Originating from a high moorland plateau in Dartmoor and meandering its way down to the sea at Dartmouth, the River Dart is one of Devon’s most scenic waterways and home to an array of wildlife from seals to dolphins, as well as must-visit attractions like Agatha Christie’s Greenway.
On a staycation, nothing compares to a day on the beach, and in South Devon, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best beaches, as it has around 120 miles of coastline and over 50 beaches waiting to be explored. But with so much choice, narrowing down a beach that will keep all members of the family entertained can be tricky.
If you’re planning a getaway during the UK summer holidays 2025, Dartmouth should be high on your list. This Devon town offers everything families, couples, and groups need for a memorable coastal escape: stunning views, beautiful beaches, top-notch food, and enough adventure to fill your entire break.
For anyone visiting South Devon, Bayard’s Cove Fort (formerly known as Berescove and Bearscore Castle) is one of the most magical attractions hidden in plain sight. Located on the banks of the River Dart close to Dartmouth Harbour, it has a history stretching back hundreds of years and is still a beloved feature of the town. One of the area’s last lines of defence, it has played an integral part in Dartmouth’s history since the Tudors and is a must-visit for history buffs of all generations.
One of Dartmouth’s oldest traditions and a must-visit for lovers of all things maritime, the annual Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta returns to celebrate its 180th year in 2025.
Taking place from 28 - 30 August, with a family fun weekend on 23 - 25 August, prepare for an action-packed celebration of all things river and sea.
There’s a packed timetable of events, including rowing and sailing competitions, raft races, river parades and a steamboat rally, and plenty to get involved in shoreside too. The Dartmouth Regatta attracts a huge number of competitors from serious sailors to amateur enthusiasts, providing a raft of entertainment for everyone.
Keep reading to discover the Leonard’s Cove guide to the Dartmouth Regatta.
Spanning roughly 125 miles from the coastal town of Seaton to the port city of Plymouth, the South Devon Coast is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt segments of the British coastline. Much of South Devon’s coast is protected and designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, providing a haven for native wildlife.
Home to over 50 beaches, many renowned for their clear, clean waters, ranging from vast golden stretches to rugged, rocky coves, South Devon’s coast is famed for its varied landscapes, natural beauty and welcoming seaside towns.
If you’re headed to South Devon this summer, a visit to the coast is a must. We’ve put together a guide to the different ways you can experience this beautiful stretch of our county, enabling you to see South Devon’s highlights from land and sea.
Dartmouth Castle is one of Devon’s most iconic historic landmarks. Steeped in 600 years of history, the castle, which is perched on the edge of the River Dart estuary, is still a remarkable site today. Originally built to protect the town of Dartmouth from invaders, the castle evolved over centuries into the attraction that both visitors to Leonard’s Cove love today. In this guide, we uncover some of Dartmouth Castle’s fascinating history and offer insights into the region’s long maritime past.
With sweeping views, rugged moorland and famous trails, Dartmoor National Park walks are unbeatable. There are a variety of family-friendly trails taking in scenic moorlands, wild woodlands, tumbling waterfalls and more
The flowers are blooming and the bees are buzzing, there’s no doubt about it, spring has finally arrived. As the warm weather arrives, Devon events really come into their own.
Fun festivals, exciting events, intriguing exhibitions, marvellous markets and fascinating heritage - there’s so much going on all year round in Dartmouth. Our local harbour town on the banks of the River Dart is a charming place to explore.