Things to Do in Dartmouth, Devon

Explore Dartmouth's Incredible History

Dartmouth has been at the centre of English history for nearly a thousand years, and the evidence is still visible in its streets, buildings, and harbour walls. Here are the historical highlights you should not miss.

Dartmouth Castle sits at the mouth of the River Dart, guarding the narrow entrance to the estuary. Built between 1481 and 1494, it was one of the first castles in England designed specifically for artillery — built for cannons, not knights. The castle worked in partnership with Kingswear Castle on the opposite bank, and between the two a massive iron chain was stretched beneath the waterline to rip the hulls of enemy ships. It is managed by English Heritage and open daily during summer months. The walk from the town centre takes about 15 minutes along the river and the views alone make it worthwhile.

Bayard's Cove is a cobbled quayside at the southern end of town with a small Tudor fort at its far end. This is where the Pilgrim Fathers' leaking ship, the Speedwell, was repaired in August 1620 before continuing its ill-fated journey. The cove has also appeared in numerous television productions including The Onedin Line. It is one of the most photographed spots in Dartmouth and feels as though it has barely changed in four centuries.

St Saviour's Church was built in 1335 and contains one of Dartmouth's most fascinating stories. The iron door is decorated with leopards of the Plantagenets, and inside lies the tomb of John Hawley — a man who served as Mayor of Dartmouth fourteen times while simultaneously operating as a licensed pirate, attacking French and Spanish ships and bringing their cargo home. When Geoffrey Chaucer visited Dartmouth in 1373, he is believed to have based his Shipman character on Hawley.

The Butterwalk is an arcade of ornately carved timber-framed houses built between 1635 and 1640, supported on granite columns. The merchants who built them were showing off their wealth, and the carvings are worth a close look — including some rather surprising figures. King Charles II held court here in 1671 when his ship was caught in a storm and he needed shelter. Part of the Butterwalk now houses the Dartmouth Museum.

The Newcomen Engine is housed in a building on Mayor's Avenue and commemorates Thomas Newcomen, a Dartmouth ironmonger who built the world's first practical steam engine in 1712 — sixty years before James Watt improved on his design. Newcomen's invention powered Britain's Industrial Revolution, yet he remains largely unknown outside of Dartmouth.

The Britannia Royal Naval College dominates the hillside above the town. Every officer in the Royal Navy has trained here since 1905. It is also where a thirteen-year-old Princess Elizabeth met a young naval cadet called Philip Mountbatten in 1939 — the beginning of a love story that lasted over seventy years.

On the Water

Dartmouth is a harbour town and the River Dart is at the heart of everything. Getting out on the water is one of the best things you can do here.

River cruises to Greenway and Totnes run regularly from the harbour embankment. The trip upriver to Greenway — Agatha Christie's holiday home, now a National Trust property — takes about 30 minutes through beautiful wooded countryside. The longer cruise to Totnes takes about an hour and passes through some of the most scenic stretches of the Dart.

The Dartmouth to Kingswear ferry is an experience in itself. The Lower Ferry carries cars and passengers across the river and has been operating in some form for centuries. The Passenger Ferry is a small boat that runs between the two town centres and costs just a couple of pounds.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are hugely popular on the Dart. Several operators in Dartmouth hire equipment and offer guided sessions. The river is sheltered and calm compared to the open sea, making it suitable even for beginners. Early morning paddles when the river is glassy are particularly special.

Sailing has been part of Dartmouth's identity for a thousand years. Visitors can charter yachts, join sailing experiences, or simply watch the boats from the embankment with a drink in hand.

Beaches Near Dartmouth

Dartmouth itself does not have a traditional sandy beach, but several beautiful beaches are a short drive or boat ride away.

Blackpool Sands is about 15 minutes by car and is consistently rated as one of Devon's best beaches. It is a sheltered shingle and sand cove surrounded by evergreen trees, with clear water that looks more Mediterranean than English. There is a beach café, toilets, and a car park. It can get busy in peak summer but is worth the visit.

Sugary Cove is a tiny, hidden beach just below Dartmouth Castle that you can walk to from the town. It is small and rocky but peaceful and feels like a genuine secret. Access is via a steep path.

Slapton Sands is a long, straight shingle beach about 20 minutes south of Dartmouth. It has a fascinating and tragic history — the entire area was evacuated during World War II for D-Day rehearsals, and the disastrous Exercise Tiger in 1944 cost the lives of nearly 750 American servicemen. A Sherman tank memorial stands at the beach as a reminder.

Castle Cove is a small beach near Dartmouth Castle, accessible by foot. It is rocky and best visited at low tide, but the setting is lovely.

