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
Families love Maristow Cottage at Gitcombe Estate. The three-bedroom holiday cottage is light and spacious, sleeping six people in three bedrooms with a sofa-bed to accommodate an extra person if required. It's in the quiet village of Cornworthy on the edge of the Dart Valley and within easy reach of Totnes, Dartmouth, Dartmoor National Park, and beautiful Devon beaches like Blackpool Sands. On-site amenities include an indoor heated swimming pool with a sauna and a steam room, an outdoor heated swimming pool with a terrace and sun loungers, an indoor games room and play area, a playground, an all-weather tennis court, and 14 acres of landscaped grounds. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Enjoy the best of the South Hams, Dartmoor and the Devon coastline in this gorgeous self-catering holiday home. Burrator Cottage at Gitcombe Estate sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families. Facilities include indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, an all-weather tennis court, an indoor games room, a playground, and 14 acres of landscaped gardens. It's a few miles from Dartmouth and Totnes, 20 minutes from Blackpool Sands, and half an hour from Paignton and the English Riviera. Walking, cycling, sailing, surfing, swimming, fishing, golf, and horseriding are easily accessible all year round. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Haytor Cottage at Gitcombe Estate sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families, including those with young children. It's a light, fresh holiday cottage using the estate's indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 14 acres of landscaped grounds, indoor and outdoor play areas, and an all-weather sports court. Guests are close to Dartmouth, Totnes, Dartmoor and Devon's beautiful coastline and within easy reach of some of the area's favourite sights and attractions. It's a fantastic place for a holiday in any season, with stunning walks and bike rides from the door. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Meavy Cottage is a fantastic 4-Star self-catering holiday cottage near Totnes and Dartmouth and within easy reach of Dartmoor National Park and Devon's beautiful beaches. It's one of nine superb properties on the Gitcombe Estate, where there are 14 acres of landscaped grounds, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, an adventure playground, and an all-weather sports court. Meavy Cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms with a single sofa-bed on a mezzanine level. It's perfect for families but is also welcoming for couples who appreciate the extra space. Bookings are available all year round. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Upper Carlane is a gorgeous family holiday home in Slapton, a two-minute stroll from two pubs and the village shop, and a relaxed 20-minute walk from Slapton Sands. It sleeps seven people in three bedrooms with a double sofa bed that increases accommodation to nine people. Guests enjoy a beautiful open plan living area with a central fireplace between the seating and the dining room. Slapton is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, within easy reach of the English Riviera and Dartmoor National Park. Upper Carlane is part of Carlane Court and available for bookings all year round.
A beautiful 18th Century barn conversion, Kingfisher Cottage provides a luxury holiday retreat perfectly placed in the highly desirable South Hams area of Devon. Close to Kingsbridge, Dartmouth and award winning beaches, Kingfisher Cottage is a popular choice for a self-catering holiday with families, friends and dog owners.
Willows is a beautifully presented Four Star dog-friendly holiday cottage ideally placed in a tranquil setting in the popular South Hams area of Devon. Part of Dittiscombe Hills Estate & Cottages, this welcoming cottage is near to Slapton with its glorious beach and is a superb location for visiting the many attractions and beautiful beaches of South Devon. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
An ideal place to relax and unwind in a tranquil valley setting in the beautiful South Hams close to the coast. Near to Slapton village with its wonderful beach, this is an ideal place to explore this lovely part of South Devon with an abundance of attractions and lovely beaches. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Owlery is a cosy romantic pet-free retreat for couples with 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. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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 pub. 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.
Briny Cottage sits right in the heart of Dartmouth's historic harbour side town within the picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Step out of the front door of the holiday cottage and wander to the shops, beach, galleries and abundance of cafes, pubs and restaurants. An excellent base for exploring the areas many attractions and perfect for couples (one or two) and family holidays.
Grab the kids and the dog and head for Jasmine Cottage. This lovely stone terrace is on a non-working farm in the South Hams, with far-reaching views of the countryside and the coast. Salcombe, Dartmouth and Kingbridge are all an easy drive away, while the Cricket Inn pub in Beesands and the South West Coast Path are within walking distance of the front door. There is space for four people to sleep in two bedrooms, with a courtyard for sunny days and a woodburning stove for chilly nights.
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.
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 Stables sleeps six people in three bedrooms with space for two more on a comfortable sofa bed. It's an ideal holiday home for a family getaway to Devon, being only a mile from Slapton Sands and even closer to Slapton Ley lake and nature reserve. The cottage is one of four lovely self-catering cottages at Carlane Court in Slapton village, a few minutes from a village shop and two friendly pubs. Dartmouth, Sidmouth and Dartmoor National Park are all within easy reach, as is the South West Coast Path and the beaches and attractions of the English Riviera. The Stables is available for bookings all year round.
Lower Carlane Court is a fresh ground floor holiday home sleeping four people in two bedrooms with two more on a comfortable sofa bed. It's well-equipped and suits families and couples, including those who want to bring their dogs. Slapton's two pubs and village shop are a two-minute walk from the door, while the walk to Slapton Sands via Slapton Ley Nature Reserve is only around 20 minutes. Dartmouth and Sidmouth are both within easy reach, as are the beaches and attractions of the English Riviera. Lower Carlane Court is one of three fantastic self-catering holiday cottages at Carlane Court. They can be booked together to accommodate extended families and friends.
Crabadon Manor is a gorgeous country house in an idyllic position in the heart of the South Hams in Devon. Formerly the holiday residence for the monks of Buckfast Abbey, this historic house has been welcoming people since the 13th Century and today provides a great venue for those who enjoy the simplistic pleasures of rural life. Full of historic charm, the manor house (and Lily Pond Cottage) sleeps up to fourteen guests and is surrounded by a tranquil oasis of 240 acres of natural grounds. Perfect for a family get together, reunion of friends or milestone event, this popular part of South Devon offers a stunning coastline with wonderful beaches, glorious countryside for walking and an abundance of attractions for day trips out.
The Old Coach House is a beautiful holiday apartment on the Sheplegh Court estate in the South Hams region of Devon. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and suits couples, families and friends. The estate has 22 acres of gardens, woodland and grounds that include a heated outdoor swimming pool, indoor swimming pool and sauna, and an all-weather tennis court. Guests have full use of all of these amenities as well as their own private courtyard garden. Award-winning beaches and Dartmoor National Park are within easy reach alongside favourite places like Salcombe, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge. Bookings are available all year round.
A cosy, 4 Star holiday cottage with log burner ideally placed between Salcombe and Dartmouth in an AONB in South Devon. Just a mile from Beesands village with beach and excellent gastro pub and with easy access onto the South West Coastal Path, The Trap House is a popular choice for families and couples looking for a holiday by the sea. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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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.
