Dartmouth and Kingswear Travel Guide

Dartmouth and Kingswear are two historic port towns located in South Devon on the western and eastern banks of the River Dart respectively. These towns have a rich history of trading cloth and wine with France, but today they are a blend of tourist resort, fishing port, and yacht haven, attracting visitors all year round. A handy vehicle and passenger ferry conveniently connects these two towns.

Dartmouth Marina

For accommodation options such as hotels, guest houses, and cottages, and for more information on local attractions, please visit our Dartmouth Accommodation and Attractions page. Dartmouth is approximately five miles from Torbay, and can be reached by car via a toll ferry or by the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway. Known as a hub for sailors, Dartmouth has been a notable location for seafarers for about 900 years. It has a deep water harbour and is surrounded by steep wooded hills on both sides. Once a thriving port trading in cloth and wine from France, Dartmouth is now a busy holiday resort and a popular stopping point for many yachtsmen, including those on Atlantic journeys.

Historical Landmarks

• Bearscove Castle: An artillery fortification built during the reign of Henry VIII, Bearscove Castle was instrumental in protecting Dartmouth from French and Spanish fleets.
• Dartmouth Castle: This castle, although small, had several gun emplacements and controlled a chain running across the river which could be raised in the event of an attack.
• Britannia Royal Naval College: Overlooking the town, this college has been training officers for the Royal Navy since 1863. The current buildings, designed by Sir George Aston Webb, date back to 1905.

Attractions in Dartmouth and Kingswear

• Bearscove Castle: A small fort built in 1510 to protect the town quay. The quay was where the Pilgrim Fathers stopped for repairs before crossing the Atlantic.
• Elizabethan buildings: These historical structures now house a variety of shops and restaurants.
• Royal Castle Hotel: A great place for a meal or a drink.
• Dartmouth Castle: A medieval chain fort built to protect the town from the French.
• Kingswear: Catch the lower ferry to the other side of the River Dart - it takes both foot passengers and cars.
• Steam Railway: This railway connects Kingswear to Paignton in Torbay.

Nearby Attractions

• Woodlands Leisure Park: This park offers a range of attractions including animals, amusements, and thrilling rides.
• Colerton Fishacre: A National Trust property and gardens originally created by Rupert and Dorothy D'Olyly Carte in the 1920s.
• Blackpool Sands: A beautiful sandy beach near the village of Strete.

Map of Dartmouth and Kingswear

For a larger view of the map, please click on the 'View Larger Map' link.