Devonport Open Days
Devonport Open Days 2026
We’re back: 24 July at Devonport Royal Dockyard
Step inside one of the UK’s most historic and advanced naval facilities as Devonport Open Days return this July.
After last year’s incredible turnout, Babcock and the Royal Navy are pleased to be opening the gates once again.
Whether you’re fascinated by engineering, curious about naval heritage, or simply looking for a great family day out, this year’s event is for you.
We’re also inviting families of those working on site to join us on 23 July 2026. A separate booking process has been shared with those eligible.
Highlights from last year’s event
Thousands of visitors joined us for behind‑the‑scenes access, ship tours, and immersive STEM activities. Take a look at the energy, innovation, and community spirit that made last year such a success
Event details
Date: 24 July
Location: Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth
More detail on timings, travel and security will be available closer to the event.
What you can expect
Visitors will enjoy:
- Behind‑the‑scenes access to historic and operational areas of the dockyard
- Live demonstrations from engineers, apprentices, and technical specialists
- STEM activities designed for curious minds of all ages
- Food, drink, and rest zones to help you make a full day of it
- Accessibility support to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience
- Improved transport links to and from the venue
A full programme of activities will be released soon.
Tickets and schedule
We are using a new ticket system this year.
Follow us on social media for updates and announcements or join the Devonport Open Days event on Facebook.
Why we open our doors
Devonport Open Days is our way of celebrating the people, engineering, and innovation that keep the nation safe, and inspiring the next generation of engineers. From apprentices to specialists, our teams are passionate about sharing their work and welcoming the community into this extraordinary workplace.
Want to exhibit?
We are inviting expressions of interest from commercial companies, HMNB Devonport suppliers, engineering companies, STEM organisations, universities and colleges, local Plymouth historical groups, veterans’ organisations and charities to exhibit at the Devonport Open Days on 23 and 24 July 2026.
This flagship Plymouth community event, staged at HMNB Devonport, offers a unique opportunity to showcase your work, engage with thousands of visitors, celebrate our rich maritime heritage, and highlight innovation, skills and support services connected to Babcock, the MOD and the wider local community.
If you would like to be part of this exciting two-day event, please download and complete the PDF application form from the link below and return your completed form by email to [email protected].
Download application
Frequently asked questions
The Devonport Open Days events will be held at HMNB Devonport and Babcock’s Devonport Dockyard and are a joint venture between the Royal Navy and Babcock International Group.
The Devonport Open Day events are designed to allow the local community and future workforce access to specified areas of HMNB Devonport, a unique and complex site. We are looking to share with you a little insight to some of our work and our key partners who contribute to the delivery of some of the top UK defence programmes, right here in Plymouth on the banks of the River Tamar. The site will remain an operational HM Naval Base, home to sailors and commercial refit yard to ships and nuclear submarines, throughout the open day, so please be respectful of all signs and instructions from event staff who are looking to maximise your enjoyment and access, whilst maintaining everyone’s safety and security.
HMNB Devonport is a Nuclear licensed site protected under the National Security Act 2023 as a Prohibited place, which does not routinely permit access to non-UK Nationals. Therefore, attendance for the 24 July applicants will be restricted, with proof of British nationality (see list below for all guest 16 years and older) required at the point of entry and nationality proof aligning to your ticket application – the MOD reserves the right to refuse entry to non-UK citizens. As this is designed as an engagement event, we reserve the right to prioritise entrants against specific criteria where oversubscription occurs.
Acceptable proof of nationality:
- a British passport,
- a British birth certificate (with photo ID)
- a Certificate of Naturalisation (with photo ID)
- a British citizenship ceremony registration certificate (with photo ID)
Please ensure that if you are presenting a birth certificate as identification you will also need to show one form of photo ID. Failure to present one of the above when asked, will result in entry to HM Naval Base Devonport being declined for the Open Day event.
All ticket holders will need to show their tickets along with photo ID on the day to gain entry onto the Park & Ride buses at the Park & Ride locations and at the event entrance.
Children under the age of 16 do not require photo ID.
It is advisable to also print copies of your tickets in the event of electronic device failure or it runs out of battery.
When applying for tickets all attendees over the age of 16 will be required to enter their full name, address, and date of birth into the ticket booking site.
Infants up to the age of 2 years old do not require a ticket.
