Holiday Cottages in Dartmouth to Rent | Self Catering accommodation in Dartmouth Devon

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Dart Estuary, Dartmouth, Devon

Dart Estuary, Dartmouth, Devon

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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

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5 reasons to holiday in Dartmouth

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.

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