Dartmouth is a charming town built beside the River Dart where it joins the English Channel in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). For all its laid-back appeal, Dartmouth has an impressive pedigree that involves kings, explorers, famous authors, and a role in battles that influenced the world’s political landscape. Visitors will find a relaxed town with plenty of fun activities, an excellent choice of places to eat, and Dartmouth cottages to rent of all shapes and sizes. Dartmouth is a favourite holiday destination for thousands. Below are our five compelling reasons to fall under its charm. Read more
"Nestled in the picturesque South Hams, near Kingsbridge Devon, Kingfisher Cottage is a spacious three bedroom 18th-century barn conversion, and perfect for a relaxing holiday. With fast broadband, it’s ideal for families, friends, and dog owners seeking a self-catering getaway near Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, and close to award-winning beaches and the South West Coast path."
Judge's Cottage is your ideal destination for adventure and relaxation on the eastern shore of the River Dart, next to the South West Coast Path. This refurbished holiday cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms with breathtaking marina views and is perfect for couples, families, and friends. A quick ferry ride takes you to Dartmouth's eclectic shops, cafés, and lively pubs, letting you explore unique boutiques, enjoy year-round markets, and uncover historical treasures like Dartmouth Castle. With hiking, swimming, and paddleboarding opportunities nearby, plus stunning beaches and exciting annual events, Judge's Cottage is the perfect self-catering retreat for unforgettable fun by the water!
Honeysuckle is an ideal cottage for couples and one dog. Cosy sitting room with log-burner and valley views, kingsize bed, separate kitchen/dining area, and bathroom with walk-in shower. An enclosed garden and views ensures guests can relax in the tranquil surroundings and easily access Dittiscombe Estate grounds which are on the doorstep.
You won't forget your stay at Morocco House. This stylish house has accommodation over four floors and has uninterrupted views of the River Dart from both the house and the garden. It's in the pretty village of Kingswear in the South Hams region of Devon, a short walk from the ferry to Dartmouth, train station, shops and local pubs. The house has two bedrooms plus a double sofa bed and can sleep up to six people, with every room beautifully furnished to ensure a comfortable stay.
The Owlery is a cosy romantic pet-free retreat for couples with a log burning stove, fabulous spa bath for two, king-size bed and lovely valley views. The perfect place to escape away from it all in a tranquil haven within the popular South Hams area of Devon. Enjoy coastal and country walks, lazy days on the golden sands and an abundance of day trips out.
An ideal place to relax and unwind in a tranquil valley setting in the beautiful South Hams close to the coast. Located near to Slapton village with its two excellent dog friendly pubs, and the stunning beaches of Start Bay. Dittiscombe Estate is an ideal place to explore this lovely part of South Devon with an abundance of attractions, coastal walks and lovely beaches nearby. Both Rafters and Dovecote cottages are ideal couples cottages providing comfortable living areas and second bedrooms, or for families of 3 or 4.
Rose Cottage ticks every box for those searching for a holiday cottage in Devon with incredible views, a location convenient for popular attractions and enough space for a family, including the dog. The two-bedroom cottage is on a non-working farm with loads of outdoor space and views over meadows and fields to Start Bay. Guests can walk from the picket gate to the South West Coast Path, North Hallsands Beach and the Cricket Inn in Beesands, while Salcombe, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge are only a short drive away.
Jasmine Cottage is a lovely choice for a family break in East Portlemouth, South Hams, Devon, ideal for short breaks and week stays all year round. This dog-friendly holiday cottage sits on a quiet non-working farm with far-reaching countryside and coastal views, sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, parking, superfast broadband, and EV charging available. You’re close to dog-friendly beaches, plus East Portlemouth, Salcombe, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, with the Cricket Inn in Beesands and the South West Coast Path within walking distance., with a courtyard for sunny days and a woodburning stove for chilly nights.
The South Hams is one of the most beautiful parts of Devon with lush green fields rolling their way to wonderful beaches. A short walk from the Start Point Lighthouse and within easy reach of beaches like Hallsands, Blackpool Sands and Salcombe's North and South Sands, the cottage has space for up to six people in three bedrooms and is perfect for couples and families. Nearby Kingbridge, Dartmouth and Salcombe all offer a wide choice of amenities and attractions, and it is possible to walk from the front door directly to the South West Coast Path.
The Old Print Shed is situated in a peaceful location in the lovely South Hams. It lies on the outskirts of a quiet village within easy walking distance of the 13th Century Public House and Grade I Listed Church. The historic town of Totnes is just 3 miles away. The property is ideally located for those who love walking with Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon Coast within easy driving distance. The area offers historic towns, National Trust properties such as Agatha Christie's Greenway and the glorious sandy beaches of Bantham, Thurlestone and Blackpool Sands to name a few. Lots to see and do for all.
