NEWS Summer 01

SUMMER, SORTED

Head to Plymouth’s waterfront this summer for free family activities every Saturday and Sunday

Join us every weekend in August for a programme of completely FREE family activities. From hands-on creative workshops to thrilling outdoor adventures, we've cracked the code for keeping the whole family entertained.

Yard businesses are laying on an impressive array of summer activities too, from fishing trips to paddle boarding holiday camps and summer swim school. Catch a family film, grab a bite to eat, and make this a summer to remember!


Family playing on lawn with deckchairs

Saturday 2nd August, 11am - 2pm

Make a Moon Monster! Drop-in Craft Activity

Join Above Bounds on Saturday 2nd August to kick start our summer sorted activities programme. The activity will take place on the green and ideal for children, pop along any time between 11am - 2pm and meet the team from Above Bounds.

Geo trail qr code archway

Sunday 3rd August, 10am-3pm

Head to the Good Food & Craft Market for dozens of family-friendly stalls.

Have a blast from the past on our Geo Trail – an immersive and interactive walking trail around Royal William Yard, created for families and developed with the University of Plymouth, find out more here

History feature

Saturday 9th August

Join us for the launch of our History Trail as part of the Royal William Yard 200 Celebrations.

More details coming soon.

NEWS Summer 02

Sunday 10th August 11am-2pm

Mini Golf on the Green

Join us for another round of Mini Golf on the Green. Who can get a hole in one? Will kids beat adults? This family-friendly summer activity at Royal William Yard is completely free to take part in and open to all.

Set to be a tee-rific time, Portable Putts will have a pitch and putt course that will be laid out on the lawn for all to enjoy.

NEWS Summer 06

Saturday 16th August, 11am - 2pm

Join High 5 – winner of the Best Children’s Activity Company Award – for a day of open-air tennis

This event is perfect for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, offering a fun and engaging way to enjoy the sport with coaches from High 5 will be on hand to provide tips and guidance. There is no need to pre book, just pop along to the Green on Saturday 16th August to take part in this family friendly activity.

NEWS Summer 08

Sunday 17th August, 10am-3pm

RNLI Open Day

Join the crew from Plymouth Lifeboat Station and other amazing RNLI volunteers for a day of demonstrations, activity and awareness

Surrounded by water on three sides, Plymouth's Royal William Yard is the perfect setting to celebrate those who save lives at sea. The historic waterfront destination is hosting a day of celebrations with the RNLI on Sunday 17th August (10am - 3pm). From daring demonstrations of sea rescues to fun-filled family activities and free children's crafts, the event will provide plenty of entertainment for all.

Click here for more information

SUMMER Circus

Saturday 23rd August, 11am - 2pm

Circus Skills with Higher Beings on the Green.

Join us at the Yard for Circus Skills with Higher Beings on the Green.

Not to be missed, learn how to balance on a tightrope, walk on stilts and much more!

SUMMER Zorbs

Sunday 24th August, 11am-2pm

Zorbs, Soft Play and Giant Caterpillar Assault Course on the Green.

Join us at the Yard for Zorbs, Soft Play and Giant Caterpillar Assault Course on the Green. High 5 – winner of the Best Children’s Activity Company Award – return with a whole host of exciting family-friendly activities to try, promising a fantastic time for participants of all ages!

This vibrant event will feature a mix of fun and engaging activities, making it an ideal outing for families and friends. In addition to these thrilling activities, there will be a special soft play area set up for younger children.

Childrens crafts

Saturday 30th August, 11am - 2pm

Children’s Craft Zone on the Green.

Boasting plenty of creative fun and totally free to take part in - please book a place here to ensure there is enough material for everyone wanting to take part

H Igh 5 Archery 1

Sunday 31st August, 11am - 2pm

Soft Archery, Bouldering/Climbing and Bushcraft Skills on the Green

Join the High 5 team and Survival Steve for a range of family activities as part of the final event of our summer sorted programme.

No need to book, just pop along to the green at any time between 11am - 2pm to take part in these free activities.

Also taking place at Royal William Yard throughout the summer:

South West SUP is running Summer Holiday SUP Club - offering young adventurers the chance to master paddleboarding whilst learning essential water safety. Five day courses run on 28th July, 4th, 11th and 18th
August. There will also be a family paddle every Sunday in August from 10am-11.30am. Join the team on 3rd or 17th August for the SUP History Tour Book here.

Plymouth Boat Trips’ Fishing Trips run daily through the summer holidayscheck out the website for times and booking details. 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.

Everyman, the Yard’s very own luxury cinema, offers an altogether more lavish experience. Where better to head as a family to watch new releases and family classics than with sat on a velvet sofa, with a milkshake and popcorn? There will be new releases including The Bad Guys 2, Elio, Superman, Jurassic World: Rebirth, How to Train Your Dragon, Peppa Meets the Baby, and family classics running through the holidays – book here

Enjoy a summer of sewing with Make Fabric Boutique in Ocean Studios. Take part in a family activity with the Sew Together – Parent & Child Sewing Workshop on 20th -21st August – book here. Join the Sustainable Sewing School: Summer Edition (for children age 8-18 years) on 27th and 28th August – book here.

South West Coast Path weaves through Royal William Yard and is perfect to join for a stroll along the coast. Or take a refreshing dip in our tidal pool! 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, get to Saltash and back, or take a trip to the historic house and acres of stunning Country Park at Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall.

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 on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August – book here

Summer Swim Groups with ACE Swimming promise aquatic adventures for both adults and children. This is a mixed-ability group to suit all standards from dippers up to channel swimmers of all ages. The sessions take place from Firestone Bay from 10-10:30am on 26th July, 16th August, 6th, and 13th, 20th September. Book places here.

Dining offers

There’s never a shortage of places to eat, drink and relax here, which makes it a safe bet to visit as a family.

Whether the kids fancy pasta, pizza, shakes or bakes, there’s plenty of choice - and children’s menus are available throughout the Yard.