A magical, picturesque harbour town hugged by a protective embrace of the surrounding Devon hills in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Dartmouth offers boutique shops and galleries, fantastic pubs, cafés and restaurants, stunning walks, and connections across Devon via steam train, bus, coastal and river cruises. Laze on unspoilt Blue Flag-awarded beaches or explore the river Dart on the ferries and steam train.

Kingswear has some of the most beautiful views across the River Dart and benefits from the afternoon and evening sun. Kingswear hosts two excellent pubs, bistro, post office, two cafés, quintessential general store, steam railway station and café, The Dart Marina and The Royal Dart Yacht Club. A slower pace of life with its own community yet well connected with three ferries to Dartmouth, steam train and bus services to Brixham and wider Devon.

An all-year round vibrant town with winding Elizabethan streets hosting independent shops, a market, art galleries, pubs and restaurants. Superb food at affordable prices, live music and events and cosy cafés. Sailing, fishing, boat trips and walking an area of outstanding natural beauty along the South West Coast Path.

Vibrant festivals run throughout the year including The Royal Regatta, Music and Food Festivals, arts and sporting events. Absorb yourself in England’s heritage at Dartmouth Castle, Agatha Christie’s National Trust house, Coleton Fishacre or the Britannia Royal Naval College, where the Queen met her future husband.

The quality of food on offer is outstanding thanks to the excellent collection of restaurants and cafés. The Seahorse Restaurant (part-owned by TV Chef Mitch Tonks), is located on the Embankment and a host of other restaurants and pubs offer delectable food all year round.

People return time after time.

History

Dartmouth played an important role in the UK’s nautical and naval history. Its deep-water port is suited to a wide variety of sailing vessels and Dartmouth has been of strategic importance since the 12th century. The Mayflower moored up in 1620 as the Pilgrim Fathers made their way from Southampton to America on their voyage to discover the New World. War Fleet Creek was the base for the sailings from Dartmouth during the Crusades. Dartmouth Castle has protected the narrow entrance to the port for over 600 years. Its medieval defences were started in 1388 by John Hawley and his tomb resides in the Church of St Saviour.