Dartmouth and South Hams

Dartmouth

Dartmouth lies at the mouth of the River Dart, a spectacular deep water estuary in South Devon. It is one of the great historic towns of England and is renowned as a holiday centre.

It is situated within a designated area of outstanding natural beauty with superb coastal scenery, excellent beaches and the magnificent River Dart which is navigable for eight miles to Totnes. Picturesque towns and villages, steeped in history surround it.

Kingswear lies opposite Dartmouth on the east bank of the river, Dittisham is a beautiful village lying inland on the west bank and Blackawton, Stoke Fleming and Street are villages set high on surrounding hills and cliffs.

Dartmouth Castle

Dartmouth Castle is a well-preserved and beautifully sited castle juts out into the narrow entrance of the Dart Estuary. Begun in the late 14th century, a defence called 'the Fortalice' was intended to protect the homes of Dartmouth merchants from shipborne attack.

The castle was begun in 1388 and not finished until about 1403. Only one round tower survives, with a section of wall and a deep moat. Exhibitions on the site trace the history of the castle.

Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway

Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway is the holiday line, with steam trains running for 7 miles in Great Western tradition from Paignton along the spectacular Torbay coast to Churston and on through the wooded slopes bordering the Dart estuary to Kingswear. The scenery is superb, with seascapes right across Lyme bay to Portland Bill on clear days.

Dartmouth Arts and Crafts Devon

Dartmouth reigns supreme for Devon arts and crafts shops, and for galleries as well

Dartmouth Museum & Attractions

A small and unusually interesting Museum housed in an old Merchants House, dated 1640. The Museum houses marine and local artefacts, including a superb collection of ships in bottles and an extensive photographic archive of the local area,shipbuilding and shipping on the Dart. dartinternal.jpg One of the galleries of the Museum. King Charles II held court in this magnificent room whilst stormbound in Dartmouth in 1671. Some of the unique features of the room are the original panelling and the superb plaster ceiling.

Dartmouth Devon Golf

Just minutes from the historical town of Dartmouth and one of Devon's premier golf courses & leisure resorts, Dartmouth Golf & Country Club offers excellent hotel & leisure facilities for the golfer and non golfer alike.

South Hams

At the tip of the estuary lies Kingsbridge, the considered capital of South Hams with it's convenient central position and interesting rural life museum. It's a good base for access to the Salcombe Estuary, and a host of attractions.

Salcombe & Salcombe Estuary

Once a quiet fishing village and a centre for ship builders, today Salcombe is the home of a massive tourist industry, some renowned Yacht Clubs and popular Regattas. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty indeed.

Bigbury Bay

Bigbury Bay is a popular holiday destination, with fine sandy beaches, a stunning coastline and good access to local towns.

Burgh Island

Burgh Island is a small public tidal island off the south coast of Devon in England near to the small seaside village of Bigbury on Sea.