There will be no public parking on-site at HMNB Devonport and ticket holders, including staff, are encouraged to use the Devonport Open Days FREE Park & Ride service from Milehouse, Coypool and City Centre Park & Ride sites.
| City centre | TBC | what3words location TBC |
| Milehouse | PL2 3DA | what3words location shell.split.ticket |
| Coypool Road | PL7 4TB | what3words location blog.fear.tiles |
Ticket holders can arrive at the event site by foot and signposts will direct visitors to the event entrance at the Camels Head area of the site. Devonport Open Days event entry will not be permitted via any other Dockyard entrance gate other than at Camels Head.
The first Park & Ride buses will depart from the Milehouse, Coypool and City Centre Park & Ride sites at 9.00am and will continue running throughout the day. Please be aware that there will be an increase in traffic in and around the Devonport site, this might impact the journey time at peak times, please be mindful of this when planning your journey.
HMNB Devonport car pass holders may use their normal car parking allocation outside of the Devonport Open Days site but will not be able to access the event through any other gate than Camels Head event entrance gate
Accessible Lanyards are a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent. If you do need additional support or assistance please email [email protected].
Any Accessible Lanyards ordered will be available for collection at the ticket check and bag search area on the day. They will not be issued in advance.
There is wheelchair access at the site although certain attractions will not be suitable or accessible for wheelchair users.
Visitors with limited mobility, those with heart or respiratory problems and those that suffer from vertigo, may find access to certain attractions more challenging. However, we do not want anyone to miss out, so if you are in any doubt whatsoever about venue accessibility, we recommend that you contact the event office via email [email protected] to discuss your particular requirements.
Event Stewards will be on hand to help anyone who needs it. If you’re looking a little lost, don’t be surprised if they approach you – they are there to help. If you notice something that doesn’t seem right, please tell them and they will do the rest. We work closely with the MOD police and event security officers to ensure everyone can enjoy the event safely and securely.
Accessible and public toilets will be available throughout the event site on ground level.
Guests are asked to keep personal possessions to a minimum to assist with security searches at the point of entry. A bag or other bulky items could lead to you being delayed during the security checks on entry.
Event attendees shall be required to always keep their personal belongings with them, and we accept no liability for damage to, or loss of, personal belongings.
All ticket holders will be subject to security and ID checks that will be conducted at the Park & Ride sites and at the main event entrance to HMNB Devonport.
We do not accept any responsibility for any loss including (without limitation) theft of any property occasioned on our premises save for any damage caused by our negligence in which circumstances our liability shall be limited to the amount of our insurance for such losses.
No pets are allowed into the event unless it is a Guide or Assistance dog.
The unauthorised commercial use of cameras, video, or sound recording equipment is strictly prohibited at the Devonport Open Days event, and such items may be confiscated.
Digital cameras are not permitted on the event site.
Mobile phone cameras are permitted on the event site for private use only.
There is nowhere that a drone can be legally used in and around Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Only drinks in clear containers may be brought into the event.
The Devonport Open Days events are unlikely to be cancelled due to bad weather, but the possibility cannot be completely ruled out.
Special effects may include, without limitation, sound, audio visual, and pyrotechnic effects.
If ticket holders have any concerns about special effects which may be featured at the event, contact the event office via email [email protected]
Visitors will enjoy:
- Subject to operational commitments, there will be ships and other Royal Navy vessels participating in Devonport Open Days with the opportunity for people to step onboard
- Behind‑the‑scenes access to historic and operational areas of the dockyard
- Live demonstrations from engineers, apprentices, and technical specialists
- STEM activities designed for curious minds of all ages
- Food, drink, and rest zones to help you make a full day of it
- Accessibility support to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience
- Increased transport links to and from the venue
A full programme of activities will be released soon.
The Devonport Open Days event site covers a large area and lots of walking will be required so please wear suitable footwear and consider pushchairs for younger children.
Hot and cold food and drinks will be available to purchase at the event. We encourage you to bring a light picnic, such as a sandwich lunch. No cutlery to be brought to the event.
Suitable seating will be available within the Food Zone for families to enjoy their picnics while watching the Kitchen Theatre demonstration stage. Follow us on social media for updates and announcements or join the Devonport Open Days event on Facebook. Urgent queries should be sent to [email protected]