"2 Thurlestone Court" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. 2 Thurlestone Court is a wonderfully presented, spacious and elegant apartment situated on the ground floor of a grand period property located in an elevated position overlooking Dartmouth and with views towards the River Dart and surrounding...
"11 Mayflower Court" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. A bright and contemporary third floor apartment that has been finished to a good standard and is situated in a desirable riverside development boasting enviable views across the River Dart. Relax in the bright and comfortable living area and...
"1 Keepers Cottage, Hillfield Village" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular...
"3 Manor House, Dartmouth" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Tucked away in the heart of historic Dartmouth, 3 Manor House is a dreamy escape for those seeking luxury, comfort, and an unrivalled outlook over the enchanting River Dart.The light-filled living area, with comfy sofas, high ceilings,...
"Number 1, Thurlestone Court" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Mixing elegant charm with contemporary and tasteful furnishings, Number 1 offers spacious accommodation on the ground floor of a grand Victorian property with wide reaching views and a bright south facing terrace. Located just...
"The Hideaway" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular...
"Juniper Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. This maritime town on the English Channel is known for its lush gardens, fishing, wildlife, and heritage sites. A walk along the banks of River Dart is a must do - the view is breathtaking. Dartmouth Castle is close by, with its commanding...
"Primrose Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular...
"Poppy Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Blackawton and the surrounding hamlets and villages are well placed for a tranquil South Devon break. In easy reach of Dartmouth and the beaches of Start Bay, the location offers a delightful balance between seclusion and convenience, with a...
"Honeysuckle Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular...
"Grants Cottage" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Devon. Located in South Devon's picturesque South Hams region, Dartmouth is a charming seaside town on the banks of the Dart Estuary. Dartmouth is a popular tourist destination in Devon because of its location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty...
"The Cottage, 13 Clarence Hill" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the stunning Start Bay coastline, Dartmouth is one of the...
"3 Bed Cottage in Dartmouth" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 3 bedrooms – 2 twins, 1 double - 2 bathrooms – 1 shower room with shower and WC, 1 en-suite shower room with shower and WC, and 1 separate WC - Electric oven and hob,...
"304 Norton Park" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is popular town in South Devon lying on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary and situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoying historic streets and a delightful waterfront perfect for evening strolls, every...
"The Barns @ Downton" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Dittisham is a picturesque village surrounded by rolling countryside, located on the banks of the River Dart in the South Hams. Wander along the quiet streets lined with quaint, stone cottages and lush gardens, until you reach the waterfront....
"Ferry View" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular...
"Top Storey" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Top Storey is a characterful Grade II listed apartment overlooking cobbled Foss Street, in the heart of Dartmouth's vibrant town centre and just a short stroll to the popular river Dart embankment. Stylish and contemporary throughout, guests...
"2 Bed Apartment in Dartmouth" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 2 bedrooms – 1 double, 1 twin - 1 bathroom with a shower over the bath, WC and built-in Bluetooth speakers - Electric oven,...
"The English School, Flat 2" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular...
"Fastnet at Nonsuch House" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. The colourful harbour village of Kingswear is set opposite Dartmouth, on the banks of the River Dart estuary in South Devon. Nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this village boasts some of the most beautiful views on the south...
"The Cabin" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. This cosy cottage is perfect for a seaside retreat, with a kingsize bed and beautiful garaden to relax in and enjoy the sun.. 23 steps to entrance. All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living...
"4 Clarence House" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 3 guests in Devon. 4 Clarence House is stylishly presented, contemporary second floor apartment located just moments from Dartmouth’s vibrant town centre and River Dart embankment. Tastefully decorated and furnished throughout, guests are offered a comfortable...
"33 Dart Marina" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Resting on the banks of the magnificent River Dart Estuary, you will find the magnificent town of Dartmouth. Filled with charming local cafés and bustling pubs serving tasty hot meals, as well as a sea of well-stocked supermarkets, visitors...
"Yennadon Cottage, Dartmouth" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Situated on the Gitcombe Estate, Yennadon Cottage sits nicely on the end of a terrace of five luxurious stone built cottages,. This special cottage offers sleek and stylish open-plan living, and is perfectly set up for four guests to have a...
