Local Area / Events
Food & Drink - Places to eat are plentiful along the harbour front and some hidden gems along the historic streets, from Fish and Chips, sandwiches, cafes, pubs and restaurants there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Shopping - from specialist local independent shops through to high street brands you will be able to find almost everything you need either for yourself or as a gift to take home. Along with galleries and the market.
Events - Dartmouth is full of great events, whether it’s seasonal events like Christmas, Halloween, Easter or Valentine, or regular events like the Farmers Markets, music or food festivals and not forgetting the Royal Regatta held each August. There’s sure to be an event taking place that you can enjoy.
Historical Dartmouth - Situated on the River Dart in Devon’s South Hams, Dartmouth was originally a nearby hilltop village and church at Townstal, Dartmouth’s origins derive from soon after the Norman Conquest when the French realised the value of the safe harbour for cross-channel voyages to their territories in Normandy. The rapid development was such that by the 12th century the town was used as an assembly point for a fleet of 146 ships setting out on the Second Crusade in 1147, and again in 1190, when more than 100 vessels embarked upon the Third Crusade. These events have given the name to Warfleet Creek, which lies just inside the river mouth.
During the wars with France, the danger of attacks from across the Channel led to the construction by John Hawley of Dartmouth Castle at the mouth of the river.
This was completed around 1400, and was provided with a moveable chain connected to another fort on the Kingswear side of the river to prevent river-borne attacks on the town. The castle was one of the first in the country to have provision for gunpowder artillery, and has been altered and adapted many times as weapons technology has progressed.
Other places to visit:
- Strete - 5 miles
- Totnes - 11 miles
- Dartington - 13 miles
- Paignton - 18 miles
- Torquay - 20 miles
- Plymouth - 29 miles
- Exeter Racecourse - 33 miles
There are plenty of National Trust places to visit during your stay:
Little Dartmouth and Gallants Bower just a 10 minute drive away with great coastal walks on the south west coastal path.
Greenway House and gardens near Brixham with a bonus of taking the ferry across the River Dart the onsite facilities include cafe, shop along with the boathouse where the scene of the crime in Agatha Christie's mystery "Dead Man's Folly" was filmed.
Fishacre Coleton house and gardens including a shop and cafe, with routes to Froward point, coleton camp and beaches.
Feeling more active then there are ample places to walk around, in town there are trails to explore the history of Dartmouth along with the coastal path from Dartmouth Castle. Cycle trails include Dartmouth to Totnes, with the Dart Valley Cycle Way. For more places just visit National Trust Search | National Trust.
These are just a few things that the area has to offer for further events or things to do just visit Discover Dartmouth – Things to do or Visit Dartmouth - The Official Visitor Centre Information Website
Have a look at our facebook page for more pictures and local eateries, businesses.
