Rosemary with her journals, Live Cheap and Make Art Studios.
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Ocean Studios Royal William Yard

4.6
·162 reviews·, United Kingdom

A dynamic creative hub within historic Royal William Yard, featuring artist studios, printmaking workshops, and a vibrant gallery scene.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere & events

CrowdMedium
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Rosemary with her journals, Live Cheap and Make Art Studios.

Ocean Studios Royal William Yard

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere & events

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dynamic creative hub within historic Royal William Yard, featuring artist studios, printmaking workshops, and a vibrant gallery scene.

4.6
(162 reviews)

"This is a creative person's haven. The cafe is excellent too."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cafe! Homemade baked beans and oat crumble cakes are highly recommended.

🎨 Printmaking Magic

Experience the art of printmaking firsthand with workshops or demonstrations.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artist Studios & Galleries

Artist Studios & Galleries

Throughout Ocean Studios

Discover a dynamic space showcasing diverse artistic talent, from printmaking to painting. See art being made and find unique pieces.

Printmaking Workshops

Printmaking Workshops

Real Art Make Print

Engage in hands-on printmaking experiences, from traditional techniques to modern creations. A truly immersive artistic adventure.

The Pottery Studio

The Pottery Studio

The Pottery at Ocean Studios

Explore the art of ceramics with classes and open studio sessions. Get your hands dirty and create something beautiful.

Royal William Yard Atmosphere

Royal William Yard Atmosphere

Surrounding Ocean Studios

Soak in the historic naval yard's ambiance, enjoy sea swims, and explore the creative vibes. A perfect blend of art and leisure.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Creative Hub

Ocean Studios is a vibrant hub for artists and creatives. Explore diverse workshops, exhibitions, and studios. Arrive ready to be inspired by local talent and the unique atmosphere of Royal William Yard.

Fuel Your Visit

While the studios offer inspiration, the on-site cafe is a highlight for many, serving delicious food and coffee. Plan for a delightful culinary experience alongside your artistic exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Vibrant atmosphere & events
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter for focused visits
Crowd
Low
When
During exhibitions
Why
See latest artist showcases
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

These were my reactions yesterday when I saw these printed editions in person for the first time. As you’ll hear, I’m very impressed. They’re available to purchase on my website only until Sunday 🙋🏼‍♂️
@werner_bronkhorst
159.5K likes • 1.9M views

☕ Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cafe! Homemade baked beans and oat crumble cakes are highly recommended. Reddit+1

🎨 Printmaking Magic

Experience the art of printmaking firsthand with workshops or demonstrations. Instagram+1

✨ Royal William Yard = creative vibes, good food, sea swims & sunshine.⁠ ⁠ From wild swimming and paddleboarding to pizza, pastries and prints, this historic corner of Plymouth is where creativity meets chill.⁠ ⁠ 📍 Pop into Ocean Studios for artist-led workshops, visit Real Art Make Print for printmaking, and grab a coffee from @thehutongbagelco just outside the yard.⁠ ⁠ 🎨 Need inspo? Native Make...
artsuniplym
143 likes • 3.4K views
Check out my website link in bio or copy and paste www.tweenyatthepottery All happening here at The Pottery Ocean Studios in the heart of The Royal William Yard
the.pottery.at.ocean.studios
18 likes • 891 views

📍 Explore the Yard

Ocean Studios is part of the larger Royal William Yard; explore its history and other attractions. Instagram

🚗 Parking Convenience

Free parking is available nearby, making access easier. Reddit

Spent the afternoon with my talented friend at @tiedoverpress , watching pure magic unfold on a vintage printing press 👀✨ This little process film captures the rhythm, texture, and beauty of handcraft — making book covers for a special artist project. Shot at the beautiful Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard — a place that feels made for creativity. It’s all about the process — slow, intentional,...
michaelstevensfilm
0 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cafe! Homemade baked beans and oat crumble cakes are highly recommended. Reddit+1

🎨 Printmaking Magic

Experience the art of printmaking firsthand with workshops or demonstrations. Instagram+1

📍 Explore the Yard

Ocean Studios is part of the larger Royal William Yard; explore its history and other attractions. Instagram

🚗 Parking Convenience

Free parking is available nearby, making access easier. Reddit

📅 Check Event Listings

Look out for special events like the 'Print in Action' festival. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(162 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ocean Studios is celebrated as a vibrant creative hub within the historic Royal William Yard, praised for its diverse art offerings, particularly printmaking and pottery workshops. Visitors rave about the inspiring atmosphere and the excellent on-site cafe, though some have noted issues with coffee quality and service speed.

