Discover Dartmouth: History, the River Dart and Coastal Paths

Dartmouth is located in the South Devon National Landscape and offers different ways to get to know the town and its surroundings: historic forts, maritime collections, trips on the River Dart and walking routes. Those looking for holiday accommodation in Dartmouth can therefore plan their stay according to their preferred pace of travel – with culture, experiences on the water, landscape and culinary events as possible focal points.

Forts, museums and historical traces

Dartmouth Castle was begun in 1388 to protect the town and harbour of Dartmouth from French attacks during the Hundred Years' War. The Gun Tower, construction of which began around 1481, is the oldest known purpose-built coastal artillery fort in Great Britain. Dartmouth Castle can be reached by passenger ferry from Dartmouth Harbour. Bayard's Cove Castle is designated as a Scheduled Monument; Bayard's Cove Fort can only be reached on foot.

Dartmouth Museum also provides an introduction to the history of the town. It occupies part of the historic Butterwalk, a terrace of houses belonging to wealthy merchants built around 1640. In the King's Room, you can see a collection of ship models, paintings and drawings relating to Dartmouth's maritime history. The Newcomen Engine House commemorates the first steam engine used to pump water out of mines.

Further historical themes are explored by the Dartmouth Mayflower Heritage Trail. It was created for the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage and tells the story of Dartmouth's connection with the journey undertaken by the Pilgrims. St Saviour's Church was dedicated in 1372 as a chapel under the church of St Clement at Townstal. In the surroundings of Dartmouth, Gallants Bower is protected as a Scheduled Monument and registered as a Listed Ancient Monument.

The River Dart, ferries and walking routes

On the water, you can choose between different ways of exploring the area. The Dartmouth River Cruise (Lower Dart) is a circular cruise from Dartmouth on the lower River Dart, beginning and ending in Dartmouth. Steam & Cruise includes a passenger ferry between Dartmouth and Kingswear. Dartmouth also offers various water sports activities on the River Dart. The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place annually on the River Dart and combines sailing and rowing competitions with live music and entertainment for families.

For a longer walking tour, A Dart Estuary Walk is an option: the challenging route is 5.7 miles (9.2 km) long, begins and ends at Dartmouth Station, follows the River Dart estuary and explores part of Dartmouth. Dartmouth also provides access to the South West Coast Path. This information helps you decide, before booking accommodation, whether you would prefer to plan a trip focused on experiences by boat, historic sightseeing or a set walking route.

Guided tours and culinary events

Public tours of the Britannia Royal Naval College include the chapel and the Britannia Heritage Museum. They begin at the bandstand in the Royal Avenue Gardens and include an approximately 2¼-hour walking tour. The public tours are offered throughout the year. For a trip with a culinary focus, the Dartmouth Food Festival brings producers, chefs and food lovers together for a weekend celebrating Devon's culinary heritage.

The right base for your trip

When looking for holiday accommodation in Dartmouth, it is worth factoring your planned starting points into your daily schedule at an early stage. Ferries, cruises, guided tours and walks each have their own starting points. If you prefer historic sites and museums, you can structure your days around Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth Museum, the Butterwalk and the Britannia Royal Naval College. For a more active trip, the River Dart, water sports activities, the estuary walk and the South West Coast Path are the main attractions. This allows you to choose your accommodation based on the experiences you actually want to shape your trip, without combining different activities into a single circular route.

Other places for your research

Other places for your research include Clyst Saint Mary, Instow, Lapford, Outer Hope, Upottery, Ashburton, Washfield and Sampford Courtenay.

For the overarching travel overview: Devon.