Where to Eat and Drink

Dartmouth has a food scene that punches well above its weight for a town of its size.

Rockfish on the South Embankment is one of Mitch Tonks' celebrated seafood restaurants, serving fresh fish landed just along the coast at Brixham. The harbourside setting is hard to beat and the fish and chips are outstanding.

The Cherub Inn on Higher Street is the oldest building in Dartmouth, dating from around 1380. It is a proper medieval pub with low beams, creaky floors, and real ales. The fact that this building has been serving drinks for over six centuries is worth pausing to appreciate.

Cream teas are a Devon institution and there are plenty of places to enjoy one in Dartmouth. One important note: in Devon, the cream goes on first, then the jam on top. This is the opposite of Cornwall and locals take it seriously.

The Dartmouth Food Festival takes place every October and transforms the town into a celebration of local food and drink with cooking demonstrations, tastings, and a food market along the embankment.

Things to Do in Dartmouth When It Rains

Devon weather is not always kind, but Dartmouth has plenty to offer on a wet day.

The Dartmouth Museum is housed in the old merchant's house that forms part of the Butterwalk. It has a fascinating collection covering Dartmouth's maritime history, including ship models, navigational instruments, and displays about the town's role in events from the Crusades to D-Day.

The Flavel Arts Centre is Dartmouth's cinema and performance venue, showing a mix of mainstream films, live events, and exhibitions.

Gallery browsing along Foss Street and the surrounding lanes is a pleasant way to spend a rainy hour. Several galleries showcase work by local artists.

Pub crawling through Dartmouth's historic pubs is a perfectly legitimate rainy day activity. The Cherub, the Royal Castle Hotel, and several harbour-front bars all have their own character.

Family Activities in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a great destination for families, with plenty to keep children of all ages entertained.

Crabbing on the embankment is a Dartmouth tradition. Families line the harbour wall with buckets and lines, hoping to catch crabs from the river. Bait and equipment can be bought from shops along the waterfront.

The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs between Kingswear (linked to Dartmouth by ferry) and Paignton. The heritage steam train travels along a beautiful stretch of coast and through tunnels, and children love it. Combined tickets with the ferry crossing are available.

Woodlands Family Theme Park is about 15 minutes from Dartmouth and has rides, water slides, an indoor play area, and falconry displays. It is one of the biggest family attractions in South Devon.

Rock pooling at low tide around Castle Cove and Sugary Cove is free, educational, and endlessly absorbing for children.

Couples and Date Ideas

Dartmouth is one of the most romantic small towns in Devon, and there is plenty to do beyond dinner and drinks.

A sunset boat trip up the Dart or along the coast is difficult to beat as a romantic experience. Several operators offer private charters.

Coastal walks along the South West Coast Path from Dartmouth in either direction offer dramatic scenery. The walk south towards Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands takes about an hour and has stunning views.

The Stones & Stories treasure hunt makes for an unusual and memorable date. Solving riddles together, discovering hidden history, and competing against other couples on the leaderboard is a much more engaging shared experience than sitting in a restaurant — though you can do that afterwards.

Annual Events

Dartmouth's events calendar is one of the best in South Devon.

The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place over three days at the end of August and is the highlight of the town's year. Boat races, live music, the Red Arrows air display, fireworks, and a Royal Navy guard ship make it a spectacular event. The town is packed and accommodation books up months in advance.

The Dartmouth Food Festival in October celebrates the region's food and drink with demonstrations from leading chefs, artisan markets, and tastings.

The Dart Music Festival in May brings a weekend of live music to venues across the town.

Christmas in Dartmouth features candlelit late-night shopping, markets, and a festive atmosphere through the narrow lanes.

Getting to Dartmouth & Practical Information

By car: Dartmouth is reached via the A3122 from the A381. From London, the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours via the M5 and A38. From Bristol, about 2 hours. Parking in Dartmouth is limited and the town gets very busy in summer — the Park and Ride service (postcode TQ6 0JL) is strongly recommended.

By train: The nearest mainline station is Totnes, which is on the London Paddington to Plymouth line. From Totnes, buses run to Dartmouth. Alternatively, travel to Paignton and take the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear, then the ferry across to Dartmouth — a more scenic option.

By ferry: If approaching from the Torbay direction, the Kingswear to Dartmouth ferry carries cars and saves a long drive around via Totnes.

Best time to visit: Dartmouth is lovely year-round but is busiest from June to September. May and October offer good weather with fewer crowds. The town has a different character in winter — quieter, moodier, and atmospheric.

Plan Your Dartmouth Day Out