learning and scientific debate with the aim to encourage women in science and also challenge perceptions of who a scientist is. From marine biology to neuroscience, Soapbox Science Plymouth 2025 has something for everyone.
6th June - South West Coast Path Forum and AGM
The Path to Transformational Journeys - 9.30am - 12.30pm
Join the South West Coast Path team, alongside inspiring speakers, as we explore the many health and well-being benefits of walking the South West Coast Path. As we anticipate the cinematic release of The Salt Path, we will hear from people who have experienced a transformational journey on the SWCP and have enjoyed the healing benefits of connecting to nature in the coastal environment.
SWCP AGM - 2pm - 5pm
Members are invited to join our AGM held at Royal William Yard, including a ceremony to celebrate the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.
6th June – 22nd June: Coast Contemporary Pop-Up Gallery
Introducing Coast: a contemporary pop-up gallery showcasing the work of local artists with a deep connection to, and passion for, our coastline and oceans. Working in partnership with the RWY to curate a unique, visually exciting, contemporary gallery space within the Melville building.
Featuring a range of artistic expressions both 2D and 3D from 6th to 22nd June, alongside some exciting pop ups.
Opening Times
- Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm
- Friday & Saturday 10am - 7pm
- Sunday 10am - 4pm
The exhibition will be located on the corner of the Melville building, opposite the marina.
7th and 8th June: Big Paddle Clean Up with South West SUP
In honour of World Ocean Day, South West SUP is hosting a weekend of ‘paddle and pick’ sessions. An awesome activity for the whole family to rid the coastline of plastic pollution – while also learning essential SUP safety and techniques as part of a guided group. Be in a unique position as paddlers to collect litter from places others are unable to access. All equipment provided including wetsuits, buoyancy aids, gloves, bags and grabbers. Minimise pollution, protect wildlife, connect with nature and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of being in blue spaces.
Saturday 7th May 1pm - 2.30pm
Sunday 8th May 2.30pm - 4pm
Visit South West SUP Website for more information and booking.
8th June: Beach Clean with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (10am - 11.30am)
Firestone Bay is a crucial part of Plymouth's history, culture and future, and is right on the shores of the UK's first National Marine Park. It is also home to an abundance of wildlife from shore crabs to grey seals! But, like all marine habitats it is exposed to litter and pollution making it vulnerable to harm and degradation - that's where you come in!
Join the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Team and help make the foreshore a healthy place to live for all creatures whether human or marine and learn about some of the biggest threats facing the marine environment from pollution and plastic.
Booking details coming soon.
8th June - World Oceans Day - Blue Mindfulness Workshop
Dive into calm with the team from Plymouth Sound National Marine Park for a Blue Mindfulness workshop this World Oceans Day. Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds and sensations of the sea as you create your own sea scrolls, inspired by coastal art and sensory objects from the Coast exhibition. Let the flow of creativity and connection to our blue planet wash over you in this peaceful, ocean-themed session.
This activity is taking place alongside the Coast Exhibition inside the Melville Building
The session will run from 1pm - 2.30pm
14th June - Sea swimming during Great Big Green Week
Join Ace Swimming on Saturday 14th June. This session will focus on sea safety and developing technique, confidence, distance and speed
10am - 10.30am Summer Sea Group with Ace Swimming at Firestone Arch
Dive into the officially designated bathing water of Firestone Bay, and discover this amazing piece of coastline in a safe and fun way. Spending time in and by the water helps create an understanding and respect for the natural world.
The Summer Sea Group sessions are also taking place on 21st and 28th June
20th June, 9am - 4pm: Dr Bike
As part of Better Transport Week, Dr Bike will at Royal William Yard on the Green to offer FREE bike maintenance sessions. Experienced mechanics will check everything from wheels, brakes, gears, and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, and saddles. Minor adjustments will be made on the spot, while advice on more extensive repairs will be provided. The team will also share cycling tips and information on local cycling activities.
21st June, 10am - 4pm: Big Green Trail
Royal William Yard is one of the locations on this years Big Green Trail, organised by Climate Connections, which is funded by Plymouth City Council. Find out more about the fantastic blue and green projects that are taking place across the city.
Visit the green at Royal William Yard to explore a series of pop up stands which will include:
- Plymouth Schools Sport Partnership
- South West Coast Path
- Plymotion
- Love Exploring
- BRIC
- Sharks Trust
- Children's Crafts
- Geotrails at RWY
- Scavenger Hunt across Royal William Yard
There are six trail stops as part of the event collect a trail stamp at each location! Visit The Box; Barbican, Mayflower Steps; Union Street at the Plot; Royal William Yard; Devonport Park and Central Park, as part of the event.
You can travel around the trail for free on the Big Green Trail bus and try out a Beryl e-bike with 15 minutes free on 21st June.
Salt Path Film Screenings
The Salt Path film, based on the bestselling memoir by Raynor Winn, will shine the spotlight well and truly on the South West Coast Path and the stunning locations along the world famous National Trail.
Look out for special screenings at Everyman Cinema.
GeoTrail Experience
Visitors are invited to travel back in time to explore Plymouth's ancient past with our FREE interactive Geo Trail, created in collaboration with the University of Plymouth.
Explore Royal William Yard’s interactive Geo Trail, and find out how Plymouth's landscape was formed 380 million years ago. Learn about volcanic rock, tropical climates, and fossilized remains on this family-friendly walking route.
To get involved, collect one of the Geo Trail leaflets from the visitor office at the entrance to Royal William Yard and scan the QR codes you discover.
Explore the South West Coast Path
Royal William Yard is part of the South West Coast Path. Whether you are having an easy afternoon stroll, taking in the views, history and heritage or you want to challenge yourself to some more serious walking, you can do it by starting, finishing, or taking a detour into Royal William Yard.
The South West Coast Path team are based at Royal William Yard and have put together a number of walking route suggestions and itineraries linking in Royal William Yard.
Visit the South West Coast Path page and click on 'Walks' to discover more.
