A vibrant and picturesque town with a rich maritime history
Dartmouth is a vibrant and picturesque town at the mouth of the River Dart on the South Devon coast. With a rich maritime history, fantastic restaurants, art galleries and historic buildings, it's a great place to spend a day exploring, souvenir shopping and enjoying some of the best seafood in the South West.
History
Dartmouth serves as an important deep-water port and was used used for sailings to the crusades. More recently it has been home to the Royal Navy - the Britannia Royal Naval College is prominently visible as you approach the town. The narrow mouth to the estuary was protected by fortifications - Dartmouth Castle which was built in response to the threat of French invasion in the 1300's - and a chain strung across between the banks.
Things to See & Do
Dartmouth has a relaxed cosmopolitan feel to it and you could easily spend a day here. Explore Dartmouth's narrow cobbled streets to find a range of art galleries (including the studio of Simon Drew), gift shops, coffee shops, bistros and restaurants. After lunch why not walk along the river bank through Bayards Cove Fort or take a river taxi to Dartmouth Castle and enjoy a walk around the headland with its spectacular views of the town and the coast, or take a tour of Britannia Royal Naval College (Mondays and Wednesdays only, booking essential).
Places to Eat
When it comes to food, you're spoilt for choice there are plenty of cafe's, bistros and restaurants. Sea food features heavily and is generally excellent, but for a special treat book lunch or dinner at The Angel, a relaxed modern restaurant located right on River Dart. For something a little less formal we like the Bayards Cove Inn which is tucked away in one of the most iconic areas of Dartmouth.
Shopping
There are gift shops and galleries to suit all tastes and pockets. For something a little unusual, pop along to the Simon Drew gallery in Foss Street, where you can usually see the artist at work, or one of the chandlery & gift shops along Lower Street near Bayards Cove.