THE NEW NATIONAL COAST PATH CELEBRATIONS

The event line-up has been unveiled for next week’s King Charles III England Coast Path celebrations on Friday 29^th and Saturday 30^th September. Two days of fun-filled entertainment and activities will take place to celebrate the South West stage of the brand-new national coastal trail – soon to break records as the longest in the world.

 

Hosted by Natural England, the events are an opportunity for all ages to enjoy and explore Plymouth’s stunning shoreline. The packed programme includes rockpool rambles and historic tower tours at Mount Batten, guided walks all around Plymouth Sound, and live entertainment, artistic adventures and family-focused activities at Royal William Yard – plus much more.  

 

The Plymouth celebration is one of nine events taking place across the country to introduce the King Charles III England Coast Path. Expected to be fully walkable by the end of 2024, this will be the world’s longest managed coastal path, spanning 2,700 miles around the coast of England. In the West Country, the South West Coast Path – which recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary – will form part of the new National Trail. 

 

This is the jam-packed schedule of events at each of the five locations along the waterfront – head to www.englandcoastpath.org.uk for the full listing of the South West events and booking links.

Friday 29^th September

Seagrass Activity 

10–11 am at Jennycliff Beach 

Join the Hidden Seas and ReMEDIES team, Natural England, and Ocean Conservation Trust to learn more about how they are restoring seagrass and vital homes for sea life in Plymouth. Play their climate change busting, carbon capture game and have a go at making your own wildflower seed bomb to restore wildlife around your home!

Guided Walk with National Marine Park Rangers 

11-11:30 am, departing from by the café at Jennycliff (what3words: ///blows.else.shape)

Set off with the Costal Rangers for a guided walk along the coast from Jennycliff to Mount Batten, learning more about the route and local coastline – with breathtaking views across all corners of the marine park and the River Tamar. Book a place here

Mount Batten:

Mount Batten Tower Open Day 

10 am-3 pm, Lawrence Road, Mount Batten

The 17th Century Mount Batten Tower – one of Plymouth’s key historic landmarks – has had a new lease of life after extensive restoration work. Enjoy a free visit and learn more about the artillery fort that once protected the Plymouth Sound peninsula. There’s no need to book but take a look at important information about accessibility, restrictions, and travel details here.  

Rock Pooling with the National Marine Aquarium 

10:30–11:30 am and 12:30–1:30 pm, Mount Batten Beach

The NMA invites you to search for animals in rockpools! Ocean Discovery Rangers from the NMA will guide you through a rockpool adventure, looking for blennies, crabs, starfish and more. Two sessions are available – book onto this free event here.  

The Barbican and Plymouth Hoe:

Guided Walk with National Marine Park Rangers

2-3 pm, Mayflower Steps  

Head off with the Coastal Rangers to take in the sights that define Plymouth, starting at the historic Barbican and walking to Tinside Lido. Learn more about Plymouth Sound, all with views of the most iconic parts of the city.  Book a place here.

Beryl Bike Experience

2-4 pm, Hoe Road (outside Pier One restaurant)

Hop on a Beryl bike for a free taster session thanks to travel initiative, Plymotion. Take a guided ride around the Hoe on a e-bike, and experience the sights and sounds of the Plymouth coastline from a new angle. Each ride will last around 20 minutes – booking link coming soon to the England Coast Path website.

Saturday 30^th September

Plymouth Hoe:

Guided Walk with National Marine Park Rangers

10–11am, Tinside Lido

The Coastal Rangers will guide you on an exploration of the coastal path from Tinside Lido to the historic Royal William Yard. Book your place here.

Royal William Yard:

South West SUP Paddleboarding Sessions

Various times, Firestone Arch

Take to the water on a paddleboard with South West SUP. Enjoy a 20% discount by using the code coastpath. This is valid for SUP Experience sessions, SUP Improver sessions, and Bespoke sessions through the weekend. SUP Experience, Bespoke sessions and hire slots are available at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm and SUP Improver sessions will take place at 10am. Find a session and book a place here.

South West Coast Path Guided Walks

9:15 am walk to Kingsand and Cawsand

11 am walk around Royal William Yard

1 pm walk to the Barbican

There will be three different walks on offer with the expert team from South West Coast Path. All walks depart from Royal William Yard, with one heading through the Mount Edgcumbe Estate to Kingsand and Cawsand; another is a tour around Royal William Yard itself; and another option takes you across to the Barbican and back. Find out more about the three walks and book your place here.

Summer sea swim with ACE Swimming

9-9:45 am, Firestone Arch

A session for experienced sea swimmers, join a morning session with a qualified instructor and experience the incredible coastline from the water. Click to book here

Leaf Printing with Micro Presses at Ocean Studios

10 am-4 pm, Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage

A free drop-in session, get creative and have a go at printing leaves onto paper using 3D printed micro presses. You can book in advance or just turn up on the day. Click here for more information.

Tree Ring Printing at Ocean Studios

1 0am-4 pm, Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage

Seize the opportunity to print using slices of the tree, which have been specially prepared to give a beautiful and detailed history of the tree. A free drop-in session, you can book in advance or just turn up on the day. Click here for more information.

Mini Print at Ocean Studios

10-11:30 am, Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage

A creative printing session for 3-7 year olds. Borrow a print kit, full to the brim with oodles of fun, and be shown how to work with the materials to enjoy printing play. Click Here for more information

Junior Print at Ocean Studios

10 am-12:30 pm, Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage

This workshop will run for older children to try different forms of printing. Get an exciting insight into the specialist presses and kit used for printmaking, drawing on inspiration from local artists who will share their skills and knowledge. Click Here to book.

Running throughout the day on The Green at Royal William Yard:

Incredible Oceans will host interactive science activities inside an inflatable dome. This is an organisation known for ‘outside-the-box’ thinking, bringing together science, entertainment, art and social science to make marine issues vibrant and accessible.

Get lost in the magic of Ashnihilation Augmented Reality artwork by Tom Milnes that visualises an imaginary world of flora and fauna using digital technology. The work deals with issues of rewilding and conservation in Plymouth. 

Enjoy Live music, with sea shanty bands and acoustic acts performing through the day featuring Rue Music and Anything but Francis, plus many more.

The Children’s Activity Zone will offer free outdoor-themed children's crafts, face painting and a Scavenger Hunt – grab a map, take the challenge, and claim a prize! There will also be South West Coast Path kids’ activities available.

Learn jaw-dropping new talents at the Circus Skills Workshop, run by Higher Beings. This is a free activity and no booking is needed – just turn up and learn something new!

Royal William Yard’s Geo Trail was developed with the University of Plymouth and takes you on a tour 380 million years into the past! Grab a Geo Trail leaflet, look for QR codes around the Yard, and find fossils in the walls.

The University of Plymouth will also host Geo Trail Tours[these have now sold out] and have a GeoScience Stand, where you can find out about the local landscape, create your own creatures and learn about fossils.

Independent seafood restaurant, The Hook & Line, will supply freshly and sustainably caught seafood at its fish market to take home, or have cooked by its chefs on the BBQ.

BLOCK Café will offer any hot drink and a slice of cake for £4 on the day.

Check out an array of interesting stalls from Natural England, Ocean Conservation Trust, NMA, South West Coast Path, Dartmoor Search and Rescue, RSPB and many more.

Try tasty treats– including hot drinks, crepes, and loaded fries – available from pop-up stalls. Plus Royal William Yard’s variety of bars and eateries are open for indoor and outdoor visits.