Known to locals and visitors alike as one of Plymouth’s most loved waterside cultural and hospitality destinations, Royal William Yard is fast becoming the city’s new ‘Wellness Quarter’, with a diverse array of health and wellbeing business basing themselves there.

A vastly different environment to the stereotypical sterile clinics you might associate with the sector, the Yard’s health and wellness practitioners are nestled amongst the historic Grade I listed buildings, with views across the water. It is a world away from other businesses of this ilk and makes for a far more relaxing atmosphere and customer experience.

A new arrival, set to open in June, is Southwest Veins. This independent specialist medical practice – founded by Consultant Vascular Surgeon Jamie Barwell – is dedicated to the treatment of varicose veins using minimally invasive techniques. The state of the art clinic offers ‘simple solutions to a simple problem’; effective and affordable procedures that make a difference to clients’ lives.

Jamie Barwell said: “We are thrilled to be opening in Royal William Yard and know that our clients will benefit from the surroundings and atmosphere. Many travel from across the region, undergoing investigations and procedures on the same day. Being somewhere that they can relax and feel comfortable matters to us.

“This is very different to a hospital setting and a whole different customer experience. Our clinic will have all the best elements of Royal William Yard, with the high vaulted ceilings and original architectural features, sat alongside a high-spec medical treatment room. Next to other independent health and wellbeing businesses, it is quite apparent that this is an ideal place to be based.”

The clinic will be located in the Guardhouse building at the entrance of Royal William Yard once the fit-out is complete and has been Care Quality Commission approved. The addition of Southwest Veins means Guardhouse is now fully occupied and has become a thriving spot for healthcare practitioners.

Another Guardhouse neighbour is Westcountry Hearing, an independent, award winning hearing care centre. Business owner Kevin Carlyon, has over 25 years’ experience in the sector and added, “We have an excellent reputation for providing specialist hearing care advice and enjoy providing our clients with a professional hearing care experience here in Royal William Yard.”

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.

One of the Yard’s wellness businesses is Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness, which opened shortly before the country went into the first lockdown. It has reopened this week with some tempting offers to help relax and rejuvenate. There is a ‘post lockdown glow up’ offer and an ‘Evolve’ relaxation special package, designed to help those who want to emerge from lockdown looking and feeling their best.

Enhance has expanded its team since last year; all are registered professionals who focus on patient safety, exceptional clinical standards, and improving patients’ confidence and wellbeing. Specialities include natural looking aesthetics enhancements, relaxing or reviving massages, beauty and spa treatments and counselling - all delivered in a luxurious and comfortable setting.

Charlotte Thompson, lead practitioner and owner of Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness, said: “Royal William Yard is fast becoming the destination for wellbeing in Plymouth. Many have discovered the benefits of the sea and outside spaces during lockdown, and we can now offer a range of health and wellness treatments in our corner of the Yard. From medical aesthetics to boost confidence to organic, vegan feel good facials, we have something to suit everyone.”

Also open for business once again is the ever-popular YOKE The Salon. The sustainable and eco-friendly salon underwent a revamp during lockdown, so it could truly welcome customers back in style. The talented team is dedicated to creating beautiful hair and has garnered an excellent reputation in the region and beyond; recently named one of the Top 50 Salons in the UK.

In addition to these dedicated practitioners, Royal William Yard is plays host to a variety of holistic health, wellness and fitness clubs and classes, from yoga on the lawn or a stroll along the South West Coast Path, to a more active run up the infamous Western King steps or a bracing dive in the local tidal pool. Visitors can also join stand-up paddle boarding sessions from Firestone Bay with South West SUP, or take safe and supported open-sea swimming lessons with Ace Swimming.

Hailey Cattle, Regional Marketing Manager for Urban Splash, commented: “We are pleased to see our community of health and wellbeing business reopen and to also welcome a new arrival with Southwest Veins. Our picturesque setting and relaxed atmosphere draws an array of businesses to us; and wellbeing businesses are a perfect fit in such a tranquil place. We are proud to have such a broad variety of businesses based here, and the recent rise in health and wellness focused firms and services has created a real ‘Wellness Quarter’ within Royal William Yard.”