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Dartmouth, Devon, Visitor & Tourism Guide

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National Park: Dartmoor
AONBs: South Devon, East Devon, Tamar Valley, Cornwall
Select Cities: Exeter, Plymouth
Select Towns/Villages: Kingswear, Torquay and Brixham (plus the other towns of the The English Riviera), Salcombe, Torcross, East Portlemouth, Outer Hope, Kingsbridge, Thurlestone, Totnes, Torbryan

Stunning location
Dartmouth is, unquestionably, one of the UK's finest towns. Lining the south bank of the Dart Estuary, with exceptional views across water to its marina and Kingswear, Dartmouth has a rich history and remarkable natural beauty. It's a top holiday and weekend destination and, in our opinion, essential UK visiting. Spend time here when the sun's out and it's an unforgettable experience.

Fascinating history
First, history. Walk its streets and you're moving through great swathes of English history. From The Cherub Inn, its fourteenth century pub, to half-timbered Elizabethan buildings, its seventeenth century museum to Victorian shop fronts, the town's narrow streets are a pleasure in which to walk. Ships sailed from its natural harbour to fight in the Crusades, American troops trained in the local area for the D-Day landings in WW11. The Pilgrim Fathers sailed from here, from its water boats were sent out to repel the Spanish Armada in 1588. This often violent past is reflected in Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle.

Remarkable natural beauty
Second, natural beauty. Steep green hillsides plunge into deep water. The River Dart rises on the high moors of Dartmoor National Park at both the East River Dart and West River Dart, meets at Dartmeet, then heads east to the Dart Estuary and coast. The setting is remarkable. From the estuary, the coast runs east and north to The English Riviera and west and south to Start Bay. We'd recommend walking the South West Coast Path in both directions.

Boats and beaches
Clearly, there are plenty of boat trips available up river and out to sea. Try the Dartmouth Boat Trips to Totnes. For a shorter boat trip, take Dartmouth Castle Ferry.

As you would expect for a town located on the fringe of the South Devon AONB, there are some sensational local beaches. Blackpool Sands is to the south. Beyond that are Slapton Sands, Bee Sands and Hall Sands. On the southern coast, we'd recommend Mill Bay Beach in The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and Thurlestone Sands/South Milton Sands (Beach). A little further west, head for Bantham Beach and Dunes and Bigbury-on-Sea Beach.

To the north of Dartmouth are the, very busy, beaches of The English Riviera. The red sand beaches at Broadsands Beach (The English Riviera) and Goodrington Sands are among the best on the Riviera.

Dartmouth and its local area are also superb places to people watch, eat, drink and shop.

Local area
Given Dartmouth's location, the local area's packed with quality attractions. Inland, Berry Pomeroy Castle and Totnes Castle are well worth a trip. In The English Riviera, we'd suggest Kents Cavern and The Golden Hinde (Devon), Living Coasts and Torquay Marina.

The majority of the South Hams and popular tourist towns such as Salcombe are to the south. Dartmoor National Park is to the west. Exeter and Plymouth are an easy drive away.

Further afield
If you're taking an extended holiday break, we'd suggest you explore further afield. South West England is blessed with superb destinations. In our estimation, the Tamar Valley AONB is much under-visited. Just west of Dartmoor National Park and on the border of Devon and Cornwall, the Tamar Valley AONB is gorgeous. Check out our 'Top 10 Recommendations' for that area.

Explore also the Cornwall AONB and East Devon AONB.

External Links
britishlistedbuildings.co.uk

Top 10 Recommendations

Top 10 Places To Visit Selected from the best Places To Visit in Dartmouth we've listed our top 10.

Top 10 Things To Do Selected from the best Things To Do in Dartmouth we've listed our top 10.

Top 10 Beaches Selected from the best Beaches in Dartmouth we've listed our top 10.

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