Home to an array of health and wellbeing businesses, Royal William Yard is set to become Plymouth’s leading wellness destination this summer as it welcomes a new state of the art gym. The new addition completes the picture; providing a full complement of fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor activities, and countless opportunities to relax and rejuvenate in a setting unlike any other.

The cutting edge new fitness space will be located in the iconic Melville building at the heart of Royal William Yard, which has been brought back to life by regeneration specialists Urban Splash. BLOCK Gym will include a 60 station gym, top of the range cardio suite, free weights area and functional training zone, all equipped with the latest workout tracking tech.

Open 24/7, there will be a broad range of activities and services to support physical and mental wellbeing. Members can access personal and group training, as well as classes and workshops, including yoga in a tranquil, purpose-built holistic studio. The team will host regular wellbeing events and partner with other providers to offer complementary services.

Accessible to all, the new gym will welcome visitors to the Yard, as well as the hundreds of people that live and work there, with flexible membership options available. Part of the new BLOCK coworking space due to open soon, gym use is included for its members. Details of membership options and an ‘exclusive founding member’ offer are available at www.blockplymouth.co.uk/gym

Emily Jones, Commercial Director of Urban Splash, said: "It’s long been our ambition to bring a gym to Royal William Yard and complete the picture of the incredible facilities and activities on offer here – and we’re delighted to deliver this. From stand-up paddling boarding and sea swimming, to coastal path walking and yoga on the lawn, we’ve always sought to provide opportunities for mind, body and spirit. With this new fitness space, we believe there’s no better place to take care of yourself."

BLOCK Gym will be headed up by experienced manager, Nathan Sarahs, who says: "We are excited to bring a premium 24-hour gym to Royal William Yard. Members will have access to the latest gym equipment and skilled support - all with a stunning backdrop. It’s a special space and the original features provide the perfect contrast to the super high spec equipment and technology on offer."

Royal William Yard also plays host to a variety of clubs and classes on land and water to support health and fitness. This includes stand-up paddle boarding tuition and group sessions from Firestone Bay with South West SUP, with everything from weekly paddles to family classes that cater to newbies and pro-paddlers alike. Open-sea swimming lessons are available from Ace Swimming, which supports swimming and fitness goals regardless of skill level to ensure everyone can enjoy sea swimming safely.

Yard Yoga is led by Ashtanga Yoga Plymouth, with unparalleled views of the sea and Royal William Yard’s secret garden. Regular weekly classes encourage the mental and physical benefits of Ashtanga yoga, and are suitable for both experienced Yogis, to complete beginners.

Visitors can also get active amidst the best of the South West landscape; taking a stroll along the South West Coast Path, up the Western King steps, and stop for a dip in the tidal pool at Devil’s Point. The Plymouth Waterfront Walkway walking route is 9.3 miles long in total and weaves around the Yard and onwards to discover the city's history and heritage – explore the walk here. 

A host of holistic health and wellness businesses are based in the much-loved Devon destination. It’s a dramatically different environment to stereotypical sterile clinics, with professional practitioners instead nestled amongst the historic Grade I listed buildings, with calming views across the water.

Ethical hair salon, YOKE The Salon, not only creates beautiful hair within its welcoming and inclusive space, but puts the wellbeing of its clients and team at its heart. It has formed collaborations with likeminded local organisations to run yoga sessions, wellness retreats, and menopause awareness groups. Partnering with surfer and influencer, Sophie Hellyer, YOKE X RISE FIERCE is a series of wellness sessions to uplift and empower women – and more are set to run in the future.

Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness specialises in a range of health and wellness treatments including natural-looking aesthetics and medical-grade skincare, organic feel-good facials, and deep tissue massages. These are delivered in a luxurious setting by a specialist team of registered professionals and healthcare experts, all dedicated to improving patients’ confidence and wellbeing.

Independent specialist medical practice, Southwest Veins, is dedicated to the treatment of varicose veins using minimally invasive techniques. The clinic, based in Guardhouse, welcomes clients from across the region, into a space they can relax and feel comfortable in.

Award-winning and family-run Westcountry Hearing is an independent hearing care centre. With a fully equipped audiology suite, the team provides clients with the latest diagnostic tests, hearing aids, specialist ear wax removal clinic, tinnitus technologies and hearing care advice.

Emily Jones concludes, "Our scenic setting and relaxed atmosphere is a joy to be in the midst of, and for wellbeing businesses, it’s the perfect fit. Those seeking somewhere to be active, or to retreat and relax, there is no shortage of options in the open air, on the water, or indoors. We’ve worked hard to bring the best in wellbeing to Plymouth and are proud to offer something for everyone."