Plymouth’s Royal William Yard has been named as one of the top UK destinations in world-leading travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet’s latest book; Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist. Covering must-see spots for curious travellers, the Yard is ranked in the iconic guidebook’s top 500 greatest experiences across the UK, and one of only a select few locations mentioned within the South West.

Now available to buy, the Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist ranks the greatest experiences across Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands to create the ultimate travel hit list, decided by Lonely Planet’s global community of travel experts. The Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist is the third title in Lonely Planet’s best-selling series and showcases the best attractions and points of interest the UK has to offer, with destinations featured divided by region.

Offering readers a brief glimpse into its naval past, the guidebook encourages eager travellers to catch a ferry to the Yard’s marina, while also taking time to marvel at the buildings which make up the Grade I listed destination. With stunning waterfront views, a packed events calendar and home to a variety of resident restaurants, as well as a bakery, the Yard has secured a prized place in the hitlist alongside UK tourist mega sights; including world class museums, giant cathedrals and infamous festivals.

The Lonely Planet accolade further cements Royal William Yard’s position as being one of the top places to work, relax, play and stay in the region, offering a packed calendar of events and activities all year round. From sampling some of the South West’s best food at its monthly markets, indulging in a pamper session at its resident luxury hair salon or hopping on a ferry to the nearby Barbican or Mount Edgcumbe, to taking part in a craft workshop or enjoying live music by the water, the award-winning destination offers something new to discover and experience on every visit.

Already known as Plymouth’s cultural quarter, the Yard is also a place where creativity thrives and with a range of exhibitions taking place visitors can check out work from leading local artists, or create their own masterpieces at one of resident art hub Ocean Studio’s many workshops; open to all ages and abilities and covering everything from light painting to screen printing. For those wanting to indulge in some retail therapy, visitors can also shop to their heart’s content, with Yard resident retailers offering everything from high-end fashion, striking jewellery and handcrafted prints, to wine and freshly baked bread.

Visitors can also embrace the great outdoors while soaking in the Yard’s stunning scenery by taking a stroll along the popular South West Coastal Path, with different routes to suit all abilities. Or for people wanting to take a plunge, join an open water swim with Ace Swimming or take to the water with South West SUP’s paddle boarding sessions for a tour of the vibrant marina.

Hailey Cattle, Regional Marketing Manager, Royal William Yard said: “Selling millions of copies every year, Lonely Planet is one of the world’s most popular travel guides, and we are proud to be ranked as one of the top 500 destinations in the country - helping to put the South West on the UK’s ultimate travel map. The Yard captures the imagination of visitors all year round, and Lonely Planet’s approach to travel perfectly fits with our ethos of encouraging people of all ages to explore the world around them, while taking the opportunity to discover and experience something new.

“The Yard is a place open to everyone, and with so much happening all year round it is the perfect destination for all the family with plenty to see and do for all ages. Whether it’s getting here by ferry, taking a coastal stroll or open water swim, sampling some of the best local food at our monthly Good Food Markets, or joining us for a magical circus themed ‘Weekend of Wonders’, this year is already shaping up to be one of the best yet at Royal William Yard!”

Lonely Planet’s Ultimate UK Travelist is now available to buy from most major book retailers.