Seafest at Royal William Yard

Plymouth's waterfront festival is back. Seafest returns to Royal William Yard on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, bringing a weekend of free family activities, live entertainment, and events on, from and by the water to the city's historic waterfront.

From heritage discovery to hands-on crafts, inflatables to exhibitions, there's a packed programme across the Yard for visitors of all ages.

Whether you're exploring the Yard's Grade I listed buildings, getting out on the water, or simply enjoying the entertainment along the waterfront, Seafest weekend is Plymouth's chance to celebrate everything its coastline has to offer.

Take a look at what's on across the two days: The Family Zone | Around the Yard | Blue Sparks Exhibition | Maritime History | Get on the water 

Head to The Green for an exciting assortment of free fun things to see, do and learn. Taking place from 10am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

• Children's craft zone - visit the Seafest craft zone to make some underwater animals and get creative
• Slow the flow inflatable - bounce through Westcountry Rivers Trust's inflatable interactive experience
• Seafest hide and seek - grab a map and track down a troupe of hidden sea creatures. It promises plenty of fun and a reward at the end!
• Circus skills - join Higher Beings to learn new circus skills. Learn how to balance on a tightrope, walk on stilts and much more!
• Pop up stands - visit stands, as well as family-friendly food and drink stalls
• Geo Trail - use the map from the children's craft zone and join the interactive trail created with the University of Plymouth. Travel back in time by 380 million years to discover ancient sea creatures
• Pottery pop-up (Sunday) - explore the world of pottery with Tweeny.
• Portable Putts Mini Golf - Have a go at mini golf on the green 
• Aldo Vanucci (Sunday) - Listen to Aldo Vanucci's live DJ set throughout the day on Sunday.

The Rock Pool Project

Be part of this exciting marine conservation initiative at the stunning Plymouth coastline on Sunday 13 September from 1pm - 1.30pm. The Big Rock Pool Challenge is a fun, competitive rock-pooling event where participants race against time to discover and identify local marine species.

You’ll help gather valuable data supporting UK marine biodiversity conservation. Meet at Firestone Bay, the gazebo will be set up on the beach (down the steps), to the left of the slipway. Book your place here.

South West Coast Path Guided Walk

Join the South West Coast Path team for two free walks during Seafest weekend. 

Join the team for a gentle 3-mile walk around Mount Edgcumbe park to connect with nature, with a brief incline to the folly for a fantastic view of the Plymouth Sound. From here, return to the house through the woodlands to the cafe for a short break. The ferry fare is included, and toilet stops are available along the route. Book your place here.

On Sunday 13 September you can enjoy a free guided walk on the South West Coast Path along the Plymouth waterfront from the Barbican to the RWY to the Barbican. Walk along Plymouth waterfront, around Millbay Docks , Devils Point and down the iconic stairway to Devon. The walk finishes at Royal William Yard where Seafest will be in full swing. Onward travel options available by bus or ferry. Book your place here.

South West Coast Path Photography Exhibition 2026

More information to follow on where and when to view to exhibition at Royal William Yard. The exhibition features 23 large-scale images from the South West Coast Path Association's annual competition, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the iconic South West Coast Path, and the people and places to be discovered along the 630-mile route.

Catch the Art Explora Mobile Museum as it pops up outside at Royal William Yard for the weekend, bringing works from the Government Art Collection straight to the water's edge. The touring exhibition, Shaped by the Sea, explores our relationship with the coast through historic and contemporary art, from JMW Turner's harbour scenes to Lubaina Himid and Anya Gallaccio's takes on migration, trade and a changing climate.

Drop-in exhibition tours run from 10am throughout the day, no booking needed, with activity booklets and badge-making on hand either side of the workshops.

There are also two artist-led workshops each day, 11.30am–12.30pm and 2.30pm–3.30pm, suitable for ages 7+ with places capped at 20 per session (booking links to follow). Artist Simon Bayliss joins on Saturday to lead the sessions in person.

Take part in the interactive 'slow the flow' game from the West Country Rivers Trust. Perfect for the kids to get involved with, the slowest time on the leaderboard wins!

Make the Moon Move

Discover how the moon shapes Plymouth’s tides through art, animation and science at SeaFest this September.

As part of Tide Together, artist Sophie Mellor invites families to create their own Moon Zoetropes — simple handmade animation devices that bring pictures to life.

Inspired by moon phases, changing tides and Plymouth’s intertidal wildlife, this free drop-in activity is a fun way to explore the connection between the moon and the sea. Younger children can also enjoy colouring and creative activities inspired by the intertidal world. 

The even runs from 10am-3pm at the Royal William Yard on Sunday 13 September only.

Blue Sparks Exhibition 

Come and discover what Blue Sparks have been happening around Plymouth with interactive galleries and take part in workshops including making your own tide clock out of recycled plastic and printing pictures using the power of the sun. 