"Attended a Solar Energy Workshop there. Great location in an old naval warehouse. Room was nice and warm with modern radiators. Great light space. Superb bakery cafe downstairs."

Les Bristow

"Lovely lunch food and lattes here and always lots of different classes to take. Service is great too

I had an oat latte and dippy eggs with sourdough soldiers in the comfy seats

Really lovely vegetarian sausage roll deal. Great atmosphere and service"

Andy Bailey

"It took staff 55 minutes to make 1piece of cheese on toast a further 15 minutes to make a second to complete my order. £6 for 2 slices of bread and a sprinkling of cheese, what a rip off! Do yourself a favour eat elsewhere."

Martin Davies

What People Like

Inspiring creative atmosphere
Diverse art workshops
Excellent cafe food

What People Dislike

Inconsistent coffee quality
Slow service at cafe

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ocean Studios is located within the historic Royal William Yard in Plymouth. You can reach it by car, with free parking available nearby.Reddit Public transport options include local buses that stop close to the yard. The yard itself is also a pleasant walk from the city center for those who enjoy a stroll.

Yes, there is free parking available not too far from Ocean Studios within the Royal William Yard.Reddit This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car.

Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Plymouth city center to Royal William Yard, offering scenic views along the way. It's a good option if you prefer not to drive or use public transport.

Several local bus routes serve the Royal William Yard area, making it accessible via public transportation. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Ocean Studios is located in a historic building, but efforts have been made to ensure accessibility. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility details regarding studios and workshops.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the general areas of Ocean Studios and the Royal William Yard is typically free. However, specific workshops, classes, or ticketed exhibitions may require advance booking or purchase. Instagram+1

Opening hours can vary depending on the specific studios, galleries, and any events taking place. It's best to check the official Ocean Studios website or their social media for the most current hours before your visit. Instagram

You can generally walk through the public areas of Ocean Studios to view galleries and studios. However, access to private working studios may be limited unless there's an open studio event or exhibition. Instagram

The Royal William Yard itself is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely explore the grounds, admire the architecture, and visit the various businesses and attractions within it.

Workshops are usually booked directly through the individual studio or organization offering them, such as The Pottery at Ocean Studios or Real Art Make Print. Links are often available on their respective websites or social media pages. Instagram+1

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

Ocean Studios hosts a diverse range of art, with a strong focus on printmaking Instagram+1 and ceramics.Instagram You'll find exhibitions featuring local artists, printmakers from Tamar Print Workshop,Instagram+1 and various creative practitioners. Instagram+1

Yes, many of the studios and organizations within Ocean Studios offer workshops suitable for beginners, including printmaking and pottery classes. These provide a great introduction to artistic techniques. Instagram+1

Often, yes! Many artists have their studios or gallery spaces within Ocean Studios where you can view and purchase their work directly. Instagram

The atmosphere is described as creative, inspiring, and vibrant. It's a place where artists work and exhibit, fostering a unique artistic energy within the historic Royal William Yard. Instagram+1

While primarily an art space, the Royal William Yard is family-friendly with plenty of space to roam.Reddit Specific workshops might cater to families, and the general creative environment can be inspiring for all ages.

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is an excellent cafe located within or very near Ocean Studios. It's highly praised for its food, coffee, and atmosphere. Reddit+1

The cafe offers a range of options, including lunch food, lattes, dippy eggs with sourdough soldiers, vegetarian sausage rolls, and delicious cakes like oat and date crumble. Their homemade baked beans are also a standout. Reddit+1

Reviews on the coffee are mixed. While some praise it, others find it to be terrible and suggest it has worsened over time. Reddit

Generally, prices are considered reasonable, especially for items like the homemade baked beans. However, one reviewer found a cheese on toast order to be a rip-off. Reddit+1

Yes, Royal William Yard has several other restaurants and cafes, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences beyond Ocean Studios' cafe. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The historic architecture of Royal William Yard provides a stunning backdrop, and the creative studios themselves offer unique visual interest. Instagram+1

