Things to do in Dartmouth

Historic Dartmouth is a gorgeous Devon town, set on the banks of the meandering River Dart, about a mile from where it meets the sea. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Dartmouth, with vibrant festivals throughout the year, and attractions to suit families, couples and groups.

Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth Steam Railway and Dartmouth Regatta are all big draws to the riverside town, but dig deep and you’ll find so much more. It’s a dream for foodies, with top-notch restaurants and cafes to discover, and it’s also a haven for shoppers, with independent galleries and boutiques selling unique and specialist items.

As an introduction to the town, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to do in Dartmouth, but it’s one of those places that you really must visit and experience for yourself. For more inspiration for your holiday itinerary, take a look at our article on things to do in Devon.

Dartmouth cottages

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Dartmouth Castle

It’s not hard to see why Dartmouth Castle was sited where it is, over 600 years ago. A standing sentinel, watching over the mouth of the estuary, Dartmouth Castle has guarded against invasion throughout the centuries and offers today’s visitors arguably the best views in Dartmouth.

One of the best ways to reach the castle is by hopping aboard the seasonal Dartmouth Castle Ferry. The 10-minute journey is stunning, passing Bayard’s Cove with its quaint cottages and fort, and giving you a chance to look out for grey seals and even Dart salmon.

Dartmouth Castle is run by English Heritage and offers an adventure for visitors young and old – explore winding passages and make your way up to the top of the battlements where you can enjoy the outstanding view, before heading for a cuppa and cake in the cafe.

It’s a 1-mile stroll back to the town from the castle, and you can pop into Bayard’s Cove Fort on the way to admire the river from another perspective. Entry to this small fortification is free.

Greenway House

Agatha Christie’s former family holiday home, Greenway, is a delightful house packed with numerous collections acquired by the family. Pore over the beautiful ceramics, silver and books, including Agatha’s own novels, and wonder at the exotic archaeological artefacts from the Middle East.

The garden is equally inspiring, with woodland tumbling down the hillside towards the River Dart; a walled garden; an allotment; and a boathouse which is the setting for the crime in the author’s book, ‘Dead Man’s Folly’.

Greenway House is a little out of the way, which is part of its charm, but it’s easy to reach from Dartmouth on the Greenway Ferry. This excursion is, itself, one of the top things to do in Dartmouth; a river cruise which treats you to stunning scenery as you approach private Greenway Quay. For more interesting places to visit nearby, take a look at our article on days out in Devon for adults.

Dartmouth Museum

Dartmouth Museum is small but packed with fascinating exhibits. It is found within an old merchant’s house, whose historic exterior belies the treasures within. If you’re looking for things to do in Dartmouth on a rainy day, this is a great choice; you can spend as long as you like getting to know the history of the town through interesting artefacts, paintings and photographs.

Dartmouth’s maritime past offers up many a surprising event, including its contribution to D-Day; the invention of the first practical steam engine; and much more besides. Children will find much to keep them occupied, with interactive displays such as microscopes and stocks to play at being imprisoned, and lots of drawers to open and poke around in. Check out our blog post on the best days out for kids in Devon for more inspiration.

Just down the road from the museum is the Dartmouth Visitor Centre, where you can find out more about things to do in Dartmouth and what’s on during your stay. It also houses the Thomas Newcomen Memorial Engine, which was invented in Dartmouth by Newcomen in 1712. It was the first successful and practical steam engine and played an important role in the Industrial Revolution.

Dartmouth Steam Railway

There are few better ways to explore South Devon than on board the Dartmouth Steam Railway, which joins up with the Dartmouth River Boat for an action-packed transport-based day out.

The steam train links Paignton, in Torbay, with Dartmouth, treating you to some fabulous coast and countryside views en route. Chuff into Kingswear, where you can catch the ferry into Dartmouth for lunch and shopping, or head off on the next leg of your excursion on the river cruise. Take a look at our Torbay cottages if you’d like to position yourself further along the coast.

