Things to do in Kingswear
Kingswear is picture postcard perfect, a charming village with row upon row of pretty painted cottages clinging to the hillside on the banks of the River Dart. The views across to Dartmouth and out towards the mouth of the river are pretty good too. But this buzzing village is far from sleepy; there’s a vibrant sailing community, regular annual regattas and a couple of great little pubs and a cafe. Throw into the mix nearby magnificent historical houses, a wildlife conservation park and some of the best beaches on the doorstep – we think you’re onto a winner.
Crabbing in Kingswear
Crabbing in Kingswear If you’re planning a holiday in one of our Finest Stays properties and you’re familiar with our website, you’ll already know that crabbing is big business here in South Devon. Not only by the crab fishermen who head out to sea with their crabbing pots but also by visitors (and locals) who line the embankment on both sides of the River Dart. So when we talk about crabbing in Kingswear, we’re talking about the smaller inedible Shore Crabs. This little crustacean is enticed onto the line by a piece of bacon (or a smelly mackerel head if you can find one!) Once the bait is taken, the line is then very gently pulled up and the little crab is plopped into a waiting bucket of sea water. Avoid overcrowding the bucket… just put in a few crabs at a time to observe their antics, before carefully releasing them back into the water. Kids love crabbing; it gives them a sense of freedom (which is often so restricted) and takes you back to a childhood when you were free to play, explore the shallows and discover an underwater world in the rockpools on the beach. What could be better than lying flat on your tummy with both arms hanging over the embankment wall, line in hand and bucket filled with water at the ready. Crabbing in Kingswear is great fun for all the family and one of those kids’ bucket list ‘must do while on holiday’ things. The Finest team recommends holding a crabbing challenge; the excitement is all in the catch and to see who can hook the largest or the most crab. The kids will soon have you joining in and believe us when we say it’s pretty addictive! What can be better than a bit of sheer escapism and spending time with the family doing something that’s fun. Contact us How to go crabbing in Kingswear The best time to go crabbing in Kingswear is when the tide is coming in Tie your bait onto the line and cast it out as far as possible into the water. Try and aim for some seaweed where the crabs may well be lurking Hold the line loosely until you can feel a slight nibble on the bait. Be patient.. this can take a little while, perhaps wait for 5 minutes before pulling in the line Prepare your net and have it ready to scoop the crab before you lift it out of the water When you feel a tug on the line, gently pull it in, take it easy so that the crab isn’t aware of what’s happening and try not to bump it on the wall as you bring it in Pop the crab into the bucket of water. Once you have compared, counted and admired your catch, release them gently back into the water and watch them scuttle away. Don’t forget The crabs can nip in self-defence so remember to keep little fingers and toes away from the pincers! For more crabbing advice check out our Top 5 Mistakes When Crabbing. Or visit the Salcombe CrabFest which is usually held at the end of April/early May each year. Things to do in Kingswear
Kingswear Shops
Kingswear Shops Sitting across the river from Dartmouth, Kingswear is a charming village with sailing (rather than shopping) at its heart. There is, however, a local village store that is licensed and very well stocked for your day-to-day essentials. But for those of you in need of a little retail therapy, hop on the ferry and discover Dartmouth's excellent shops. Stroll through the meandering narrow streets lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, delis and high-end high-street brands, stop off for a coffee or lunch and make a day of it. Dartmouth has always been a popular town for shopping and it’s perfect for picking up gifts from the stylish interiors shops or perhaps a brolly in a downpour! Don’t miss the Old Market Square with its specialist stalls and shops. Friday is market day in Dartmouth but there’s also an Artisan Market on the 4th Saturday of the month and a popular Farmers’ Market on the 2nd Saturday of the month for the best local produce, fish and meat. And finally… When the shopping is done, pick up some fish and chips from Rockfish and find yourself a bench at Bayards Cove - simply perfect! Shopping in Kingswear and Dartmouth Saveurs Boulangerie, Patisserie and Chocolaterie, Market Street This great independent French bakery and café produces the finest freshly baked pastries, chocolates, cakes and bread. Fancy yourself as a bit of a baker? You can sign up for one of their French baking courses. Great for a coffee and a croissant. Wild Food Devon - Fish & Game, Mark Lobb, Market Square This established fishmonger supplies fresh fish, all caught within 30 miles of Brixham and Plymouth. Mark also specialises in game so if you’re looking for a brace of pheasants or fancy a venison steak, he’s your man. You can find Mark at his permanent spot in the Market Square. Triton Galleries, Foss Street An unrivalled collection of collectable limited edition prints and original art from leading British contemporary artists. Simon Drew Gallery, Foss Street Working in pen and ink, Simon creates quirky wildlife drawings combined with nonsense verse for prints, cards and mugs. Pop into his gallery and check out his range of ceramics, the gallery opened in 1981 and is one of the mainstays of the town but Simon’s work can now be spotted throughout the UK. Dartmouth Silver, Foss Street Contemporary handcrafted silver jewellery made in the Dartmouth studio. Browser Books, Foss Street Well worth a browse… this independent bookshop is packed with brilliant titles for your holiday reading. Paul Barclay Designs, Oxford Street Earning a reputation as one of the leading artists in the south west, Paul Barclay’s pictures of yachts and buildings are instantly recognisable. Nash & Duff, Newcomen Road Beautiful hand made bags from this independent British lifestyle shop. Treat yourself! Escape to the Coast, Lower Street Small local independent manufacturers showcasing coastal style interiors gifts and fashion. The Dart Gallery, Lower Street Two floors of works from select established British artists. Distinctly Living, Lower Street Contemporary stylish home and kitchenware and unique furniture design. Great for coastal inspired gifts! Jack Speak, Lower Street Stylish coastal clothing from this emerging Dartmouth based British Naval Heritage lifestyle brand. Seasalt, Fairfax Place Cornish based company offering functional, stylish clothing, bags, footwear and jewellery. Bert & Buoy, Fairfax Place Stylish and distinctive, Bert & Buoy sell original art on coastal homeware - British blankets, framed prints, cushions, tea towels, glasses and mugs. Crew Clothing, Fairfax Place This local coastal clothing brand started in Salcombe in ‘93 and reflects the lifestyle of the British seaside. Dartmouth Butchers, Victoria Road This family run business is Dartmouth's only butchers. They make their own sausages and all meat is all locally sourced guaranteeing traceability. 11 Clothing, Victoria Road This local independent store sells branded clothing, accessories and footwear. Smith Street Deli, The Old Shambles Smith Street Fab selection of local cheeses and deli products. Delicious coffee, pastries and lunches. Fat Face, The Quay This much loved brand selling easy going clothes was originally started by a couple of young Brits selling T-shirts to fund their skiing! Henry Lloyds, The Quay Clothing for the great outdoors, lovely tech savvy and mostly high end yachtie gear. Hollands (formally Dartmouth Boating Centre), Riverside Court South Embankment Great for outdoor clothing and boating gear. Visit Kingswear
Kingswear Travel
How to get to Kingswear Kingswear is beautiful… you couldn’t get any closer to the water if you tried. This quintessential coastal village is a thriving hotspot and a hive of activity during the summer months but it’s really quite accessible with excellent rail and road transport links taking you to the very heart of this beauty spot. Whether you’re arriving by air, rail or road, here’s how to get to Kingswear... Flying to Kingswear Well almost… Regular flights into both Exeter and Bristol airports are a great entry gate into the south west especially if you’re visiting from Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin, The Channel Isles and further afield. Hire a car at the airport and the drive to Kingswear should take you less than an hour from Exeter. From Bristol airport it's just over two hours - 98 miles if you pick up a hire car. Alternatively get the train from Bristol Temple Meads to Brixham then get a taxi to Kingswear. Driving to Kingswear Your trip to Kingswear is easier than you may imagine. As with any other of our South Hams towns and villages the M5 and A30 brings you to Exeter where you join the A38. Once on the A38 you keep left for Torquay which takes you up Telegraph Hill along the A380. Keep on the A380 and follow signs for Brixham and the A3022. Take a right turn onto the Dartmouth Road the A379 the follow signs for Kingswear and the B3205. Kingswear by Train Paignton is the closest railway station to Kingswear, the journey usually takes around 3 hours 10 minutes. From Paignton, pick up a taxi for the 20 minutes ride to Kingswear which should cost around £17 as a guide. Taxi Numbers If you’re arriving by train we recommend pre-booking your taxi from Paignton Station to your holiday cottage. South Devon is a popular holiday destination and you may find the waiting taxis are all snapped up. Choose from our ultimate list of Kingswear taxi numbers Ultimate List of Kingswear Taxi Numbers
Kingswear Sailing
Sailing in Kingswear You can’t stay in Kingswear and not get out on the water in some shape or form. Whether it's a quick hop on the ferry across the river to Dartmouth, a fishing trip or aboard a luxury yacht… the water beckons. Kingswear and Dartmouth have always been recognised as well-renowned sailing destinations and receive many visiting crafts from the UK and overseas. The deep moorings provide easy access to the pontoons with no need to wait for the rising tide before setting sail. The River Dart is very popular with kayakers and paddle boarders and is a great way of exploring the narrow creeks and discovering the wildlife along the way. To keep things simple, we’ve done the leg work for you and chosen local hire companies who will kit you out with all the necessary life jackets and buoyancy aids to get you out on the water. The Dart Harbour Sea School The Dart Harbour Sea School offers RYA sailing and RYA powerboating courses and yacht charter off the south Devon coast. Their qualified instructors and skippers will go the extra nautical mile to ensure you get the most of your day. Dart Harbour Sea School has some great craft including 4.8m RIBS, Fairline Phantom and their recent addition; the Bavaria 36 cruising yacht. Dartmouth Boat Hire Centre Visit Dartmouth Boat Hire Centre for the mini superyacht experience giving you the freedom to explore the meandering river Dart with its stunning waterfront properties, diverse wildlife and amazing views. The Paddle Shack Jump aboard one of the fastest-growing sports! SUP has taken the world by storm and it’s a sport that anyone can try. With a little tuition from the Paddle Shack you’ll soon be exploring the secret spots along the River Dart. Nomad Marine For an exhilarating rib ride, get in touch with Nomad Marine as they dash along the coastline between Start Point, Salcombe, Hallsands or Berry Head. Perfect for seal and dolphin spotting. You’ll find them at Double Steps Pontoon, Dartmouth TQ6 9AL or call 07458 386787. Sea Kayak Adventures Qualified instructors lead these kayaking adventures. A great way to get out on the waters and explore the stunning South Devon coastline with these experienced guys. A wonderful family day out! River and Harbour Cruises This circular cruise takes in some of the best spots along the River Dart including Bayards Cove, Dartmouth and Kingswear Castles, Dittisham village, Britannia Royal Naval College, Sir Walter Raleigh’s Boathouse and Greenway Quay. A lovely family day out which starts and finishes in Dartmouth. Coasteering in South Devon If you’re looking for adventure. this one ticks all the boxes … great for the adrenaline junkies out there! Explore the coastline along intertidal crevices along the rocky coastline by swimming, jumping and climbing without the use of floats, boats or boards. For extreme coasteering go for The Punishing Point around one of South Devon’s most exposed headlands, Start Point, packed with caves, narrow gullies and great jumps! Book through Go Coasteering. So if you’re planning one of our Finest Stays in and around Kingswear, get planning and book your watersports in Kingswear or get in touch with one of our team and we’ll arrange everything for you. For more info about where to go and what to do in Kingswear visit our blog.
Kingswear Beaches
Kingswear Beaches The beaches near Kingswear are perfect for building sandcastles with the kids or taking the plunge for a spot of wild swimming. Kayaking and paddleboarding are both available at Blackpool Sands, a lifeguarded beach where the kit is available to hire. Try rock pooling at Beesands followed by lunch at The Cricket Inn, overlooking the gin-clear waters. Who doesn't love a day beside the sea? Castle Cove This charming cove has beautiful views of Dartmouth Castle but if you’re planning a trip down to Castle Cove Beach we advise checking the tide times before you head off, the shingle beach completely disappears at high tide so you may have to postpone that leisurely picnic! Access - Hop on the ferry and take a stroll or drive out towards Dartmouth Castle. Join the footpath from the car park and take the steep path (100 concrete and wooden steps) which leads down to the shingle beach. Facilities – Tea rooms at Dartmouth Castle 50 meters from the beach Toilets Parking We love – a lovely secluded beach and afternoon tea at the Castle! Blackpool Sands Beach This privately owned beach is one of the most beautiful around and perfect for families with its Blue Flag accreditation for water quality. The location is pretty stunning too… backed by evergreen trees dotted with pines, the sheltered bay offers excellent watersports with kayak and paddleboard rentals available on site. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters or laze on the sands followed by lunch at the excellent cafe. This is a dedicated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is well worth a visit! Blackpool Sands Beach has a dog ban in place between March and October and is open all year round. Access Along the A379 Blackpool Sands, Blackpool, Dartmouth TQ6 0RG’ Facilities Blue Flag Awarded Beach hire water sports equipment cafe plus takeaway on site RNLI Lifeguards – seasonal, July to September only first aid facilities. sand pits for building sandcastles car parks Toilets beach shop We love – A great family-friendly beach in a stunning location with everything on hand! Slapton Sands Monument Beach If you’d prefer not to get sand between your toes, Slapton Sands is the place for you! This stunning stretch of shingle and pebble beach is less busy than its sandy counterparts. The sea is steeply shelving but having taken the plunge, it’s beautiful for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. Look out for the bobbing seals and the occasional pod of dolphins… We’ve even had a visiting whale spotted offshore! This long expanse of beach is very popular with fishermen spinning for mackerel on the summer and autumn tides. Beach access is alongside the car park. Dog friendly all year round. Access Drive along the A379 from Dartmouth and through Strete, passing Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands is another 3.5 miles. You can’t miss it! Facilities water sports – great for sailing, canoeing and kayaking but no sports hire shops picnic on the beach or on the grassy area by the monument ice cream van cafes, fish and chips and a pub in Torcross 0.5km toilets Attractions While in the area, a stroll around the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is a must! This is the largest freshwater lake in southern England and is cut off from the sea by the A379. Take the circular walk around the Ley which takes you through the village of Slapton and back down towards the car park. The birdlife is prolific! We love - the wild swimming and space for kids and dogs to play away from the crowds. Torcross Beach Another quieter spot is the beautiful stretch of shingle beach at the opposite end of Slapton Sands Monument Beach. Unlike Slapton Beach, Torcross has a prom lined with pretty cottages, a pub and a handful of cafes. Again there are no watersports hire but there is a slipway down to the beach so you can launch your own craft. Access to the sea is steep but it does mean you don’t have to wade through the water for a decent swim! Perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding within the clear waters of the bay. This is such a lovely spot to relax for a few hours with plenty of space for children to let off steam. Stroll up to the pub for a pint or pick up some fish and chips. There are toilet facilities in the car park right opposite the beach. Dog friendly all year round. Access Alongside the A379, Torcross, Kingsbridge TQ7 2TQ Facilities RNLI Lifeguards – July to September cafes and pubs along the promenade 20m from the beach. Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve car parking is available 20m from the beach across the A379. toilets We love… kayaking in the bay followed by fish and chips on the beach! Beesands Beach Off the beaten track, just a 10-minute drive from Torcross is Beesands, a mile-long shingle beach and a freshwater lake. This is picture book Devon with a pretty row of old fisherman’s cottages, a seafood shack and The Cricket Inn, an award-winning pub serving the best seafood pancakes! Daily fishing boats pull ashore and you’ll often see Conger Eels strung up along the green. Dine on fresh crab sandwiches or a takeaway seafood platter from Britannia Fish - simply perfect! Access Drive along the A379 from Dartmouth to Torcross along the A379 to the village of Stokenham, take a left turn at the mini roundabout and follow the road until you reach a left-hand turn signposted for Beeson and Beesands. Facilities Toilets parking pub and seafood shack eat in or takeaway excellent walk towards Start Point and Torcross along the South West Coastal Path. We love - the authenticity of Beesands plus the seafood picnics on the beach and wild swimming.
