Navy base is open to all

Devonport is home to the navy's latest assault ship, HMS Ocean

Devonport Naval Base is opening to the public this weekend.

The event is taking on an Elizabethan theme, as the Royal Navy fleet prepares to receive a new colour from the Queen on Wednesday.

Members of the public will be able to go on guided coach tours around the base, and visit the decommissioned submarine, Courageous.

There will be exhibitions on the history of the base and how the fleet is supported in Plymouth.

Devonport naval base Devonport is the largest naval base in Western Europe It covers over 650 acres, has 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths and five basins. The 1,750 civilian and service personnel are committed to the naval base mission "To Support the Fleet Worldwide."

As a special attraction visitors will be able to mingle with Queen Elizabeth I and her court in the Commissioner's Garden and learn about dance, music and life in Elizabethan times.

Sir Francis Drake will also pay a visit.

About 4,000 people attended the last open weekend in June, and the base liaison officer, Commander Charles Cricton, says they hope this weekend will be a similar success.

Entrance is free and via Granby Gate.