Another option is the Round Robin trip, which includes a steam train journey from Paignton to Totnes, a river cruise from Totnes to Dartmouth, a hop across the ferry to Kingswear and a steam train back along the coast to Paignton. Phew, what a day out – it’s not surprising that this is one of the top things to do in Dartmouth!

The Flavel Arts Centre

Live events, films, workshops and more fill the busy programme of the Flavel Arts Centre. As the name suggests, it is Dartmouth’s hub for the arts, providing a space for entertainment in all its forms. Watch new releases and old classics, experience atmospheric broadcasts of live events filmed elsewhere in the country, and enjoy music and more by talented bands and musicians.

The Flavel is fully accessible and also boasts a library and cafe – perfect if you’re looking for some quiet, contemplative time during your trip to Dartmouth. The bar ensures that you’ll be suitably refreshed for an evening’s entertainment. Workshops, classes and talks are also among the events on offer, so be sure to find out what’s on when you’re around.

Beaches in Dartmouth

When the sun is shining and you have a craving for sand and sea, the best thing to do is pitch up with your bucket and spade on a Dartmouth beach. Castle Cove and Sugary Cove are magical little beaches, tucked away on the seaward side of Dartmouth Castle.

Castle Cove is the first you’ll come to – a shingle and rock inlet which is completely covered at high tide but offers a delightful space to enjoy a paddle when the tide is out. Just around the small, rocky headland is the endearingly named Sugary Cove, whose moniker is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s not sugar-like sand there, but shingle and rock. Remote and quiet, it’s accessed via steep steps, and again, is covered at high tide, but its picturesque tranquillity outweighs the effort it takes to get there. Both these little coves are dog-friendly year-round, and with plenty more dog-friendly days out in Devon, Dartmouth is a great base for a holiday with your pooch.

If you’re looking for a more conventional beach, further along the coast to the west is the golden, sandy bay of Blackpool Sands. Backed by trees, lapped by beautiful blue water, and with cafes and amenities, it’s perfect for a family beach day. In the summer, you’ll find watercraft such as paddleboards and kayaks available for hire.

Get out on the water

Given Dartmouth’s desirable location by the river and sea, it’s the perfect base from which to enjoy water activities of all kinds. To explore the estuary in the most sedate of ways, hop on board the Dartmouth River Cruise to see the castle, Britannia Royal Navel College and Greenway Estate from the water. A tour upriver can be experienced on the Dartmouth to Totnes River Cruise from the same company. Another option, for those who want something a little different, is a trip on the coal-fired paddle steamer, the Kingswear Castle, which was built in 1924.

For a shorter excursion, hop over the river on one of the Dartmouth Ferries. Dartmouth Higher Ferry and Dartmouth Lower Ferry both take foot passengers, cyclists and cars, and there is also a Dartmouth Ferry for foot passengers alone. Other interesting ferry trips include the Dartmouth to Greenway Ferry, the Castle Ferry and Dittisham Ferries.

If you’d rather discover the river and estuary at your own pace, you can rent a vessel from Dartmouth Boat Hire, who operate seasonally. Go one step further and head out under your own power, renting a paddleboard from the Paddle Shack or a sea kayak from Kayak Devon (experienced kayakers only).

To round off this section on watercraft, we must mention the Banquet Boat, which combines the best of cruising on the river, with a mouthwatering meal of locally sourced food and wine – certainly an experience to remember.

Walk around town

One of the best things to do in Dartmouth (and it’s free!) is stroll around the town, taking in the historic architecture, beautiful gardens, picturesque quayside and plethora of shops, cafes and restaurants. On the riverfront, you’ll find Royal Avenue Gardens, a pleasant garden with colourful planting, a characterful bandstand and meandering paths. There are plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic – perhaps pick up a pasty or fish and chips from one of the cafes in town.

