Royal William Yard goes green again this June

27th May 2025

Royal William Yard is set to host its second annual ‘Green June’ festival, a month-long celebration of environmental awareness and ocean conservation, with events and activities for the whole family. Following the success of last year's inaugural event, Green June returns with an expanded series of informative and interactive activities aimed at making a positive impact on our planet.

The popular Plymouth waterfront destination will welcome visitors for a series of fun and fascinating events, which includes a contemporary art exhibition, geoscience walks and talks, paddleboard litter-picks and so much more. With activities spanning every weekend and beyond, the festival promises plenty of fun whilst promoting a greener future for all.

1st June: Soapbox Science (11am-2pm)

The Green transforms into an arena for learning and scientific debate, at an event running alongside the Good Food & Craft Market. Delivered by the University of Plymouth, this innovative outreach platform promotes female scientists and challenges perceptions. Featured topics span everything from sandhoppers, shorelines and seaweed, to brain health and antibiotics from flowers!

6th June: South West Coast Path Forum and AGM

‘The Path to Transformational Journeys’ (9.30am-12.30pm), will explore the health and wellbeing benefits of walking the South West Coast Path. Linked to the cinematic release of The Salt Path, inspiring speakers will share experiences of transformational journeys on the trail and the healing benefits of connecting to nature in coastal environments. The AGM (2pm-5pm) includes a ceremony celebrating the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

6th-22nd June: Coast Contemporary Pop-Up Gallery

Taking place in the corner of the Melville building is a visual exploration of our coast through 2D and 3D artworks, from abstract landscapes and ceramics to art formed from ocean plastic. This unique pop-up contemporary exhibition showcases the work of nine local artists with deep connections to our coastline and oceans. Open Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-7pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.

7th-8th June: Big Paddle Clean Up with South West SUP

Honouring World Ocean Day, there will be 'paddle and pick' sessions at Firestone Arch (Saturday 1pm-2.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm-4pm). This family-friendly activity combines ridding the coastline of plastic pollution with learning essential SUP safety and techniques. The sessions emphasise minimising pollution, protecting wildlife, connecting with nature and enjoying the wellbeing benefits of blue spaces – all equipment is provided.

8th June: World Ocean Day celebrations

Take part in a Beach Clean with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (10am-11.30am) at Firestone Bay, part of the UK's first National Marine Park. Our regional coastline is home to abundant wildlife from shore crabs to grey seals, and participants will learn about the biggest threats facing marine environments. The day also features a Blue Mindfulness Workshop (1pm-2.30pm) where visitors immerse themselves in soothing sea sounds and sensations whilst creating coastal art.

14th June: Sea Swimming during Great Big Green Week (10am-10.30am)

Join Ace Swimming at Firestone Arch for an open water swim that focuses on sea safety and developing technique, confidence, distance and speed in the officially designated bathing water of Firestone Bay. This is a safe and fun way to discover the coastline in a different way. Additional Summer Sea Group sessions continue on 21st and 28th June.

20th June: Dr Bike (9am-4pm) on The Green

Get your bike summer-ready, with free bike maintenance sessions as part of Better Transport Week. Experienced mechanics check wheels, brakes, gears, tyre pressure, lights, racks, pedals and saddles, making minor adjustments on the spot whilst providing advice on extensive repairs. The team shares cycling tips and information on local cycling activities.

21st June: The Big Green Trail (10am-4pm)

Royal William Yard is one of six trail stops across Plymouth organised by Plymouth City Council. With over 40 organisations and community groups involved across the city, activities include foraging in parks, scrap sculptures, filming nature with 360 cameras, led rides and free bike repairs. Participants can collect trail stamps at each location, which is easy to do with free trail buses connecting all locations, plus 15 minutes free riding on Beryl e-bikes.

Royal William Yard’s free activities feature Plymouth Schools Sports Partnership cycling support, Plymotion, Love Exploring, BRIC Building Resilience in Communities, South West Coast Path Association, Sharks Trust, children's crafts, garden games, a scavenger hunt and Geo Trail.

Other ways to enjoy our natural heritage:

The Salt Path Film

Based on Raynor Winn's bestselling memoir, The Salt Path film will shine the spotlight on the South West Coast Path and stunning locations along the world-famous National Trail. Special screenings at Everyman Cinema throughout June will celebrate this powerful story of healing and transformation through walking in nature, perfectly complementing Green June's themes of wellbeing and environmental connection.

South West Coast Path

Royal William Yard serves as both headquarters for the South West Coast Path Association and an integral part of the 630-mile walking route. Whether visitors seek an easy afternoon stroll taking in views, history and heritage, or wish to challenge themselves with serious walking, they can start, finish or detour through Royal William Yard. The South West Coast Path team, based at the Yard, has developed numerous walking route suggestions and itineraries incorporating the historic waterfront destination, making it an ideal gateway to exploring England's longest National Trail.

Geo Trail Experience

The interactive Geo Trail, created in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, invites visitors to travel back 380 million years to explore Plymouth's ancient past. This free, family-friendly walking route winds around Royal William Yard and along the South West Coast Path at Devil's Point, revealing how Plymouth's landscape formed through volcanic activity and tropical climates. Participants collect leaflets from the Welcome Suite and scan QR codes at numbered plaques to view videos from Dr Jodie Fisher of the University of Plymouth, who explains geological features and fossils. The trail offers a unique opportunity to discover volcanic rock formations, fossilised remains and the remarkable geological history beneath visitors' feet.

Green June 2025 builds on the success of last year's festival, demonstrating Royal William Yard's continued commitment to sustainability. All events are designed to be inclusive and accessible, encouraging visitors to connect with nature in a creative and engaging way.

For a complete schedule of events and booking information, visit www.royalwilliamyard.com/green-june