Big Sis CIC: Discover the magic of sun printing! Get creative and make your very own cyanotype patch using leaves, flowers and sunlight. This photography technique creates beautiful designs for you to take home. Whilst you're there, find out more about how Big Sis supports and empowers community across Plymouth. 

Federation of Old Cornwall Societies: Tales of the Tides! Explore a vibrant display celebrating the successes of the ‘Tales of the Tides’ project and discover fascinating Cornish culture, traditions and resources. Learn how cornish communities are helping to keep our coastal heritage alive for future generations. 

Fotonow: Let your imagination set sail! Be inspired by the incredible photography from the Blue Sparks Media Residency and create your own colourful map of Plymouth Sound. Using collage, colouring and creativity, you can design your own version of the National Marine Park to take home. 

Turnchapel History Group: Uncover the hidden history of Turnchapel! Explore a fascinating exhibition showcasing discoveries from local heritage projects, historical research and stories from the area of Turnchapel. Learn more about the people, places and events that have shaped this unique coastal community. 

Barne Barton & St Budeaux Community Forum: Share your stories of the sea! Follow the journey of this exciting project through displays and interactive exhibits, then have your say by recording your own memories and connections to Plymouth Sound's coastline. Your story could even feature in a future podcast episode! 

Precious Plastics CIC - Pedal, shred and create with recycled plastic! Have a go on the bicycle-powered plastic shredder, see recycled plastic transformed before your eyes, and get hands-on with exciting recycling technology. You can even join a workshop to make your own tide clock to take home while learning how waste materials can be given a new life.  

Royal William Yard is the perfect spot to enjoy Seafest with a historic twist, celebrating the site's heritage. Visit the 200 Exhibition located at Melville Corner, and step back in time to discover two centuries of history. Our self-guided exhibition showcases carefully curated original artifacts, historical documents, images and art. Visit 11am - 5pm daily in Melville Corner (free admission)

Explore the History Trail - a self-guided discovery tour that brings the past alive. Pick up a leaflet from the 200 Exhibition or Welcome Suite. This interactive discovery trail will connect you to a collection of information, images and audio. Tour through archives, plans and pictures, and hear fascinating stories and first-hand accounts. At each numbered stop (1-11), you’ll find a History Trail plaque on the wall with a unique QR code. Scan each one to see and hear fascinating stories.

Take to the sea and go at stand-up paddleboarding or sea swimming, in safe group settings.

Stand-up paddleboarding is run by South West SUP. Across the weekend, there are various sessions you can get involved in.

SUP Experience

This complete introduction to stand-up paddleboarding covers equipment, safety and core technique in a friendly, family‑friendly session. Coaches select the best local launch spot around Firestone Bay and Royal William Yard, working with you to get standing, improve paddling form and build confidence on the board. Taking place at 9:30am on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Bespoke SUP Session

Enjoy a fully bespoke stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session with a dedicated instructor and focused one-to-one or group coaching. Instructors cover equipment, safety and technique on dry land before getting you on the water, then provide individualised coaching to develop your paddling skills. Taking place at 9:30am on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Drake's Island SUP Tour

Explore Drake’s Island on a relaxed stand-up paddleboarding outing that blends gentle instruction with a guided historical walk and a locally sourced island picnic. Discover the island’s history, wildlife and marine ecology during the guided tour, with time afterwards to swim, beachcomb or simply relax before returning to shore. Taking place at 10am on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September.

Social Paddle

Club SWSUP hosts friendly, social one-hour paddles for people who love paddling, the ocean and meeting others. Sessions are led by qualified, experienced instructors who provide equipment and guidance in a relaxed, no-ego atmosphere. Taking place at 8am on Sunday 13th September.

SUP Yoga

SUP Yoga at South West SUP offers a gentle, nature-immersive yoga practice on paddleboards in Firestone Bay. The class focuses on core strength, balance and presence as you respond to the movements of the board. After the session, return to The Shack for a complimentary hot drink and treats. Taking place at 9:30am on Sunday 13 September.

All of these sessions, plus 1.5hr all all-day board hire, are bookable on the South West SUP website.

Or head for a sea swim with ACE Swimming.

Sea Swim Group

Saturday 12 September, 10am–10.30am

This coached open water session welcomes all standards. Meet by the tidal pool at Devil's Point, Firestone Bay, for a session focused on sea swimming technique, building endurance, and sharpening open water safety awareness, with a qualified lifeguard providing safety cover throughout.

Swimmers typically cover 50m to 1500m over 20 to 30 minutes in the water, and the group splits where needed so everyone swims at their own pace.

Join if you:

• Have some experience of sea or cold-water swimming
• Want to sea swim with safety cover and expert guidance
• Are curious about the benefits of "Blue Mind" and cold-water immersion, in a safe, supported setting

It's a cold dip with company and coaching. Book through the ACE Swimming website.