Marina makes a splash with an abundance of waterside activities

22nd May 2019

This summer, dive into a vibrant calendar of waterside events at Royal William Yard.

A focal point within Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard, the bustling marina and shoreline, provides a gateway to coastal discovery. Combining the best of both the land and sea, this location offers visitors the chance to relax shoreside and enjoy the view, with a variety of coastal experiences on offer.

Under new management, Royal William Yard Marina has become a vibrant and social setting, offering plenty of ways to make the most of its unique waterside location. Known as Plymouth’s hidden maritime jewel, the marina at Royal William Yard is nestled within the architecturally inspiring surroundings of historic Grade 1 naval buildings as well as stunning coastal scenery.

Highlighting the very best that Royal William Yard Marina has to offer, the return of the popular Cook Your Catch event sees visitors taking part in the ultimate fishing, seafood dining and wine tasting experience. Taking place on Saturday 8th June and Saturday 14th September 2019, Plymouth Boat Trips, in partnership with wine experts Le Vignoble, will set sail for the plentiful local waters to fish for mackerel, sea bass and whiting.

On returning to dry land, diners will be welcomed to Le Vignoble where they will be treated to a fully guided English wine tasting and a selection of nibbles. Expert chefs will then demonstrate how to fillet, prepare and cook the day’s catch fresh from the boat. Paired with a glass of English wine and served alongside locally sourced salads, diners will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

For a lighter bite, visitors can venture out on the new lunchtime cruise with Plymouth Boat Trips. Available every Saturday and Sunday at 1:45 from the Marina, time allows for the opportunity to sample a delicious lunch from one of the many restaurants in Royal William Yard, before setting off on an hour-long coastal cruise to discover stunning coastline views and learn about Plymouth’s rich heritage.

With the new ferry season launched at the beginning of April, travel by water to experience the rich coastline on your way to the Yard. Operating throughout the season, the ferry links the Royal William Yard to Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall and the Barbican. With bikes and well-behaved dogs welcomed on board, it makes for a convenient and scenic travel option – perfect for attending the Yard’s key summer events.

Or for something altogether more energetic, take to the water on a stand-up paddleboard from Firestone Arches and explore the coastline with South West SUP. Offering bespoke stand-up paddle boarding tuition, guided trips and hire – experience the surrounding nature and calming effect of the water while changing up your exercise routine.

For exercise on dry land but with a stunning sea view, go for a run or tranquil stroll along the South West Coast Path. Choose from two routes that are rich in breath-taking scenery and Plymouth’s maritime history. The shortest route at a mile long, showcases views across Plymouth Sound and eventually reaches the famous Devil’s Point. The longest route of the two spans three miles, finishing in Sutton Harbour it boasts views of Plymouth Hoe and the historic Barbican.

The marina provides the perfect place to moor a boat for the afternoon, where visiting seafarers can make the most of the stunning waterside as well as experience the vibrant range of leading restaurants, bars, shops and galleries. Plus, with a packed events calendar running all year round, there’s plenty of entertainment to keep everyone amused. Offering short term visitor berths and annual contracts, perfect for smaller yachts and motorboats, visitors have the option to stay overnight on their own boat or at the Yard’s boutique Rooms by Bistrot Pierre.

Whether you want to cool down after a walk or enjoy a fun and free way to entertain the kids, the tidal pool at Devil’s Point is an ever-popular destination. From sitting on the pebble beach, looking out to sea or dipping your toes in the water, to trying some wild swimming or leaping into the tidal pool at its fullest, there is much to entertain all ages.

Hailey Cattle, Regional Marketing Manager for Urban Splash, said, “The Yard is a place where something new can be discovered on every visit and our waterside location is a big part of this. From venturing out on the water, to just admiring the view, there are plenty of ways to make the marina and coastline part of your summer.”

Ben Squire, owner of Plymouth Boat Trips and Operator of the Royal William Yard Marina, added, “The beauty of the marina is its atmosphere, whether staying for a short while or mooring here all year round, our visitors really get to embrace the location and its connection with the sea. Discovering the shoreline by day and then tying up in the evening to relax at one of the Yard’s bars or restaurants - it’s a destination with so much to offer and it’s only going to get better.