Royal William Yard has Easter well and truly covered this year. An Easter Egg Hunt for families, a trio of trails, children’s craft activities, stand-up paddleboarding, family films and a vibrant Spring market are all on the agenda – and with plenty of places to eat, drink and linger by the water, it promises to be a brilliant break for all.

Egg-cellent events

Hunt down the clues on a brand new Easter Egg Hunt and earn a treat at the end. Running from Good Friday on 3rd April through to Easter Monday on 6th April, 12–5pm, the trail is totally free to get involved in.

Children can grab a map from a number of participating restaurants and cafes, before heading off to spot the eggs concealed around Royal William Yard and then claim a prize. Maps and prizes can be collected from Bistro Pierre, Everyman Cinema (located on the second floor, lift available), Wagamama, Steel Brew, and Wildwood.

Get creative over Easter weekend in Arcade (in Brewhouse building), where a range of children's craft activities will be on offer on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Monday 6th April, 10am–5pm. Free to attend and with no need to book, pop into Unit 5 to take part in the fun.

Easter Sunday delivers an additional delight this year, with the monthly Good Food & Craft Market taking place on The Green from 10am–3pm on Sunday 5th April. Known for showcasing some of the region’s most talented artists and makers, the markets offer everything from tasty treats to handcrafted gifts.

Trio of Trails

Three free self-guided trails are available across the Easter break – offering triple the fun for those looking to explore the great outdoors. Royal William Yard’s History Trail weaves through the Yard, connecting visitors to archives, images and audio and bringing the site’s extraordinary past to life as a free open-air museum.

The Geo Trail winds through Royal William Yard and along the South West Coast Path at Devil’s Point, uncovering 380 million years of geological history on the doorstep. Leaflets for both trails are available from the visitor office at the entrance to Royal William Yard.

Visitors can also look out for two haiku poems going up around the Yard this April, produced as part of a city-wide initiative led by the Plymouth Laureate of Words in partnership with Literature Works. It forms part of a citywide trail in a celebration of local creativity.

Fun for the family

Everyman Cinema will immerse families in storytelling this Easter with an exciting line-up of new releases. The highly anticipated animated sequel The Super Mario Galaxy Movie promises a galaxy-spanning adventure for fans of all ages, while live-action family fantasy The Magic Faraway Tree complete a stellar holiday programme. Check the Everyman website for screenings and tickets.

Looking for a fun and active way for the kids to spend the Easter holidays? South West SUP’s Easter SUP Club offers sessions for children aged 9+, helping them learn the fundamentals of stand-up paddleboarding, build confidence on the water and make new friends. Sessions run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30am–2:30pm, with lunch and snacks included. Sessions are free for children taking part in the Fit and Fed scheme. Find out more and book via the South West SUP website.

Easter feasts

The popular waterside café The Shack is back! Just metres from the water at Firestone Arch, The Shack will reopen this April for season number six, pulling out all the stops for Easter with a wide range of sweet treats and refreshments. Keep an eye on the Royal William Yard website and social channels for the confirmed reopening date.

At Wildwood, little ones can get creative by colouring in their very own Easter egg while the family dines – with the finished masterpieces displayed in the restaurant for all to admire. Children will also receive a small chocolate egg (while stocks last).

Hop to it

As well as all the usual ways to reach Royal William Yard – on foot, by car, Plymouth Citybus number 34 service, and Beryl bikes – Easter 2026 brings a brand new way to arrive by water. From Wednesday 1st April, Plymouth Boat Trips launches its new Waterlink Ferry service, seamlessly connecting three of the region’s waterfront destinations: the Barbican, Royal William Yard and Saltash. The service also offers an easy onward connection to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park via the historic Cremyll Ferry.

Passengers can view timetables and book online at www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk.

All the details of where to go and what to do this Easter are available at www.royalwilliamyard.com/easter.