Seafest returns to Royal William Yard with a historic bicentenary celebration

Plymouth’s much-loved waterfront festival, Seafest, will sail back into Royal William Yard next weekend – this time with a historic twist as the iconic destination marks its 200th anniversary.

Running on Saturday, 13th and Sunday, 14th September, Seafest 2025 coincides with the launch of the Yard’s 200 Exhibition, an exploration of its history spanning two centuries. The celebration promises a packed programme of seafaring heritage, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and food and drink, set against the dramatic peninsula backdrop of the Grade I listed naval victualling yard.

Historic Discovery

The Yard’s heritage will take centre stage throughout Seafest weekend, with events including:

• 200 Exhibition (13th–28th September, 10am–3pm): A free showcase of artefacts, documents, and stories sourced from The National Archives, Devonport Naval Heritage Centre, Plymouth Proprietary Library, local historians and public submissions. Located at Melville Corner.

• History Guided Tours (10:30am–12pm, both days): Led by historian Richard Fisher, uncover Europe’s largest collection of Grade I listed military buildings. Tickets: book here.

• 200th Anniversary Waterfront Cruise (Saturday, 7pm–9pm): Historian Chris Robinson will guide passengers along Plymouth’s coastline, uncovering fascinating stories of the city’s maritime past. Tickets £15: book here.

• Visit Devonport Naval Heritage Centre (Saturday, 10am–3pm): Free shuttle buses depart Royal William Yard at 10:30am and 11:30am, returning at 12:30pm and 1:30pm.

• History Trail: A self-guided interactive tour around the Yard with archives, images and audio stories.

Family Zone

From 10am–3pm both days on The Green, families can enjoy free hands-on fun, including:

• Whale Tales: Enter a giant inflatable sperm whale and experience an immersive marine story (sessions bookable at this link).

• Children’s craft zone, face painting, Seafest Hide and Seek, and circus skills.

• Pop-up stands from the RNLI (Sunday), South West Coast Path, and Meet the Marine Park.

Heritage Crafts

Hands-on traditional activities will be hosted in the new Arcade building:

• Ships Biscuit Making (Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am & 12:45pm): Free children’s activity recreating naval rations of 200 years ago. Book here.

• Clay Tile Making with Ocean Studio pottery (Saturday: 10am, 11:30am & 2pm; Sunday: 10am & 11:30am). Book here.

• Stitch & Celebrate: Drop-in sewing sessions with Make Fabric Boutique and Mukta-Undone, open to all skill levels.

Music and Entertainment

• Yard Sessions with Alex Hart (Friday, 12th September, 5:30pm–8pm): Live music in the Secret Garden, with food and drink available.

• Sea Shanty Band (Sunday, 1:30pm–2:30pm) at Steel Brew.

• Marine-themed Quiz Night (Sunday, 6pm–8pm), hosted by Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Tickets £2: book here.

On, From and By the Water

• Stand-up Paddleboarding Sessions with South West SUP, including family taster sessions, history paddles, and SUP yoga (£15pp / £50 per family). Book here.

• South West Coast Path Guided Walks: Free walks on Saturday (Mount Edgcumbe riverside, 10:30am–1:30pm) and Sunday (Plymouth waterfront, 10:30am–12:30pm). Book here.

• Food & Drink Pop-ups including crêpes, slushies, The Hook & Line rum bar and hot drinks. Wildwood will also offer Kids Eat for £1 over the weekend (T&Cs apply).

Travel Made Easy

• Free “Shark and Ride” shuttle bus by Plymouth Citybus, looping between all Seafest locations every 45 minutes (10am–4pm).

• Half-price ferries with Plymouth Boat Trips between Barbican, Royal William Yard and Mount Edgcumbe.

• Stonehouse Creek car park open weekends, £1 per hour (max 5 hours).

For full details and booking information, visit www.royalwilliamyard.com/seafest