Dartmouth is a picturesque riverside town in the English country of Devon, located on England’s south coast. Known as the ‘jewel of the South Hams’, Dartmouth’s ancient winding streets, boutique shops, seaside art galleries and great bars and restaurants have been attracting tourists for decades. Dartmouth’s quaint central marketplace is at the centre of the action and is surrounded by gourmet restaurants, cafes and the famous Brittania Royal Naval College. This unique town is surrounded by some of England’s most beautiful landscape and Devon is known for its rolling hills and charming fields. The naval college is what originally put Dartmouth on the map but in recent years the town has established itself as one of the major seaside getaway destinations in the regions and has become a favourite with many people looking for an escape for the hustle and bustle of city life. Keep reading to learn more about Dartmouth!
Where to stay
Take a look at Wimdu’s range of excellent accommodation available today in Dartmouth. We offer holiday accommodation in and around Dartmouth, from typical seaside cottages to family apartments, guest rooms and townhouses. Dartmouth has several hotels, hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation available for tourists but you’ll find such accommodation expensive, particularly during the summer months. Wimdu accommodation is much better value for money and often located in better parts of town than hotels! Find the accommodation to suit you on Wimdu today!Fun Facts
- Dartmouth is home to the oldest working steam engine in the world!
- Dartmouth College is a renowned college which has been awarded $90 million dollars of financial aid for its talented students!
- Devon’s Dartmoor was the spooky setting for Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes adventure ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.
- Westward Ho! in Devon is the only town in Britain that is named after a novel.
Things to see and do in Dartmouth
Darmouth has been an important naval port since the 13th century when it was originally used as a place for ships to see sail on the crusades. Darmouth’s naval history is on display at the Britannia Royal Naval College that sits high above the river Dart the cuts through the town. The college has been training people to become sailors since 1905 and tours of the grounds and buildings of the college are available – it’s important to get an idea of Dartmouth’s history. Obviously Dartmouth Castle’s history is heavily associated with the town’s naval importance and stands proudly at the head of the River Dart. The castle was built in the late 14th century and visitors are able to visit the remains of the castle via ferry during the summer months.Exploring Dartmouth town is recommend and the picturesque Foss Street is well worth a stroll down. It’s pedestrianised and dates back to the 1200s. Lining both sides of the streets are a great many lovely shops selling local produce, clothing, souvenirs and other things. Browns Hill is a typical Dartmouth street that is ablaze with colour during the summer months. St Saviour’s Church is worth investigating as it contains a remarkable 14th century door as well as the famous Hawley Brass, a brass picture of soldiers. Dartmouth has recently seen the opening of a new art space in the town. The Flavel is a multi-faceted arts centre which hosts small scale dance, theatre and music events to a loyal audience. If art is your thing then you’ll find the wide range of art galleries in Dartmouth pleasing!
Woodlands Park is a local family adventure park that is located close to Dartmouth. There are three watercoasters, a toboggan run and 15 playzones – it’s the UK’s biggest venture zone in the UK! Dartmouth Golf and Country Club is popular with locals and visitors alike and this 18 hole golf course is located just 4 miles out of Dartmouth. There is also a superb leisure suite located on site including swimming pool and sauna. Dartmouth Museum is located on the first floor of an old merchants house and contains various collections including ship models, pictures, artefacts and other relics from Dartmouth’s past. Enjoy a journey back in time at the Dartmouth Museum! The museum stands at the end of a rickety set of timbre framed houses called the Butterwalk – not much has changed on this street since the 17th century!