Accessible and Inclusive Ways to Experience Culture in Plymouth This Summer

By Bracken Jelier

Plymouth is bursting with cultural activity this summer, and many events are not only free but designed to be inclusive and accessible for all. Whether you're looking for family fun, sensory-friendly workshops, or celebrations of diverse communities, this guide will help you find something meaningful to enjoy between August and September 2025.

We've grouped the highlights into categories to help you find what suits you best.

Free & Inclusive Festivals

West End Carnival
Date: Saturday 23 August 2025, 11:00–17:00
Location: Market Avenue, Cornwall Street and Frankfort Gate
This vibrant one-day carnival returns to the city’s West End with street performances, live music, family workshops and more. According to One Plymouth, the event “brings together the community in celebration of culture and creativity.”
Accessibility: Flat and step-free access throughout, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Seafest Plymouth
Date: 14–15 September 2025
Location: Quay Square, Royal William Yard
This waterfront weekend includes drop-in art sessions, creative heritage trails, and maritime-inspired craft workshops. Plymouth Culture notes, “Seafest is rooted in celebrating Plymouth’s coastal culture in fun, creative and inclusive ways.”
Accessibility: Most venues are wheelchair accessible and family-friendly.

Theatre, Music & Art

Summer in the Scene Dock – Theatre Royal Plymouth
Dates: Thursdays to Sundays, 7–30 August 2025
Theatre Royal Plymouth transforms its loading bay into an outdoor theatre space, welcoming community performances, music, and street food.
Accessibility: Step-free access, BSL interpreted performances, accessible viewing pods.

Ashtanga Yoga at the Aquarium
Ongoing through summer
Location: National Marine Aquarium
Dynamic yoga sessions in a tranquil, inclusive environment.
Accessibility: Fully accessible building, supportive of mobility needs.

Find Your Beat: Summer School 2025
Dates: 18–23 August 2025
Location: Barbican Theatre
An inclusive summer school for Disabled/Neurodivergent girls/women aged 16–25 years with workshops in dance, music and design.

Summer 25 Fit and Fed
Location: The Flat at the Athenaeum, PL1 2AU
Neurodivergent SEND sensory-supported sessions for children and young people aged 8–16.

Stiltskin at the Soapbox Children’s Theatre
Location: Devonport Park, PL1 4RD
Producing theatre and cultural events for children, with preschool activities, drama workshops and holiday clubs.

Exhibitions & Galleries

The Box Plymouth – Summer Programme
Dates: Ongoing 2025
See works of art by more than 200 children and young people from across the South West in the 'Surreal Estates' display.

29 Jul 2025 - 28 Aug 2025 - Creepy crawlies, circus performers, puppets and collage….Join us during the summer holidays to get creative at our family-friendly drop-ins with different fun and crazy activities each week. We'll be getting inspired by all the artwork in our amazing 'Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes' exhibition - just let your imaginations run wild!
Accessibility: Hearing loops, BSL tours, tactile and visual aids.

Wellbeing & Nature Events

Central Park Butterfly Walks & Rockpool Safaris
Dates: Throughout August and 10 September 2025
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible routes, child-friendly guidance.

SEND-Specific Events

Quiet at the Aquarium
Dates: 4 & 25 August, 27 September
A calm after-hours sensory event at the National Marine Aquarium.

Whizz-Kidz Online Activities
Virtual activities and employability sessions for young wheelchair users aged 8–25.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whizzkidz/

Rooted Sundays
Location: Devonport Park Activity Centre
Inclusive social group for young people aged 8–14 with additional needs.
Time: Sundays, 10am–1pm / Cost: £10 per session

Youth Club Thursdays
Time: 7pm–9pm
Social group for young people aged 14–24 with additional needs.
Location: Devonport Park Activity Centre

LGBTQ+ Inclusive Events

Pride Beach Day – Plymouth Pride Inc.
Date: Saturday 2 August 2025, 12:00–16:00
Location: Nelson Memorial Park

LGBTQ+ Meetups & Youth Groups
Dates: Ongoing

Sport & Activities

Fit and Fed Holiday Clubs
Funded by the Department for Education to support children on free school meals and other qualifying groups.
Includes SEND holiday clubs, family activity sessions and teen taster events.
More info: Search "Fit and Fed Plymouth Summer 2025"

Disability Football in Plymouth
Inclusive football opportunities through Plymouth Argyle Youth, Plymouth Warriors, Club Plymouth FC and Power Chair Football.

Other activities and events

YMCA 825 Clubs
Multi-activity holiday clubs for ages 8–16 including trips, street surfing, arts and sports.
More info: https://www.ymcaplymouth.org.uk/holidayclub/

Café Connect
Location: The Barn, Kit Hill Crescent, Barne Barton
Weekly inclusive meet-up with food-sharing, upcycling, and children’s activities.
More info: https://www.thepioneersproject.co.uk
Email: info@thepioneersproject.co.uk

SEN Sessions at Clip ‘n Climb
Dates: Sundays (term-time), Wednesdays (school holidays)
Calm climbing sessions for children with special educational needs.
More info: https://plymouth.clipnclimb.co.uk/

Plymouth Parent Carer Voice: Sensory Library
Borrow sensory toys and calming resources for children with SEND.
More info: https://www.plymouthpcv.co.uk

In Summary

Plymouth is showing real leadership in creating cultural events that are not only vibrant and exciting but also welcoming to all. Whether you’re looking for relaxed spaces, step-free access, inclusive performances, or events that celebrate diversity, this summer offers something for everyone.

If you know of more inclusive events not listed here, we’d love to hear from you so that we can add them to the list. Email bracken@plymouthculture.co.uk or share with us via social media.