Royal William Yard — Attraction in Plymouth

A Must-Visit in Plymouth – Royal William Yard

We spent the day at Royal William Yard and it honestly exceeded expectations. It’s one of those rare places that blends history, scenery, food, and accessibility so perfectly that there’s something for everyone – whether you’re here with kids, friends, or older family members.

History & Atmosphere

The Yard is steeped in history — originally built in the 1820s–30s to supply the Royal Navy. Today, the beautiful Grade I listed stone buildings have been restored and given new life as restaurants, cafés, shops, and even a cinema. You really feel the history as you walk around — but it’s alive and buzzing, not just a museum piece.

Things to Do

There’s so much on offer: • Restaurants & Cafés – from Bistrot Pierre to Hook & Line, Wagamama, Seco Lounge and more. Coffee stops, wine bars, even a brewery — it’s food heaven. • Everyman Cinema – luxury cinema with sofas and food served to your seat. • Walks & Views – stunning coastal walks, sea views across to Cornwall and Mount Edgcumbe, and lovely lawns for picnics. • Activities – paddle boarding, sea swimming, yoga on the lawn, and a marina for boating. • Events & Markets – from food festivals to art shows and outdoor cinema nights, there’s always something happening.

Accessibility

We visited with my mother-in-law who is wheelchair-bound and were so impressed at how friendly and accommodating the Yard is. Parking is good, routes are mostly level, and staff in the restaurants and cafés couldn’t have been more helpful. Yes, some areas are cobbled or uneven (part of the history!), but overall it’s one of the most accessible historic sites I’ve been to.

For Families & Adults Alike

Kids will love the open spaces, the boats in the marina, and the chance to explore the history trail. Adults can relax with great food, drinks, and those unbeatable sea views. Whether you’re here for a lively evening or a peaceful daytime stroll, it’s got the right balance.

The Highlight

For me, it was simply sitting with a coffee, watching the sea and taking in the view across to Cornwall. The combination of majestic architecture, open water, and welcoming atmosphere makes Royal William Yard unforgettable.

✅ Summary: If you’re visiting Plymouth, don’t miss Royal William Yard. It’s more than just a spot to eat – it’s a full experience of history, leisure, and beauty by the sea. We’ll...

I do not recommend this hotel, devolved parking to a profit focussed parking company. Hotel staff since have been unhelpful and disinterested in guests. Stayed at the Royal William Yard for a wedding (which was local to the hotel). Arrived and parked then went to check in. Once we picked up our keys we went to the room got ready and left for the wedding. The next day we got up and left. A month later we got a parking ticket from SIP who were chasing a payment of £100 for a parking infringement for parking on site. No ticket on the car so no option to appeal within the specified number of days which feels deliberate and deceptive (I asked for evidence and got none, just a response saying we 'got you'. No info from Royal William Yard in advance regarding parking we didn't know we had to do anything other than checkin. Spoke to Royal William Yard who couldn't have been less helpful and told us they would not be getting involved even though we were paying customers staying onsite at the time we got a ticket - I mean, I'm sure they have the option to request tickets are cancelled when issued in this way . So now we are stuck with a parking ticket for a stay in their hotel carpark. Both the hotel and parking company should be ashamed of their attitude in this matter. In my mind if you pay to stay on site and checkin they should ask for a registration number and then add registration to their database of cars with permission. Watch out if you are staying here, maybe other staff are aware of the need to add registration details to their database but it's clear it's the guests responsibility to make sure this is done by hotel staff. Reading a few other reviews it appears we are not the first and I suspect we won't...

This is a great place to visit.located at the far end of Stonehouse Plymouth. It has changed a lot in time. Just has been up lifted deleveloping creating many Top restaurants, Art gallery , Bakery that's sells the most Amazing cakes and bread. Luxury Apartments with great sea views. It's has historic buildings. A small harbour where you can take a boat Taxi to plymouth barbican. Single or return. A walk way and stair way has been also made from the devils point carpark. Where now you can walk down the stairs coming into the back end of the Royal William Yard by River cottage. It's also has a tunnel where you can walk though bringing you onto devils point beach. Every Sunday they hold a very large food market. Selling all local products. Summer months outdoor cinema. Funday stalls . Jazz singer, Barbecue, face painting. Lots of outdoor advents. A large Christmas market at Christmas time. It has great views over looking mountegdeclombe. Plymouth sound. Great for walks. A great placeto visit of all ages day or night. Great for dining of a night time. Many restaurants to choose from. Indoor and outdoor seating. Lovely to seat outdoors in summer months Great for party's or any occasion.. Lovely Amosphere. Once I spotted two dolphins swimming in plymouth sound. Devils point is next door to the Royal William Yard . Another popular tourist attraction. Ideal for walks. Outdoor swimming pool.. I love this places I Highly recommend to pay this places a visit. You will Not be...