The Beauty of Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a small Devon town that presents great charm and character, probably one of the most picturesque and interesting in the West Country and designated an 'area of outstanding natural beauty'.

It is superbly situated on steep hills around the historic harbour, at the mouth of the River Dart. Its tiers of streets uniquely lined with very individual and sometimes quite unusual properties all converge on the town centre around the Boat Float and embankment river.

Two castles stand astride the entrance to the river and guard the approaches from the sea, whilst the Britannia Royal Naval College, set in its own beautiful grounds, commands one of the finest views over the entire town to the sea beyond.

There are many fine pubs and restaurants, frequented as much by the locals as by the visitors. Among the many shops offering the visitor almost anything they might require, are several specialising in local crafts. Dartmouth offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy shopping, fine dining, walking, fishing, birdwatching, sailing, beaches or fun for all the family.

Within the vicinity of Dartmouth are opportunities for cliff walking, swimming and wind surfing at the sand beaches of Blackpool Sands and Slapton, sailing and fishing, tennis, boat trips and bird-watching trips on the River Dart to Totnes and Dittisham.

Much of the land in the area is now owned by the National Trust and there are many historic houses open to the public within striking distance of Dartmouth. There are two excellent golf courses within easy reach and of course the Dartmoor National Park is less than an hour’s drive away.

The harbour is busy with yachts, sailing dinghies and fishing boats of all descriptions, with a full racing schedule throughout the year, which culminates in the royal regatta at the end of August.

The town has been carefully preserved and largely restored, with several Elizabethan buildings still standing, almost in their original form.

Dartmouth is a beautiful town, winning prizes for the Britain in Bloom competition.