Dartmouth brings together defensive history, maritime collections and activities on the River Dart. You can make your stay cultural, or combine a guided tour and museum visits with a trip on the water or a walk along the estuary. The options differ considerably: alongside a public college tour with an approximate duration, there is a challenging circular walk and several activities on the river.
Castle, museum and town history
Construction of Dartmouth Castle began in 1388 to protect the town and harbour from French raids during the Hundred Years' War. Work on the Gun Tower began around 1481. It is considered Britain's oldest known purpose-built coastal artillery fort. Together, the castle and tower offer insight into the long-standing importance of defending the town and harbour.
Dartmouth Museum occupies part of the historic Butterwalk: a terrace of houses built around 1640 for wealthy merchants. In the King's Room, a collection of ship models, paintings and drawings tells the maritime history of Dartmouth. Other historical themes are also present in the town. The Newcomen Engine House commemorates the first steam engine used to pump water out of mines. The Dartmouth Mayflower Heritage Trail was created for the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage and tells the story of the town's connection to the journey undertaken by the Pilgrims. In 1372, St Saviour's Church in Dartmouth was dedicated as a chapel under St Clement's Church at Townstal. Nearby, Gallants Bower is protected as a Scheduled Monument and listed as an Ancient Monument; Bayard's Cove Castle is designated a Scheduled Monument.
Tours and walks
Tours of the Britannia Royal Naval College include the chapel and the Britannia Heritage Museum. Public tours start at the bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens and consist of a walking tour lasting approximately 2ÂĽ hours. They are offered throughout the year; advance booking is recommended. Check the individual dates and booking requirements, as well as the meeting point, in advance, as meeting-point arrangements may change.
Another way to explore Dartmouth and the estuary is the Dart Estuary Walk. This challenging circular route is 5.7 miles or 9.2 kilometres long and starts and ends at Dartmouth Station. It follows the River Dart estuary and explores part of Dartmouth. Different details are relevant when choosing between the two options: the public college tour focuses on an approximate duration of 2ÂĽ hours, while the walking route is defined by its length and challenging nature. Bayard's Cove Fort can only be reached on foot.
The River Dart, scenery and events
The Dartmouth River Cruise (Lower Dart) is a circular cruise from Dartmouth along the lower River Dart, starting and ending in Dartmouth. As timetables may change, it is a good idea to check the latest schedule before planning. You can also travel to Dartmouth Castle by passenger ferry from Dartmouth Harbour; sailing arrangements may vary seasonally. Steam & Cruise includes a passenger ferry between Dartmouth and Kingswear. Various watersports are also available on the River Dart, and Dartmouth offers access to the South West Coast Path. This gives you a choice of different kinds of walking or water-based activity, without combining them into a single route.
Dartmouth is in the South Devon National Landscape, formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The events calendar includes two different offerings: the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place annually on the River Dart and combines sailing and rowing competitions with live music and family entertainment. The Dartmouth Food Festival brings together producers, chefs and food lovers for a weekend celebrating Devon's culinary heritage. If your trip depends on either event, check the dates in advance. That way, you can decide whether cultural history, a walk along the estuary, a river cruise or an event-filled weekend should be the focus of your visit to Dartmouth.
Discover more destinations: Dawlish, Upottery, Chittlehampton, North Bovey, Plymtree, Torquay, Budleigh Salterton, Braunton.
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