Discovering Dartmouth

Dartmouth sits on the south coast of Devon, in the south west of England, bordered by Cornwall to the west, Dorset to the east and Somerset to the north 

Home to the annual Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta you’ll find myriad activities to enjoy on the River Dart from a cruise up river in luxury or an adventurous kayak or canoe. For land-lovers there is a footpath offering the chance to experience the stunning landscape and observe birds while simultaneously gaining gentle exercise!

The river is home to high-quality local food producers providing shellfish, migratory fish, wines and cheeses, all of which give Dartmouth it’s local identity and reputation for excellence in both produce and natural assets, and best of all, available year round.

If you’re feeling active, choose from crabbing, cycling or join in the town’s Music Festival if you’re here in May or watching the Regatta in August. Meander through Dartmouth’s ancient streets to encounter its history dating back to 1147.

There’s a wealth of nearby attractions including Dartmouth Castle, Greenway House – the holiday home of sleuth novelist Agatha Christie and the stunning Coleton Fishacre House and Garden, this RHS accredited garden offers bewitching sea glimpses, tranquil ponds and exotic planting.

If you’re after a dip, you’re blessed with two stunning secluded coves, Castle Cove and Sugary Cove next to Dartmouth Castle, but there’s no shortage of choice whether you’re after rock pools or simply coastal stretches to walk the dog.

From award-winning dining experiences to quiet rural eateries, there’s choice and variety for all tastes. 

Many venues have options for al fresco dining so you can soak up beautiful views of the River Dart estuary as you dine.

Head out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the town’s filled with choice, pick a new venue every day. Relax at a cafe in Dartmouth for morning coffee, sip a refreshing glass of wine on the banks of the river or splurge at a gourmet restaurant for a night to remember. While you’re here, don’t miss an authentic afternoon tea, loaded with Devonshire cream. If you fancy exploring further, wineries, breweries and farm shops are dotted all around the South Devon countryside ready to tickle your taste buds.

Being on the edge of the River Dart and at the entrance to the sea, Dartmouth prides itself on the freshest seafood, don’t miss the Dartmouth crab! Whether its sitting on the embankment with crispy fish ‘n’ chips, take-out seafood savoured at the water’s edge in Bayard’s Cove, you’re guaranteed the freshest catch. 

Dartmouth’s also renowned for its local farm produce, most restaurants only use locally grown vegetables and fruit and locally sourced meat. 

A packed programme of food and drink events occur throughout the year so you can taste the region’s rich variety, but don’t miss the Dartmouth Food Festival in October, the culinary highlight of the year.

With an eclectic mix of specialist shops and just the occasional high street name, the town’s charming and historic setting makes it a shopper’s delight.

Head to Foss Street, the town’s oldest, and browse enchanting boutique shops and art galleries or to the Old Market Square which houses unique retailers and is the venue for Artisan and Farmers Markets every month; check-out hand-made arts and crafts by local artists and mouth-watering products from independent local producers.

Nearby is Duke Street, home to the timber-framed ButterWalk building, part of a row of merchants houses dating back to 1635 and the Dartmouth Museum. 

Browse the shops, paddle down the river, dine on succulent seafood or simply drink in the harbour views, this south Devon gem is the perfect retreat year-round.

Plan your dream trip to the South West Coast now