Tickets launch for Devonport Open Days

23rd May 2025

 Get ready to explore the world behind the gates, with the ticket ballot now open for Devonport Open Days, which will kick start the school summer holidays in July.

Hosted jointly by Babcock International Group (Babcock) and the Royal Navy, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to take a peek behind the walls of the busy site, where for a limited time only, the public is invited to get a rare glimpse of the activities that take place at Devonport Royal Dockyard and HM Naval Base on Friday 25 July.

All those working on site are also able to reserve tickets for the Families Day event running on Thursday 24 July. To coincide with the ticket launch, a group of school children from Devonport High School for Boys and Goosewell Primary school got to experience a preview of the type of activity that visitors will experience at the Open Days at the co-located Devonport site.

The pupils were able to get stuck into fun science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) based activities, and also had the opportunity to view one of the latest military vehicles hot off the production line. Site Managing Director of Babcock’s Devonport facility, John Gane, said “As one of Plymouth’s largest employers, operating a site that is such a significant part of the city’s heritage, it is fantastic to announce the return of these action packed events. “We’re proud to be jointly hosting these open days with the Royal Navy, giving both our people and the local community a unique opportunity to experience the scale, technology and history of this incredible site.

"We are an intrinsic part of the city’s fabric, and this event enables us to showcase the wide range of important work carried out on site where we are creating a safe and secure world, together.

“Demand for tickets is already high and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to the event across the two-day period."

Brigadier Mike Tanner, Naval Base Commander Devonport, said: “I am delighted that HMNB Devonport will be opening its gates to the families of those working within the Naval Base and the public this July.  The Devonport Open Days, which this year is being run by the Royal Navy and Babcock, is an exciting opportunity to get a taste of what we here at the Naval Base strive to achieve every day.

“Both days will be filled with exciting activities, stalls and demonstrations from the different teams on the Naval Base and the Royal Navy, as well as themed zones including, sports sections, food stalls, sea and air displays. “I am always proud of Devonport Naval Base and look forward to welcoming you all on site to an immersive experience as well as a fun day for you to enjoy with your family.

Edlyn Wright, who teaches at Devonport High School for Boys and attended the launch event, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the children to be part of the Devonport Open Day launch. It is great for us to get involved in such hands-on activities and gain valuable insight into the wider world of engineering.”

The events are expected to be in great demand with a wide range of activities and demonstrations to keep them busy, including the HM Royal Marines Band, MoD Police Dog display, Wonderstruck Science Show, the Red Bull Racing's Formula 1 car and many more.

To register your interest in attending the Devonport Open Day event, go to www.devonportopendays.com and provide the details required for the ballot. Those successful in receiving free tickets will be notified by email on Monday 30 June 2025. All those working on site have access to a code and will apply for their tickets in a slightly different way