Dartmouth

For details of places to stay and things to do in Dartmouth, Devon, please try the links on the left.

Dartmouth is a mesh of narrow lanes, stairways and corridors and plenty of medieval and Elizabethan streetscape, making Dartmouth a must see for anyone in South Devon.

The town is located on one side of the River Dart Estuary, one of the most picturesque in South Devon. Dartmouth has a great reputation for fresh local food and there are arts, antiques, and craft outlets just about everywhere on the quayside area of town.

Many buildings remain from the 16th and 17th centuries; Dartmouth's oldest building dating back to 1380. The magnificent Britannia Royal Naval College is where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II met Prince Philip and is open to the public at certain times of year.

Allow half a day at least for a basic tour of the town which should include Bayards Cove, a cobbled medieval quay and 16th century coastal defence tower.

The town also has a spectacular castle which is well worth a visit. Six centuries of the castle's history are revealed in the displays, and visitors are also able to climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the spectacular views across the estuary.

The River Dart is a spectacular coastal element and boat trips provide visitors with spectacular views of the town and further up the estuary.

Opposite Dartmouth, across the estuary, is Kingswear which leads down to the Dartmouth car and passenger ferries. From Kingswear you can make your way to Greenway, the holiday retreat of Dame Agatha Christie which is a must for those exploring literary links in South Devon.
The house is owned by the National Trust and a day can easily pass by wandering in the gardens or viewing the house.