Visit Dartmouth: Our Town Guide
Dartmouth is famous in South Devon for being a charming town with a proud maritime heritage. Its picturesque streets, stunning coastal beauty, and bustling atmosphere make it the perfect day out for all types of travellers. Our town guide has been crafted so that when you visit Dartmouth, you’ll have an idea of what to expect, what makes Dartmouth special, and our recommendations of what we think you should be doing whilst you’re there.
Mark Your Calendar
When you visit Dartmouth, it’s only appropriate to attend one of the events in its impressive annual lineup, with one of the most popular being the Food Festival, held in October. It is a food lover's paradise, featuring over 100 stalls. If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration in your cooking life, then the ‘eat your words’ event, held during the festival, will help bring new flavour to your dishes.
The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta in August is must-see event, where for one week, the town turns into one big celebration with sailing competitions, air displays, and fireworks. This event is regarded as one of the pinnacle events in Devon, and for good reason. Over 600 competitors come from all around the country to face off in a fierce head-to-head race.
A Feast for the Senses
Dartmouth's culinary scene is an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary. The Seahorse, owned by renowned chef Mitch Tonks, offers a delicious dining experience with fresh seafood and river views. Or, if you’re feeling something more casual, Rockfish serves up some of the best fish and chips in town - crispy, golden, and utterly satisfying.
Fancy a quick bite or a cosy afternoon tea? Pop into Cafe Alf Resco. It's a local favourite, known for its warm atmosphere and homemade treats.
Another reason to visit Dartmouth is the Farmers' Market, held every second Saturday of the month. It's a hive of fresh, local produce. From artisanal cheeses to freshly baked bread, it’s the ideal spot to pick up picnic supplies, tasty souvenirs, or ingredients to use back in the kitchen of your self-catering accommodation!
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures
Some families are drawn to visit Dartmouth for the picturesque landscape, and we can’t blame them!
The Southwest Coast Path offers a walk that suits all abilities. The stretch starts at Dartmouth and ends with the pristine Blue Flag beach: Blackpool Sands. This walk is particularly striking, as it winds through coastal woodlands, accompanied by stunning sea views. We suggest packing a picnic for the walk and making a day out of it!
For those who are looking to take their adventures to the water, The River Dart is perfect for catching a glimpse of seals lounging on the riverbanks. Catch a cruise from Dartmouth’s harbour, where you’ll travel up the river and see The Estate of the Late Dame Agatha Christie.
Raise a Glass
When you visit Dartmouth, you’ll notice its fair share of characterful pubs. But one of the most popular is The Cherub Inn, dating back to 1380. Fret not if it is too busy when you arrive, there are a great range of pubs that are within walking distance, such as The George & Dragon, or the Seven Stars. Each pub has a variety of local ales and ciders to try, best enjoyed as a treat after a hard day of exploring Dartmouth.
For the wine enthusiasts, a short drive will take you to Sharpham Wine and Cheese. Here, you can tour the 32-acre vineyard and sample their award-winning wines. We think that the best part is drinking your sampled wine whilst soaking in the stunning views of the River Dart. It's an experience that’ll remind you of the little pleasures’ life has to offer.
Entertainment for All
The Flavel Arts Centre is the cultural hub of the town, and it hosts a range of entertaining events from theatre performances, film screenings, clubs, and so much more. Inside the centre is a café and a bar for you to stock up on snacks during the many performances.
History buffs will want to visit Dartmouth Castle, as this 14th-century fortress stands guard over the Dart Estuary, and the entrance to Dartmouth harbour. Inside the gun tower are specially commissioned animations, lights and sounds that bring the history and functions of the castle back to life.
Featured in one of our previous blogs, hop aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway and marvel at the dreamy views of the coast. As you chug along, you'll be treated to gorgeous vistas that will reimagine the way you view the Devon countryside.
Shop Till You Drop
The streets of Dartmouth are lined with independent shops and boutiques, and Foss Street is especially brilliant for picking up some holiday souvenirs. Lose yourself in art galleries such as Coombe Gallery, or for a splash of colour, the Pickles & Petals florist and gift shop. It's the perfect place to pootle about and pick up some unique souvenirs.
One of Dartmouth’s most interactive shops was born in a time of global unease. Olive’s Pots emerged out of the pandemic as a wholesome shop that provides workshops on pottery making. These workshops range from 1.5hr workshops, to 2-day workshops. Visit the Olive’s Pots website to book or enquire about a workshop. Bring some spare clothes, it’ll get messy!
Rest Your Head
To get the most out of your visit, you’ll need a reliable and friendly homebase to anchor down at, and that’s where we come in. Leonards Cove is the perfect spot to stay when you visit Dartmouth, or if you want to have a quiet day in. No matter what you’re feeling on the day, rest assured knowing that at Leonards Cove, we’ve got everything you need for a memorable family getaway.