As the school summer holidays stretch before us, take a look at our round-up of local adventures, daytrip delights, and staycation inspiration to keep your family busy throughout the weeks ahead.

Head to the Good Food & Craft Market at Royal William Yard on Sunday 6th August from 10am-3pm, for dozens of family-friendly stalls. Have a wander round the green in the sunshine, sample the best produce the region has to offer, and grab a treat or two from this renowned maker’s market.

Also taking place on the green later in the month, a mini golf course will be laid out on the lawn on Sunday 20th Augustfrom 10am-4pm. Totally free and open to all, come along for a tee-rific time.

South West SUP is running Summer Holiday SUP Club for ages 9-16. Taking place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, kids can learn the fundamentals of SUP and water safety in a fun and supportive environment. The focus is on helping children learn and progress at their own pace – it's an exciting way to stay active and learn new skills.

Plymouth Boat Trips’ Fishing Trips run on Saturdays, 4.30pm-7pm from the marina. Taking 2.5 hours, it’s a fantastic way for the whole family to get out on the water and offers the perfect introduction to rod and line sea fishing. Have fun and learn more about the local marine environment while sustainably fishing in the local waters of Plymouth Sound. Tuition is provided, as is all the kit and safety gear.

Creative hub, Ocean Studios, is running Mini Print Sessions every Saturday from 10-11:30am. There is a Summer School Creative Printmaking Program running from 21st –25th August, aimed at 8–16-year-olds, offering an opportunity to explore a wide variety of printmaking techniques. Under the sea, superheroes and space are just three of the themes to explore.

Also at Ocean Studios, run by professional upcycling designers in collaboration with Make at 140, is a SustainableSummer Sewing School. This four-day course is aimed at 8–16-year-olds to foster creativity, environmental consciousness, and hands-on skills. Students will have the opportunity to unleash their imagination and express themselves through the process of designing and creating unique one-of-a-kind garments – then display them at a fashion show! Courses run 8th-11th August and 15th-18th August.
On damp days or lazy summer evenings, head indoors to Everyman, the Yard’s very own luxury cinema, for an altogether more lavish experience. Where better to head as a family to watch Barbie, Elemental or Indiana Jones than with sat on a velvet sofa, with an ice cream sundae?

There’s never a shortage of places to eat, drink and chill out at Royal William Yard, which makes it a safe bet to visit as a family. Whether your kids fancy pasta, pizza, shakes or bakes, the global food offering means there’s plenty of choice - and children’s menus are available throughout the Yard.

Over the summer holidays, kids eat for just £1 at Bistrot Pierre when an adult main meal is purchased (Monday-Friday, all day, until 1st September). Choose from two courses from its children’s menu with unlimited refills of Robinsons squash. Plus, its new loyalty scheme launches on 1st August, Club Bistrot Pierre lets you earn points every time you dine, meaning you can then enjoy complimentary food and wine

Stop at independent chocolatier Domea Favour for pocket-money friendly treats like chocolate dipped marshmallows and handmade honeycomb. And right next door is the Pillbox, serving local ice creams and refreshing soft drinks.

Have a blast from the past on our Geo Trail – a free activity suitable for all ages. It’s an immersive and interactive walking trail around Royal William Yard, created for families and developed with the University of Plymouth, it transports you back 380 million years into the past. Find and feel fossils of ancient sea creatures, in a big adventure for small people! Pick up a trail guide from the Welcome Suite or find out more here.  

Venture out into the summer sun to stroll along the South West Coast Path, or take a refreshing dip in our tidal pool! Or use the Yard as your base for local adventures; Plymouth Boat Trips ferry service lets you hop on and off from our marina, so head to the bustling Barbican or take a trip to the historic house and acres of stunning Country Park at Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall.

And finally, the British Firework Championships are always a sight to behold. Not only does Devil’s Point offer a fantastic vantage point, but there are also some really unique viewing opportunities on offer. Join Plymouth Boat Trips' public spectator boat to watch the fireworks from the sea, or head into the water with South West SUP and paddle to a prime, secluded location for an uninterrupted view of the fireworks! (Previous paddling experience needed).