Decommissioned nuclear submarine Courageous and a massive maritime and transport rally are among the highlights of the first Naval Base open weekends of the year at Devonport this weekend, June 21-22.

Visitors will be able to look round the growing Naval Base Museum, exhibitions on the Royal Navy Field Gun, firefighting and the Constabulary, along with other exhibitions in the historic buildings of South Yard.

These include the 18th century Ropery, the Tarred and White Yarn Stores, Number One Covered Slip, the only working hangman’s cell in the country, and the King’s Hill Gazebo.

Tours around Courageous will be by timed ticket to be booked on arrival.

TS Golden Hind Sea cadet field gun team will provide displays throughout the weekend.

As a special attraction on Sunday June 22 only the Open Weekend will incorporate a Maritime and Transport rally featuring more than 100 historic military and commercial vehicles, vintage cars and bicycles and model ships from across the West Country.

Stirring music will be provided by the City of Plymouth Pipe Band, and Mrs Beverly Matthews, wife of Naval Base Commander Commodore Andrew Matthews, will formally open the rally at midday.

Entry is free to both days, and the site is accessed through Granby Gate in Granby Way, Devonport, between 10am and 5pm.

Naval Base Liaison Officer Cdr Charles Crichton said: “This is the first of three open weekends we have planned for this year, and our third maritime and transport rally. We hope to see a repeat of last year’s hugely successful rally.

“ We have a wealth of artefacts and historic buildings, and with the work of this premier Naval Base they bear witness to the wonderful story of the continuing support provided to the Royal Navy by the people of this great seafaring city of Plymouth over countless generations.

“ We are looking forward to welcoming our visitors for an enjoyable day out and to meet some of our many dedicated volunteers.

“ We also welcome the opportunity to inform visitors about our plans and aspirations to tell the story of ‘Support to the Fleet at Plymouth, past, Present and Future’ in a new and exciting Naval Base Visitor Centre.”

Further open weekends are planned for Saturday July 19 and Sunday July 20, and Saturday September 13 and Sunday September 14.