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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & events

Ocean Studios Royal William Yard
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & events

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic creative hub within historic Royal William Yard, featuring artist studios, printmaking workshops, and a vibrant gallery scene.
"This is a creative person's haven. The cafe is excellent too."

☕ 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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 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
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.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Creative Hub
Fuel Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ 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.
📍 Explore the Yard
Ocean Studios is part of the larger Royal William Yard; explore its history and other attractions.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Free parking is available nearby, making access easier.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ 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.
📍 Explore the Yard
Ocean Studios is part of the larger Royal William Yard; explore its history and other attractions.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Free parking is available nearby, making access easier.
📅 Check Event Listings
Look out for special events like the 'Print in Action' festival.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
Ocean Studios hosts a diverse range of art, with a strong focus on printmaking
and ceramics. You'll find exhibitions featuring local artists, printmakers from Tamar Print Workshop, and various creative practitioners.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.
Often, yes! Many artists have their studios or gallery spaces within Ocean Studios where you can view and purchase their work directly.
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.
While primarily an art space, the Royal William Yard is family-friendly with plenty of space to roam.
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.
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.
Reviews on the coffee are mixed. While some praise it, others find it to be terrible and suggest it has worsened over time.
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.
Yes, Royal William Yard has several other restaurants and cafes, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences beyond Ocean Studios' cafe.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The historic architecture of Royal William Yard provides a stunning backdrop, and the creative studios themselves offer unique visual interest.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Printmaking at Ocean Studios
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. 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. 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
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. 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.
The Pottery Experience
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit