Things to do in Dartmouth
Getting out and about on the river is high on everyone’s agenda when visiting Dartmouth. It’s also the best way to see Dartmouth so just go with the flow. Whether it’s a river cruise, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing or a motor launch, simply grab a lifejacket and you’ll have South Devon’s watersport culture at your fingertips.
Water lovers will feel especially at home in Dartmouth.
Like the rest of South Devon, the opportunity for adventure is in abundance. This is what attracts most visitors to the area. There is no better playground for small boats than Dart Harbour. Hire a canoe and explore the winding creeks or try your hand at some dinghy sailing from Dartmouth Yacht Club.
In the Dart Valley, explore the oak woodlands and temperate rainforests that are managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust. This is especially wonderful on a hot summer’s day when you can relax in the shade the valley provides and learn about the diversity of its habitats and species.
You will soon discover that Dartmouth has a rich and fascinating history.
If you are intrigued by mystery, visit Agatha Christie’s Greenway House and return to Dartmouth on a ferry from Greenway Quay. The Dartmouth Museum offers the opportunity to delve into the town’s maritime past. The beautiful 1640s terrace of rich merchant’s houses that the museum occupies is worth a visit, even if you don’t go inside!
Getting out and exploring the coast is a must. Picnic at Castle Cove or Sugary Sands before hiring a paddleboard at Blackpool Sands. These beaches are all found on the South West Coastal Path. Follow the path up to Little Dartmouth and take in the impressive, panoramic views it offers across the Estuary and beyond. If you are a fan of long coastal walks, Dartmouth is the perfect starting point.
The meandering River Dart is stunning.
Rising from its source amongst the rugged granite tors of the Dartmoor National Park as the West Dart River and the East Dart River. The two rivers converge at Dartmeet, a popular beauty spot where the River Dart continues its journey flowing through Buckfastleigh, Dartington, Totnes and Dittisham before reaching Kingswear and Dartmouth. A journey of 74 kilometers from source to the mouth of the river, just beyond the iconic landmark of Dartmouth Castle.
