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RWY event line-up announced for new national coast path celebrations

Posted on: 20 Sep 2023

Dommoore 2014 mutants december 1338
Alex Ryley
Site Editor
Walking 1 Felix

The event line-up has been unveiled for the King Charles III England Coast Path celebrations. Events are being held across the waterfront – including a jam-packed day full of events at Royal William Yard on Saturday 30th September.

Fun-filled entertainment and activities will take place to celebrate the South West stage of the brand-new national coastal trail – soon to break records as the longest in the world. Hosted by Natural England, the events are an opportunity for all ages to enjoy and explore Plymouth’s stunning shoreline.

The Plymouth celebration is one of nine events taking place across the country to introduce the King Charles III England Coast Path. Expected to be fully walkable by the end of 2024, this will be the world’s longest managed coastal path, spanning 2,700 miles around the coast of England. In the West Country, the South West Coast Path – which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary – will form part of the new National Trail.

This is the line-up at Royal William Yard:

Saturday 30th September

South West SUP Paddleboarding Sessions
Various times, Firestone Arch

Take to the water on a paddleboard with South West SUP. Enjoy a 20% discount by using the code coastpath. This is valid for SUP Experience sessions, SUP Improver sessions, and Bespoke sessions through the weekend. SUP Experience, Bespoke sessions and hire slots are available at 9:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm and SUP Improver sessions will take place at 10am. Find a session and book a place here.

South West Coast Path Guided Walks
9:15am walk to Kingsand and Cawsand, 11am walk around Royal William Yard, 1pm walk to the Barbican

There will be three different walks on offer with the expert team from South West Coast Path. All walks depart from Royal William Yard, with one heading through the Mount Edgcumbe Estate to Kingsand and Cawsand; another is a tour around Royal William Yard itself; and another option takes you across to the Barbican and back. Find out more about the three walks and book your place here.

Summer sea swim with ACE Swimming
9-9:45am, Firestone Arch

A session for experienced sea swimmers, join a morning session with a qualified instructor and experience the incredible coastline from the water. Click to book here

Leaf Printing with Micro Presses at Ocean Studios
10am-4pm, Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage

A free drop-in session, get creative and have a go at printing leaves onto paper using 3D printed micro presses. You can book in advance or just turn up on the day. Click here for more information.

Tree Ring Printing at Ocean Studios
10am-4pm, Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage

Seize the opportunity to print using slices of tree, which have been specially prepared to give a beautiful and detailed history of the tree. A free drop-in session, you can book in advance or just turn up on the day. Click here for more information.

Mini Print at Ocean Studios
10-11:30am, Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage

A creative printing session for 3-7 year olds. Borrow a print kit, full to the brim with oodles of fun, and be shown how to work with the materials to enjoy printing play. Click Here for more information

Junior Print at Ocean Studios
10am-12:30pm, Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage

This workshop will run for older children to try different forms of printing. Get an exciting insight into the specialist presses and kit used for printmaking, drawing on inspiration from local artists who will share their skills and knowledge. Click Here to book.


Running throughout the day on The Green at Royal William Yard:

  • Incredible Oceans will host interactive science activities inside an inflatable dome. This is an organisation known for ‘outside-the-box’ thinking, bringing together science, entertainment, art and social science to make marine issues vibrant and accessible.
  • Get lost in the magic of Ashnihilation Augmented Reality artwork by Tom Milnes that visualises an imaginary world of flora and fauna using digital technology. The work deals with issues of rewilding and conservation in Plymouth.
  • Enjoy Live music, with sea shanty bands and acoustic acts performing through the day featuring Rue Music and Anything but Francis, plus many more.
  • The Children’s Activity Zone will offer free outdoor themed children's crafts, face painting and a Scavenger Hunt – grab a map, take the challenge, and claim a prize! There will also be South West Coast Path kids’ activities available.
  • Learn jaw-dropping new talents at the Circus Skills Workshop, run by Higher Beings. This is a free activity and no booking is needed – just turn up and learn something new!
  • Royal William Yard’s Geo Trail was developed with the University of Plymouth and takes you on a tour 380 million years into the past! Grab a Geo Trail leaflet, look for QR codes around the Yard, and find fossils in the walls.
  • The University of Plymouth will also host Geo Trail Tours [these have now sold out] and have a GeoScience Stand, where you can find out about the local landscape, create your own creatures and learn about fossils.
  • Independent seafood restaurant, The Hook & Line, will supply freshly and sustainably caught seafood at its fish market to take home, or have cooked by its chefs on the BBQ.
  • BLOCK Café will offer any hot drink and a slice of cake for £4 on the day.
  • Check out an array of interesting stalls from Natural England, Ocean Conservation Trust, NMA, South West Coast Path, Dartmoor Search and Rescue, RSPB and many more.
  • Try tasty treats – including hot drinks, crepes, and loaded fries – available from pop-up stalls. Plus Royal William Yard’s variety of bars and eateries are open for indoor and outdoor visits.

Take a look at the website www.englandcoastpath.org.uk for the full listing of the South West events and booking links.