May and more: Royal William Yard open for business this Bank Holiday

29th April 2026

Royal William Yard is ready and raring to go for the bank holiday weekend, as the Good Food & Craft Market returns on Sunday 3rd May, 10am–3pm.

More than 60 traders will be bringing the very best of the South West for a day of discovery. The Yard’s community of restaurants, shops, bars and businesses will be open alongside, perfect for a long weekend by the water.

Known for championing independent makers, artisan producers and creative talent from across Devon and Cornwall, the Good Food & Craft Market is back on The Green for the first time this year, offering the chance to place to find something a little different – whether that’s a handcrafted piece of jewellery, an original artwork, award-winning produce, or a freshly made treat, there is something for everyone.

Worth the trip

Royal William Yard is open and ready to welcome visitors this weekend. Local road diversions remain in place in the Stonehouse area, and while traffic flow is improving, those planning to make the trip are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and make the most of the variety of travel options.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to consider one of the following ways to reach the Yard:

• On foot: Royal William Yard is around 30 minutes’ walk from Plymouth City Centre and sits directly on the South West Coast Path, making the journey part of the experience
• Park and stride: Stonehouse Creek car park – over 200 spaces available, pay and display car park around a 10-minute walk from the Yard – is open to the public at weekends
• By ferry: Plymouth Boat Trips operates the Waterlink Ferry, a service connecting three of the region’s waterfront destinations in one seamless route: The Barbican, Royal William Yard and Saltash. The service also offers an easy onward connection to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park via the Cremyll Ferry, operating from Royal William Yard Marina. View timetables and book at www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk
• By bus: While the 34 service is temporarily suspended, the 21/21A service stops at Stonehouse Bridge, a 10-minute walk from Royal William Yard
• By bike: The Yard has plenty of lock-up space for bikes and a nearby Beryl e-bike bay on Cremyll Street
• By car: Vehicle access to Royal William Yard remains available via the temporary diversion route through Stonehouse, but drivers should allow extra time for their journey and be aware that the car park always fills up quickly on market days.

Plenty to discover and do

In addition to the market, there is plenty more to explore throughout the bank holiday weekend. Browse the boutiques and independents – including Pebble, Identity Fashion and Nala’s Pet Co – before settling in for lunch or drinks at one of the Yard’s waterfront restaurants and bars. Bistrot Pierre, Wagamama, Le Vignoble, Seco Lounge, The Shack, Steel Brew, DockSide Coffee Bar, BLOCK Café and Wildwood all have outdoor seating for alfresco drinks an dining. For those making a full day of it, Everyman Cinema is screening the latest films and cult classics.

Active visitors can take to the water with South West SUP, enjoy sea swimming from Firestone Bay’s rock beach, experience a fire and ice sauna at Halogi, or set off along the South West Coast Path, which runs directly through the Yard.

Two free self-guided trails offer a brilliant way to discover the history and geology of this remarkable place. The History Trail weaves through the Yard, connecting visitors to archives, images and audio that bring its 200-year naval past to life as an open-air museum. The Geo Trail, developed in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, uncovers 380 million years of geological history on the doorstep. Leaflets for both are available from the Welcome Suite at the entrance to the Yard.

Nathan Cornish, Director at Urban Splash, said: “Royal William Yard has always been a place that is worth the trip – and a bank holiday weekend is the perfect time to discover why. With the market on The Green, dozens of brilliant traders, and all of the Yard's restaurants, shops and businesses open alongside, there is so much to experience and explore. This is also a chance to get out and about and explore – arriving at the Yard by water, on foot or by bike, with the ferry, the South West Coast Path and cycling routes all on the doorstep.”

Full details at www.royalwilliamyard.com