Summer, sorted: Free family fun every Saturday in August at the Royal William Yard

As the school holidays beckon, Plymouth's Royal William Yard is bringing families together every Saturday in August with a programme of completely free activities – plus a full summer's worth of adventures on the water, on the big screen, and throughout the Yard.

From hands-on creative workshops to open-air sports and a full RNLI open day, the historic waterfront destination has the summer covered. Every Saturday activity is free and drop-in – no booking required, just turn up.

The Saturday programme runs as follows:

• 1 August, 11am–2pm: Tennis on the Green. Award-winning children's activity company High 5 brings open-air tennis to The Green. Perfect for all ages and abilities, with coaches on hand to help with technique.
• 8 August, 11am–2pm: Make a Moon Monster with Above Bounds. Plymouth theatre company Above Bounds takes over The Green for a drop-in crafting session to make a Moon Monster! Ideal for little ones with big imaginations – pop along any time and let creativity run wild.
• 15 August, 11am–2pm: Circus Skills with Higher Beings. Learn to balance on a tightrope, try stilt walking, and discover your inner circus performer in this not-to-be-missed outdoor workshop with Higher Beings.
• 22 August, 10am–3pm: RNLI Open Day. The crew from Plymouth Lifeboat Station take over The Green and Marina for a full day of demonstrations, activities, and family-friendly fun. Watch sea rescue demonstrations, visit the lifeboats in the Marina (last entry 2.30pm), and celebrate those who save lives at sea.
• 29 August, 11am–2pm: Mini Golf on the Green. Portable Putts returns to transform the lawn into a putting paradise. Family rivalries welcome… may the best golfer win.

Throughout the whole of the summer, Royal William Yard's resident businesses are laying on a packed programme of activities, making this waterfront destination the natural base for family adventures across the entirety of the holidays.

• The Yard's restaurants and cafés have the family well catered for, with children's menus available throughout. Whether the kids fancy pasta, pizza, shakes, or bakes, there's plenty of choice – including Kids Special menus and deals at Bistrot Pierre and Wildwood.  
• South West SUP is running its Summer Holiday SUP Club, giving young adventurers the chance to master paddleboarding while learning essential water safety. Courses run during four weeks of the holiday – choose from daily or weekly sessions.
• Everyman Cinema - Everyman Cinema serves up the ultimate family film experience; velvet sofas, milkshakes, and popcorn all ready to be served. New releases this summer include Moana Live Action and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, alongside family classics throughout the holidays. Family tickets available for selected screenings. On the last Sunday of every month, Everyman also hosts a Relaxed Screening – a sensory and autism-friendly environment with reduced volume, dimmed lighting, and no ads or trailers – open to all. Kicking off the summer holidays in style, the Relaxed Screening is Minions & Monsters on Sunday 26th July.
• Plymouth Walking Tours will be taking place at the Yard this summer, taking in the Yard's grand Georgian architecture, waterfront vistas, and rich naval history on a guided walk from the main entrance to the Inner Basin. Choose from tours run across a number of dates.
• Summer Swim Groups with ACE Swimming offer mixed-ability open-water adventures for adults and children – setting off from Firestone Bay on selected dates through the summer.
• The South West Coast Path weaves through the Yard and out to Devil's Point – perfect for a coastal stroll or a cooling dip in the tidal pool. Plymouth Boat Trips' ferry service runs from the Marina, connecting families to the Barbican and Saltash.
• Plymouth Boat Trips' fishing expeditions set sail daily throughout the holidays. These 2.5-hour trips offer a family introduction to sustainable sea fishing, with expert tuition, all equipment, and safety kit provided.
• The Geo Trail and History Trail are both free and self-guided. The Geo Trail winds around the Yard and along the coast path to uncover 380 million years of geological history; the History Trail connects visitors to the Yard's 200-year naval heritage through archives, images, and audio.

Find out more and book tickets at www.royalwilliamyard.com/summer