Things to do in Dittisham
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Things to do in Dittisham
Dittisham may be small but it’s perfectly formed and a great base if you’re keen on watersports, walking and chilling out on the riverbank. The River Dart is easily accessed from the pontoon, a popular spot for launching kayaks, canoes or stand up paddle boards. The Dart Valley Trail passes through the village so it’s perfect for exploring the undulating south Devon countryside. Dittisham is just a short drive or ferry ride from the historic town of Dartmouth with its independent shops, galleries and excellent restaurants. So if you’re planning a holiday in Dittisham, we’ve selected a few of our favourite things to do in Dittisham to help with your planning.
Things to do in Dittisham
Watersports – Dittisham Boat Hire will hire you a kayak, motor boat, sail boat or a stand up paddleboard. Spend a few hours or even a day exploring the meandering River Dart with its hidden beaches and creeks. You’ll find their office alongside the Ferry Boat Inn on the pontoon.
Walking in Dittisham – Walking in Dittisham is an absolute joy! The Dart Valley Trail runs through the village so you can follow it in either direction. Take the ferry across the river and explore Greenways, the holiday home of Agatha Christie enroute to Kingswear and follow a section of our Dartmouth to Greenway route. From Greenway it’s a further 4.5 miles to Kingswear, a delightful walk through woodland and along the river side following the line for the steam train.
Walk in the opposite direction and join the Dittisham to Dartmouth section of the Dart Valley Trail. This route takes you along the south bank of the Dart through the Raleigh Estate and Old Mill Creek coming out at the top of the before dipping down into Dartmouth. Read our guide to local walks here.
Picnics and playtime on The Ham – The Ham lies right on the riverside, a lovely grassy area complete with a children’s playground and pirate ship. Find a shady spot under the trees and relax with a picnic while the kids have a kickaround with a football.
Go Crabbing in Dittisham – Grab the crab lines and buckets and head to the pontoon in Dittisham. This stretch of the River Dart is the perfect location for catching lots of little crabs. Don’t forget the bait – they love bacon! Check out our expert top tips for crabbing guide. Don’t forget… create a natural environment in your crabbing bucket by adding some seaweed and stones to the sea water, this will stop the crabs getting stressed.Photo credit – Visit Devon/National Trust
What’s on in Dittisham
- May – Dart Music Festival – A free family friendly event with 100+ acts taking to the stage and performing throughout the town.
- Dart the Dart Foodie Fun Run A fun run with a difference! The competitors are all decked out in fancy dress and nibble culinary delights and drinks at a host of different venues along the way. Profits from the event help to support the Dartmouth Food Festival.
- July – Dartmouth Shakespeare Week Enjoy spectacular performances of Shakespeare with the beautiful backdrop of Dartmouth Castle – July 29, 2025 – August 2, 2025.
- August – Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Plenty of excitement on the water at the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta transforms the town into a hub of water-borne festivities.
- Dittisham Regatta – Saturday 16th August 2025 . This annual waterborne event is great fun for all the family. Book your Dittisham holiday cottage during August and you’re in the right place for rowing, sculling and whaler races.
- September – Devon Open Studios 6 – 22 September 2025. Watch the artist at work in their studios across the South Hams when they open up their workshops to visitors to view and perhaps pick up a piece of work to take home with you.
- Agatha Christie Festival 13th – 21st September 2025. A real celebration of Agatha Christie with a week of walks, films, workshops, cultural talks and performances as we discover her literary connection to Dartmouth and South Devon.
- October – Dartmouth Food Festival. A fabulous foodie extravaganza celebrating local produce and food producers as well as local eateries and chefs. Described by The Telegraph as “A heady mix of celebrity chefs, parties, food markets, tasting shacks and demonstrations.” A fabulous free event which takes over the town.
- November /December – Candlelit Dartmouth – Get into the festive spirit as the town comes alive with a candlelit procession and the arrival of Father Christmas by boat.
- The Polar Express at South Devon Railway for a magical Christmas Experience unlike any other.
Dittisham attractions
Woodlands Park – Home to the largest indoor play area in the south west, Woodlands is just 4 miles from Dittisham and a must for families! Think intrepid water rides, indoor soft play and a farmyard zoo. You’re in for an exciting and fun day out!
Greenway House Galmpton – From Dittisham, hop on the foot ferry and discover the former holiday home of Agatha Christie. It’s a real insight into the life and times of the ‘Queen of Crime’ which also celebrates her passion for archaeological expeditions. Stroll through the gardens leading down to the river, through the woods to the boat house… it’s where the final episode of ITV series Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Dead Man’s Folly, was filmed.
Photo credit – Visit Devon/National Trust
Coleton Fishacre Kingswear – Just across the River Dart, Coleton Fishacre can be reached via the Higher or Lower Ferry from Dartmouth. This charming Art Deco style residence is the former home of Rupert and Dorothy D’Oyly Carte. Interiors are beautiful and reflect the 1920’s especially with the resident pianist tinkling the ivories. Don’t miss the wooded gardens, the pathway meanders right down to the coastal path, they’re beautiful and dog friendly too!
Paignton Zoo – Explore 80 acres of landscaped grounds and woodlands home to more than 2000 creatures and experience conservation in action. Look out for the seasonal events and special offers on their website.
Vineyard Safari – Relax and stroll around the 32 acre vineyard at Sandridge Barton Wines in Stoke Gabriel followed by lunch. A wonderful experience with views over the River Dart
Photo credit – Paignton Zoo, Ray Wiltshire, English Riviera
Beaches in Dittisham
Dittisham Beach – A pretty spot by the pontoon which is only exposed at low tide. For a day out at the beach head to any of the following beaches for water sports, wild swimming and picnics.
Blackpool Sands Beach – This award winning beach with excellent water quality is perfect for families. The privately owned beach is on a sheltered bay backed by pine and evergreen trees. One of the prettiest along the coast sitting in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Great for water sports, swimming and chilling on the sands. Open all year with a dog ban in place from March to October.
Strete Gate Beach- Sitting at the far end of Torcross and Slapton Sands. Strete Gate is a beautiful fine shingle beach, a lovely picnic spot with crystal clear waters. Perfect for water sports and wild swimming. Amenities are good with plenty of parking and toilets. If you didn’t pack the flask you can pick up a coffee and a pastry at the refreshment van on your way down to the beach. Strete Gate Beach is dog friendly all year round.
Slapton Sands Monument Beach – A relatively quiet, beautiful long stretch of pebble and shingle beach. Access to the sea is steep but it’s a lovely spot for relaxing with a book, paddle boarding and swimming. It’s also popular with fishermen hoping to land a mackerel or two. Dog friendly beach. Restricted wheelchair access.
Torcross – Popular with families, Torcross beach is steeply shelving so it’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming. Sitting at the opposite end to Strete Gate is Torcross,. This small village has a pretty promenade lined with old fishermen’s cottages, cafes and a pub. The perfect spot for fish and chips on the beach, a pint at the pub and an ice cream. Opposite the beach is Slapton Ley which attracts many migrant birds and wildlife to its shores. This dog friendly beach is a lovely place to relax for an hour or so. Look out for Start Point lighthouse in the distance.
