Seafest

Plymouth's waterfront festival is back. Seafest returns to Royal William Yard on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, bringing a weekend of free family activities, live entertainment, and events on, from and by the water to the city's historic waterfront.

From heritage discovery to hands-on crafts, inflatables to exhibitions, there's a packed programme across the Yard for visitors of all ages.

Whether you're exploring the Yard's Grade I listed buildings, getting out on the water, or simply enjoying the entertainment along the waterfront, Seafest weekend is Plymouth's chance to celebrate everything its coastline has to offer.

Catch the Art Explora Mobile Museum as it pops up outside at Royal William Yard for the weekend, bringing works from the Government Art Collection straight to the water's edge. The touring exhibition, Shaped by the Sea, explores our relationship with the coast through historic and contemporary art, from JMW Turner's harbour scenes to Lubaina Himid and Anya Gallaccio's takes on migration, trade and a changing climate.

Drop-in exhibition tours run from 10am throughout the day, no booking needed, with activity booklets and badge-making on hand either side of the workshops.

There are also two artist-led workshops each day, 11.30am–12.30pm and 2.30pm–3.30pm, suitable for ages 7+ with places capped at 20 per session. Artist Simon Bayliss joins on Saturday to lead the sessions in person. Book your place here.

The Rock Pool Project

13 September (1-3.30pm)The Big Rock Pool Challenge @ Firestone Bay - The Rock Pool Project

Be part of this exciting marine conservation initiative at the stunning Plymouth coastline. The Big Rock Pool Challenge is a fun, competitive rock-pooling event where participants race against time to discover and identify local marine species. You’ll help gather valuable data supporting UK marine biodiversity conservation. Meet at Firestone Bay, the gazebo will be set up on the beach (down the steps), to the left of the slipway.

South West Coast Path Guided Walk

Join the South West Coast Path team for two free walks during Seafest weekend. Click on the dates below to find out more information and book onto these events.

Saturday 12 September 2026, 10:30am — 1:30pm - Mount Edgcumbe, Folly and Woodlands:

A gentle 3-mile walk around Mount Edgcumbe park to connect with nature, with a brief incline to the folly for a fantastic view of the Plymouth Sound. From here, return to the house through the woodlands to the cafe for a short break. The ferry fare is included, and toilet stops are available along the route.

Sunday 13 September - 11am - 1pm Barbican to Royal William Yard walk

A free guided walk on the South West Coast Path along the Plymouth waterfront from the Barbican to the RWY to the Barbican. Walk along Plymouth waterfront, around Millbay Docks , Devils Point and down the iconic stairway to Devon. Walk finishes at Royal William Yard where Seafest will be in full swing. Onward travel options available by bus or ferry.

South West Coast Path Photography Exhibition 2026

More information to follow on where and when to view to exhibition at Royal William Yard. The exhibition features 23 large-scale images from the South West Coast Path Association's annual competition, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the iconic South West Coast Path, and the people and places to be discovered along the 630-mile route.

Plus much more soon to be announced .......

Take to the sea and go at stand-up paddleboarding or sea swimming, in safe group settings.

Stand-up paddleboarding is run by South West SUP. Across the weekend, there are various sessions you can get involved in.

SUP Experience

This complete introduction to stand-up paddleboarding covers equipment, safety and core technique in a friendly, family‑friendly session. Coaches select the best local launch spot around Firestone Bay and Royal William Yard, working with you to get standing, improve paddling form and build confidence on the board. Taking place at 9:30am on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Bespoke SUP Session

Enjoy a fully bespoke stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session with a dedicated instructor and focused one-to-one or group coaching. Instructors cover equipment, safety and technique on dry land before getting you on the water, then provide individualised coaching to develop your paddling skills. Taking place at 9:30am on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Drake's Island SUP Tour

Explore Drake’s Island on a relaxed stand-up paddleboarding outing that blends gentle instruction with a guided historical walk and a locally sourced island picnic. Discover the island’s history, wildlife and marine ecology during the guided tour, with time afterwards to swim, beachcomb or simply relax before returning to shore. Taking place at 10am on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Social Paddle

Club SWSUP hosts friendly, social one-hour paddles for people who love paddling, the ocean and meeting others. Sessions are led by qualified, experienced instructors who provide equipment and guidance in a relaxed, no-ego atmosphere. Taking place at 8am on Sunday 13 September.

SUP Yoga

SUP Yoga at South West SUP offers a gentle, nature-immersive yoga practice on paddleboards in Firestone Bay. The class focuses on core strength, balance and presence as you respond to the movements of the board. After the session, return to The Shack for a complimentary hot drink and treats. Taking place at 9:30am on Sunday 13 September.

All of these sessions, plus 1.5hr all all-day board hire, are bookable on the South West SUP website.

Or head for a sea swim with ACE Swimming.

Sea Swim Group

Saturday 12 September, 10am–10.30am

This coached open water session welcomes all standards. Meet by the tidal pool at Devil's Point, Firestone Bay, for a session focused on sea swimming technique, building endurance, and sharpening open water safety awareness, with a qualified lifeguard providing safety cover throughout.

Swimmers typically cover 50m to 1500m over 20 to 30 minutes in the water, and the group splits where needed so everyone swims at their own pace.

Join if you:

• Have some experience of sea or cold-water swimming
• Want to sea swim with safety cover and expert guidance
• Are curious about the benefits of "Blue Mind" and cold-water immersion, in a safe, supported setting

It's a cold dip with company and coaching. Book through the ACE Swimming website.

Seafest is brought to you by the businesses from the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons Project has been made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.