Things to do in Dartmouth
A visit to South Devon
It was pure coincidence that Charlie spent a few days in Dartmouth, South Devon. It would not have been a coincidence if she had known before how beautiful this part of the English coast is. It is certainly in Charlie’s top three coastal towns right after St. Ives and Carbis Bay.
Admittedly, Dartmouth is a bit difficult to reach if you must rely on public transport. You either take a train to Totnes and then a bus (which takes about an hour) or a train to Paignton, then the steam train to Kingswear and a ferry to cross the river Dart. That might seem complicated, but it is worth the effort. Once you lay eyes on the promenade by the harbour and the views over the river mouth, you will have forgotten the journey and the iconic sound of the steam train will become a familiar melody.
Take a stroll through the narrow roads, admire beautiful townhouses leading up the hills from the coast, have a drink in a historic tea room or pub, discover beautiful gifts in small boutiques along Foss Street, find a bargain at the market or have an ice cream by Salcombe Dairy in the Royal Avenue Gardens. If you’re up for it, go and visit Dartmouth Museum. There are however three things Charlie highly recommends when you’re down in South Devon.
Paddleboarding
Charlie couldn’t think of a better way to explore the area from the water than on a SUP. Paddleboarding has become very popular over the last few years and is a relaxing pastime. There are big tidal differences on the river in Dartmouth that you should be aware of. The tide will determine which direction you should paddle into. If you’re unsure, and anyways the safest way, Charlie recommends you book a lesson or adventure SUP tour with the Paddleshack. They provide all the equipment, teach safety and correct technique and show you around the most beautiful spots along the river. You might even discover some hidden beaches!
Ferry cruises
If you would like to explore the river and surrounding nature in a less active way, there is always the option of a mini cruise. The most obvious choice is a 1-hour-roundtrip that takes you from Dartmouth towards Dittisham and back. There are longer cruise options to Totnes or even Torquay on the other side of the headland. With those, you can also leave the ferry and return as you please. You can find all the information at Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company.
Dartmouth Castle & South West Coastal Walk
If you’ve been out exploring on the river, whether on a paddleboard or a ferry, you will have seen Dartmouth Castle at the entrance to the harbour. It was built in the 14th century at a strategic point to defend the city against attacks from the sea. From the centre of Dartmouth, it is a 25-minute walk in between historic houses, along Warfleet Creek and through a bit of forest. Alternatively, you can catch a boat from the harbour for £3 which brings you directly to Dartmouth Castle.
Visiting a historic fort by the sea
The castle is different from others you might have seen in England as it was never a residence for lords and ladies. All throughout time, it was a military point to defend the coastline. As such, it offers the best views over the whole river mouth, and you can see some historic canons and gunpowder rooms.
Just outside the castle is a lovely little coffee shop with lots of outdoor seating at a good viewpoint. Charlie recommends though that you take your coffee down the stairs towards Castle Creek and enjoy your hot drink on that little beach.
Exploring the coast of South Devon
From there it is a quick walk over to the next beach, Sugary Creek. As you walk along this part of the coastal path, you will notice less and less people and houses. You’ve reached the southwest coastal path which leads you to Compass Cove Beach and Little Dartmouth. This is also the best place to park your car if you prefer to drive.
If you’re on foot, you can now continue your journey a bit further inland towards Stoke Fleming where you have the option to catch a bus back to Dartmouth. It is better to check bus times in advance as it doesn’t go as regularly as you might think, especially on weekends.
If you decide to continue the coastal walk, unfortunately, you will have to walk along the road through the village of Stoke Fleming. The roads are narrow and there can be quite a bit of traffic. The village however is beautiful and worth a stroll. In about 15 to 20 minutes, you will reach Blackpool Sands, a bigger beach than the creeks you’ve passed earlier. There is a lot of parking, a café and you can rent kayaks or SUPs to get out on the water. Charlie was there in April, and she can imagine this beach getting quite busy over the summer. There is another bus stop that you cannot miss, and the bus will take you straight back to Dartmouth if you wish so. The walk from the castle to Blackpool Sands took Charlie approximately 2 hours with frequent photo breaks and walks up and down the creeks.
Bonus tip: Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta
If you visit Dartmouth the last weekend in August, you will experience a weekend filled with watersports, food stalls, and a fun fair. The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta is a yearly highlight in South Devon and finished with a stunning fireworks display over the water.