Dartmouth Harbour is a natural deepwater harbour which sees many a vessel coming and going throughout the day. A walk along the quayside is the best way to admire the boats. Smaller boats find refuge in the inner harbour, which is overlooked by colourful historic buildings whose eclectic decorative facades lend Dartmouth its distinctive character.

Search out the oldest building in Dartmouth, the Cherub Inn, with its wibbly wobbly floors, and wonky timber structure. Here, you can enjoy a delicious Sunday roast while soaking up many centuries of history.

Shop ‘til you drop in the galleries and independent boutiques – Foss Street is a great place to start. Spend time poring over the items in the specialist shops of The Old Market Square and find names you know along the quay and Higher Street. If you’re lucky enough that your visit coincides with the fourth Saturday of the month, don’t miss the Dartmouth Artisan Market in The Old Market Square. Discover more coastal walks in Devon to fill your holiday itinerary.

Dartmouth Regatta

World-renowned Dartmouth Regatta is the annual highlight for this bustling seaside town. The first recorded regatta here was in 1822, and to date, the town has held over 175 such events! Free to attend, the regatta sees week-long celebrations with water-based activities as well as events on dry land.

There’s rowing, sailing, dinghy racing, tennis, golf, bowls, darts and even a swimming gala – and that’s just the sports. Families can enjoy a whole plethora of whacky and wonderful races, including barrel rolling and trolley racing. Face painting, fancy dress, music and street entertainment are among the many vibrant activities on offer, and the highly anticipated firework display brings the regatta to a colourful crescendo.

Dartmouth Golf Club

The Dartmouth Hotel Golf and Spa Resort boasts a spectacularly scenic 18-hole championship course, set across 225 glorious acres. It’s also home to the 9-hole Dartmouth Course, which caters for all abilities and can be played as 18 holes. With rolling terrain and an array of water features, the courses make for an interesting game.

Warm up ahead of your round by using the practice nets and hone your skills on the putting and chipping green. And once you’ve finished your round, indulge in a luxurious treatment in the spa to soothe your aching muscles.

Coleton Fishacre

The stunning 1920s country retreat of Coleton Fishacre is owned by the National Trust and offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time to an era when Art Deco was in style. Once the country home of the D’Oyly Carte family, the house showcases Arts and Crafts design, with a fascinating collection of stylish treasures. Keep an eye out for interesting items such as the intricate tidal clock which is set within a detailed bird’s-eye-view map of the Kingswear Peninsula.

Outside, the RHS-accredited coastal valley garden harbours a range of exotic flowers and herbaceous plants, with woodland and wildflowers adding to its romantic allure. Enjoy the wonderful sea views, and head up to Scout Point for a chance to see seabirds and seals. Coleton’s shop, cafe and programme of events promise something for everyone, and children will be delighted by the house and garden trails.

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Tucked away in the Devon countryside is one of the South West’s favourite family attractions – Woodlands Family Theme Park. Thrilling water rides, rollercoasters, fairground-style rides and play areas await, with something for all ages, young and old.

Hop into an inflatable boat and go hurtling down wet and wild water coasters in the Cyclone Canyon Zone; be flung, twisted, bumped and swung in the Sea Monster Zone; and reach top speed on the slides, carousel, play areas and pedal carts in the Arctic Zone. There are lots of other exciting zones too, all packed with adrenaline-fuelled fun, with plenty for little ones to enjoy.

Eateries and kiosks are dotted throughout the park or pack a picnic and make the most of the benches and seating areas to recharge your batteries for the rest of the day.

Map of things to do in Dartmouth

Find all these Dartmouth things to do on our handy map.

Stay in Dartmouth

With so many things to do in Dartmouth, it’s the perfect base for a holiday and leaves you perfectly placed for exploring the rest of South Devon and the South Hams.

We have a wide range of cottages in Dartmouth, from former fishermen’s retreats close to Dartmouth Harbour, to large houses where celebrations can be enjoyed with family and friends. Take a look at our collection of Dartmouth holiday cottages by clicking the button below.

Dartmouth cottages