Kingswear Culture, Festivals and History
Kingswear Culture, Festivals and History Not only is Kingswear in a great location for messing about on the river, but it also ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a little culture and great dining. Just across the river, literally a 5-minute ferry trip and you’re in historical Dartmouth; famous for its music festivals, fine dining and galleries. If you’re a culture vulture this little gem has it all. Dart Music Festival This annual event takes over the town for 3 days in May and attracts some of the best talents around with a lineup of more than 100 acts performing at this fabulous family festival... And what’s more, it’s free! Dartmouth Food Festival A gastronomic delight for the palette and the senses and one of the top food festivals in the UK! Dartmouth Food Festival is free and fills the town with a heady mix of taste-tingling delicacies; street food, celebrity chefs, tasking shacks and demonstrations. Flavel, Dartmouth It’s worth keeping in touch with this contemporary venue, home to a cinema, theatre and library. The Flavel is right in the centre of Dartmouth just a short walk from the foot ferry and sits at the very heart of the town’s entertainment with regular music events, opera, art gallery and theatre shows. National Trust near Kingswear When staying in Kingswear, you will be lucky enough to have some of the best National Trust properties and outdoor areas in South Devon on your doorstep. From protected beaches to gardens with a view, there is plenty to see and explore. Make sure you keep an eye out for the various events put on by the National Trust throughout the year. Coleton Fishacre Just a couple of miles from Kingswear is Coleton Fishacre House and Gardens. Owned by the National Trust, this beautiful country estate is a reasonable 6-mile walk hike along the South West Coast Path. The tropical gardens are RHS-accredited and home to exotic plants, herbaceous borders and woodland with wildflowers. The 1920s Arts and Crafts house has fabulous Art Deco interiors and was once owned by the D’Oyly Carte family in its heyday. Dogs are welcome in the gardens. Greenway House and Gardens It’s a six-mile drive from Kingswear to Greenway House. This beautiful property was once the holiday home of Agatha Christie who solved many mysteries from her writing desk in this rather homely Georgian house. Today the entire estate is owned by the National Trust and the era of 1950’s style interiors reflects Christie's life and loves and includes exhibits of her clothes and memorabilia. The gardens are beautiful; there’s a vinery and a restored peach house in the walled gardens and a tea room off the cobbled courtyard. The front of the property overlooks the River Dart, follow the narrow winding paths down through the woodland to the boathouse on the banks of the River Dart and you can almost hear the words from the pages of a Deadman’s Folly ringing in your ears. Dogs are welcome in the gardens.
Kingswear Walking
Kingswear Walks Stunning scenery, easily accessible tracks and trails and an enviable microclimate are the ingredients which make Kingswear a great base for a self-catering holiday. Throw into the mix some of the best beaches and the freshest seafood and you’re on to a winner! So while you’re staying in Kingswear why not get out and about and explore the beautiful South West Coastal Path which runs through the village, you’re in for a treat. Time to lace up your boots put the lead on the dog and blow away the cobwebs… Kingswear is a great base for a self-catering holiday with excellent walking trails on the doorstep. Not only do you have the South West Coastal Path runs through the village but you can hop on the ferry to Dartmouth and benefit from the fabulous walks on the other side of the Dart. We’ve selected a few of our favourite trails to set you off on the right foot… Kingswear to Greenway This lovely walk winds its way along part of the Dart Valley Trail as it follows the river banks and creeks. If you’re a wildlife and nature lover you may be lucky enough to spot one or two roe deer, seals, wading birds and herons. The trail takes you to Greenway House, the former home of Agatha Christie with gardens which border the River Dart by the infamous boat house. The perfect spot for a cream tea. What could be more Devon than that? Pick up the trail from the Village shop in Kingswear and follow directions to Greenway. The Dartmouth Town Trail Hop onto the foot ferry which runs from Kingswear to Dartmouth and discover the antics of our ancestors as you explore Dartmouth’s rich heritage. A right Royal romp through the historic streets and alleyways, discover historical sites and learn how the town has played such a large part in the Late Queen Elizabeth II's life. Pick up the town trail here. Kingswear to Coleton Fishacre Head off towards the headland from Kingswear, following the coastal path in the direction of the mouth of the River Dart. This trail takes you to a brilliant viewpoint where you can see both the castles of Kingswear and Dartmouth, follow the directions here.
Get on the water…
Kingswear is the perfect village for watersport lovers. Located at the mouth of the estuary, there is plenty of space on the water for all. From sailing boats to canoes and paddleboards, the harbour is always buzzing with activity.
If you can’t get enough of the water, take a trip to one of the beaches nearby. Some of South Devon’s best beaches, such as Blackpool Sands and Thurlestone Sands, are within easy reach when you are staying at one of our Kingswear holiday cottages.
Stroll along the coast path
Beautiful coastal trails wrap around the village and are perfect for those who are after a more active holiday. Either take the Dart Valley Trail and follow the river inland to Greenway and Stoke Gabriel or opt for a more breezy route across the headland on the South West Coastal Path over to Brixham. Stop at Berry Head and see if you can spot Mew Stone just out to sea.
Discover the local area
South Devon is an area of the country that is rich in history and there are plenty of National Trust properties to prove it! Just up the river from Kingswear, you will find Greenway, the former home of crime writer Agatha Christie. The estate even features in some of her books. You can reach Greenway on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, or by walking part of the Dart Valley Trail. Coleton Fishacre is another National Trust property just a short drive or walk from Kingswear. The property’s spectacular gardens bloom all year round.