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthAylesbeareBabbacombeBamptonBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBere AlstonBickingtonBidefordBlackdown HillsBradworthyBranscombeBratton FlemingBrauntonBrendonBridfordBrixhamBroadclystBroadwoodwidgerBuckfastleighBudeCadburyChagfordChallacombeChudleighChulmleighChumleighClayhidonClyst St LawrenceColytonCombe MartinCombe RaleighCreditonCroydeCullomptonDalwoodDartmoorDartmouthDawlishDevonDittishamDrewsteigntonDulvertonDunsterExeterExmoor National ParkExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHolsworthyHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLiftonLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMemburyMineheadMoretonhampsteadMortehoeNewton AbbotNewton AbbottNoss MayoOakhamptonOkehamptonOkehampton HamletsPaigntonParkhamPlymouthPonsworthyPorlockPrincetownSalcombeSauntonSeatonShaldonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonSouth HamsSouth MoltonTavistockTeignmouthThrowleighThurlestoneTivertonTopshamTorbayTorcrossTorquayTotnesUmberleighUpotteryWelcombeWestward HoWidecombe in the MoorWinkleighWoolacombeWoolacombe BayYealmptonSome local suggestions:
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1. History - Dartmouth is most famous for its naval links. The town has been a home for the Royal Navy since the 14th Century, and the Britannia Royal Naval College is where officers of the British Navy learn to captain some of the most sophisticated warships in the world. In June 1944, Dartmouth was one of ten launch points for 5,000 boats taking part in the D-Day landings, the success of which signified a turning point in the war. A maintenance site for these vessels is now a designated Scheduled Monument and visible on the east bank of the Dart upstream from the harbour.
Dartmouth Harbour was also the launching point for ships heading out to the Second and Third Crusades. The castle defended the town from a French attack in the late 1300s and again in the early 1400s. Signs of the town’s history are visible everywhere, including in the magnificent medieval wooden door at St Saviour’s Church carved in 1372. The oldest street in Dartmouth is Smith Street and dates from the 1200s. However, the earliest remaining building is the Cherub Inn on Higher Street. Chaucer likely saw both places when he visited Dartmouth in 1373. Learn more with a visit to Dartmouth Museum in the beautiful Grade I listed Butterwalk building on Duke Street.
2. Shopping and Eating - Dartmouth is so full of life. Shops, pubs and restaurants support a 5,000 strong community of locals that love to eat, drink and shop. The Old Market Square hosts a busy twice-weekly market every Tuesday and Friday morning, as well as a monthly artisan market, and a collection of permanent stallholders who trade six days a week. Many shops sell sailing and outdoor equipment, while galleries and independent boutiques stock a variety of unique objects that make fantastic souvenirs.
When it comes to eating, the Smith Street Deli is a top choice for both eating in and buying food to enjoy back at the cottage or on a picnic. There's also an excellent variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants that cater for all tastes and budgets.
3. Waterways - The River Dart and the English Channel provide plenty of opportunities to set sail. Dartmouth Royal Regatta is one of the highlights in the sailing calendar, and there is no better sight on a hot summer’s day than watching the colourful sails of the yachts as they speed towards the finish line. Dartmouth Boat Hire is a good port of call for those happy to skipper themselves around the waterways, while business like African Queen Fishing Trips and the Greenway & Dittisham Ferry Service are perfect for those who want to go fishing or sit back and enjoy the view.
4. Countryside - The countryside around Dartmouth is as gorgeous as its waterways. As part of the South Hams and protected as part of the South Devon Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, visitors can take their pick from fantastic footpaths, beautiful bridleways, cycling routes around pretty country lanes, and mountain bike trails for every ability. Some favourite walks around Dartmouth include the mile-long Dartmouth Town Trail, the Mayflower Heritage Trail, a circular loop from town to Dartmouth Castle, and the path leading to Start Point Lighthouse. Walkers can also enjoy footpaths leading to Blackpool Sands and along the Diamond Jubilee Way, as well as a challenging route to Greenway.
Family-friendly cycle paths are in nearby Totnes, where the Dart Valley Cycle Way loops around the River Dart, while Haldon Forest also has gentle routes and bike hire. Dartmouth is within easy reach of Dartmoor National Park where there are many miles of walking and mountain bike trails.
5. Attractions and Events - The weather will never put a dampener on your fun because there are plenty of fantastic attractions in and around Dartmouth. During your holiday you can spend a day at the beach, play golf and go kayaking. Visit Agatha Christie’s home at Greenway, take a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, and tour National Trust houses such as Coleton Fishacre or the Brittania Naval College. Places within easy reach for a day out include Paignton Zoo, Woodlands Theme Park, and Sharpham Vineyard and Cheese Dairy. In addition to the Regatta, Dartmouth has a calendar bursting with events that celebrate food, music, arts, walking, and Christmas, to name a few.
Whether you are visiting for a special event or planning a holiday full of fun activities and fantastic food, you won’t be disappointed you chose Dartmouth.