Look for interesting textures in the printmaking studios, the unique pottery creations, and the overall industrial-chic aesthetic of the converted naval buildings. The surrounding yard also offers great shots. Instagram+1

It's generally acceptable to take photos in public areas and galleries. If you wish to photograph inside a private working studio, it's always best to ask the artist for permission first. Instagram

While general photography is usually allowed, be mindful of any specific gallery rules or if an artist is in the middle of a delicate process. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb artists or artwork. Instagram

Many visitors capture the artistic process, the unique textures of printmaking, the vibrant colors of artwork, and the impressive architecture of the Royal William Yard. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Royal William Yard, where Ocean Studios is located, is a great place for families. There's plenty of open space for children to walk around and explore.Reddit While Ocean Studios itself is an art hub, the surrounding yard offers a stimulating environment. Look out for specific family-friendly workshops that might be offered, or simply enjoy the creative atmosphere and the historic surroundings. The cafe also offers kid-friendly options like dippy eggs. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives

Ocean Studios is your destination! Dive into the world of printmaking with workshops at Real Art Make Print Instagram+1 or explore ceramics at The Pottery.Instagram You can browse galleries, see artists at work in their studios,Instagram and even purchase unique pieces directly. The Tamar Print Workshop exhibitions are a must-see for printmaking aficionados. Instagram+1

🚶 Day-Trippers

Ocean Studios offers a perfect stop on a day trip to Plymouth. Combine a visit to the studios with exploring the rest of the historic Royal William Yard, enjoying lunch at the highly-rated cafe,Reddit+1 and taking in the waterfront views. It's an easy-to-access and enriching experience within a beautiful setting.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Printmaking at Ocean Studios

Ocean Studios is a significant hub for printmaking in Plymouth, with several dedicated spaces and artists focusing on this craft. Real Art Make Print is a key organization offering workshops and studio space, allowing visitors to witness and participate in various printmaking techniques. From traditional etching and relief printing to more contemporary methods, the studios buzz with creative energy. Instagram+1

Many artists at Ocean Studios specialize in printmaking, showcasing their work in exhibitions and often selling directly from their studios. The Tamar Print Workshop, founded by Mary Gillett, has nurtured countless printmakers over nearly 30 years, with exhibitions like 'PRESS' highlighting the depth of talent nurtured here. Instagram+1 This focus makes Ocean Studios a must-visit for anyone interested in the intricate and beautiful world of printmaking.

Events like the Print in Action Festival further cement Ocean Studios' reputation as a center for printmaking. These festivals bring together artists, demonstrations, talks, and hands-on activities, offering a comprehensive experience of the art form. Instagram It's an opportunity to see the magic of ink on paper unfold and perhaps even try your hand at creating your own print.

A Creative Haven in Historic Royal William Yard

Ocean Studios is nestled within the impressive Royal William Yard, a former naval victualling yard that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and leisure destination. The studios occupy some of these historic buildings, offering a unique blend of industrial heritage and contemporary creativity. Instagram+1

The atmosphere within Ocean Studios is consistently described as creative and inspiring. It's a place where artists have dedicated studio spaces, fostering a community of makers. Visitors can often see artists at work, observe the creative process, and engage with the art on display. Instagram+1 This direct connection to the artistic process is a major draw for many.

Beyond the studios, the wider Royal William Yard offers a fantastic environment to explore. With its stunning architecture, waterfront views, and other amenities like cafes and shops, it provides a complete day out. The yard is known for its 'creative vibes, good food, sea swims & sunshine,' making it a well-rounded destination. Instagram

The Pottery Experience

For those interested in three-dimensional art, The Pottery at Ocean Studios offers a dedicated space for ceramic enthusiasts. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, they provide classes and open studio sessions. Instagram

Visitors can get hands-on with clay, learning techniques from throwing on the wheel to hand-building. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the tactile art of pottery and create your own unique pieces. The studio's presence adds another layer to the diverse artistic offerings at Ocean Studios. Instagram

Booking for pottery sessions is typically done via their website, ensuring you can secure a spot for your creative endeavor. It's a popular activity for individuals and groups looking for a fun and engaging artistic experience within the inspiring setting of Royal William Yard.

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