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
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 multi generation family break in Devon, located only a mile from Slapton Sands and even closer to Slapton Ley lake and nature reserve. The property is one of three lovely self-catering barn conversions at Carlane Court in Slapton village, a few minutes from a village shop and two friendly pubs. Dartmouth, Salcombe and Dartmoor National Park are all within easy reach, as is the South West Coast Path and the beaches and attractions. The Stables is available for bookings all year round.
"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."
The huge room is open and spacious, with plenty of comfortable armchairs and sofas where you can relax and enjoy the changing light over the water. There is an open fire at one end of the room, with logs available for winter visitors. At the other end the dining table comfortably seats 12 guests. Outside there is a garden running alongside the water, leading to a woodland area, and a BBQ and two picnic tables where you can eat out in the summer. A spiral staircase leads up to a sundeck on the roof with fantastic views out over the river where you can catch some rays while watching the boats go by.
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.
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.
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 for groups of up to 3 guests with 2 bedrooms and comfortable living areas.
Upper Carlane Court sleeps six people in three bedrooms with space for two more on a comfortable sofa bed. It's an ideal holiday home for a multi generation family break in Devon, located only a mile from Slapton Sands and even closer to Slapton Ley lake and nature reserve. The property is one of three lovely self-catering barn conversions at Carlane Court in Slapton village, a few minutes from a village shop and two friendly pubs. Dartmouth, Salcombe and Dartmoor National Park are all within easy reach, as is the South West Coast Path and the beaches and attractions. Upper Carlane Court is available for bookings during the peak summer season in 2024 all year round in 2025.
Lower Carlane Court is a ground floor accommodation sleeping four people in two bedrooms with space for two more on a comfortable sofa bed. It's an ideal holiday home for a multi generation family break in Devon, located only a mile from Slapton Sands and even closer to Slapton Ley lake and nature reserve. The property is one of three lovely self-catering barn conversions at Carlane Court in Slapton village, a few minutes from a village shop and two friendly pubs. Dartmouth, Salcombe and Dartmoor National Park are all within easy reach, as is the South West Coast Path and the beaches and attractions. Lower Carlane is dog friendly and is available for bookings all year round.
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.
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.
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.
Combine the benefits of a welcoming holiday home with a private spa at Oak Lodge. Tucked away among woodland on the Finlake Resort near Dartmoor, the three bedroom dog friendly property sleeps six people and boasts a private outdoor hot tub and an indoor sauna. It's a blissful spot to unwind and relax with family or friends, taking advantage of onsite activities and a location only 15 miles from the beaches of the English Riviera. Guests love the leafy outlook and tranquil atmosphere of the Scandinavian-inspired timber lodge, and the convenience of having a café and a bar/restaurant within strolling distance.
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 sleeps up to ten 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.
"Yew Tree Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Sitting in the South Hams district of Devon, the village and civil parish of Stoke Fleming is the perfect place for those seeking a coastal escape encompassed by the wonder of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within the village is a Post...
"11a Waterhead Close" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. Kingswear is a beautiful village located in South Devon and on the banks of the River Dart. This village boasts spectacular views over to Dartmouth and Dartmouth is only a short ferry ride away where you can enjoy a spot of shopping in a...
"Cairn Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Cairn Cottage is a characterful property maintaining its lovely old cottage characteristics. The property is light and welcoming and making your South Devon stay comfortable and stress free. The house set in a conservation area, with a a...
"Crew House" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 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...
"Wagtails" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is located in the well-liked and attractive South Hams region of South Devon, along the banks of the lovely River Dart estuary. Dartmouth is one of the most well-liked tourist sites in Devon because of its location in an Area of...
"Little Meadow" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is located in the well-liked and attractive South Hams region of South Devon, along the banks of the lovely River Dart estuary. Dartmouth is one of the most well-liked tourist sites in Devon because of its location in an Area of...
"18 Southtown" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is a town and civil parish in Devon, England. Notable tourist attractions include the Dartmouth Royal Naval College, Dartmouth Castle and the Dartmouth Steam Railway which terminates at Kingswear on the opposite bank of the river. The...
"Gooder House" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 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...
"Stone's Throw" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Stone’s Throw is a stylish, recently renovated triplex apartment located just minutes away from Dartmouth’s vibrant town centre and riverside embankment. Finished to a high standard throughout and featuring original wooden beams, guests will...
"Seaspray" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Stoke Fleming is a charming village in Devon's South Hams district, and is a great base for exploring the South's coast and countryside. This picturesque village rests on the banks of Start Bay, and is close to many of Devon's attractions. The...
"5 The Pottery" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 5 guests in Devon. Apartment 5 The Pottery is located in Warfleet, a beautiful property steeped in history being the old Pottery Barn of Dartmouth since the 1949. This apartment along with Warfleet is on the outskirts of Dartmouth town centre, with it being less...
"5 Lower Fairview Road" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Devon. A stylish and tastefully restored Victorian end of terrace house within easy walking distance of the town’s vibrant centre, River Dart Embankment, Dartmouth Castle and Castle Cove beach and offering versatile accommodation with thoughtfully...
"Sandquay View" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is located in the well-liked and attractive South Hams region of South Devon, along the banks of the lovely River Dart estuary. Dartmouth is one of the most well-liked tourist sites in Devon because of its location in an Area of...
"High Mount" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 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...
"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...
"Ocello" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is located in the popular and picturesque South Hams region of South Devon, along the banks of the lovely River Dart estuary. Dartmouth remains one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Devon because of its location in an...
"Gull Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is located in the popular and attractive South Hams district of South Devon, on the banks of the lovely River Dart estuary. Dartmouth is one of Devon's most popular tourist sites, situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty...
"Beachcomber" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is located in the well-liked and attractive South Hams region of South Devon, along the banks of the lovely River Dart estuary. Dartmouth is one of the most well-liked tourist sites in Devon because of its location in an Area of...
"Seascape (Dartmouth)" 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...
"Kipper Lodge" is a 4 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 7 guests in Devon. Dartmouth is located in the popular and attractive South Hams region of South Devon, along the banks of the lovely River Dart estuary. Dartmouth is one of the most well-liked tourist sites in Devon because of its location in an Area of...
"Fairview" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 7 guests in Devon. Relax and unwind in Fairview and benefit from the views overlooking Dartmouth and across the River Dart. This spacious townhouse is great for families and is in a very peaceful location on Victoria Road. The property is well furnished and...
"Seaview" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Devon. Dartmouth, a popular and lovely town in South Devon, is located on the banks of the River Dart estuary. Dartmouth is one of Devon's most visited cities because of its proximity to the seaside and the National Park that protects it. The town...
"The Folly" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. Dittisham, a charming village in the South Hams situated on the banks of the River Dart and surrounded by open farmland, is a popular tourist destination. Walk till you reach the waterfront amid the peaceful alleyways surrounded with charming...
"Queens 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...
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthAylesbeareBabbacombeBamptonBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBickingtonBidefordBlackdown HillsBradworthyBranscombeBratton FlemingBrauntonBrendonBridfordBrixhamBroadclystBroadwoodwidgerBuckfastleighBudeCadburyChagfordChallacombeChudleighChulmleighChumleighClayhidonClyst St LawrenceColytonCombe MartinCombe RaleighCreditonCroydeCullomptonDalwoodDartmoorDartmouthDawlishDevonDittishamDrewsteigntonDulvertonDunsterExeterExmoor National ParkExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHolsworthyHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMemburyMineheadMoretonhampsteadNewton AbbotNewton AbbottOakhamptonOkehamptonOkehampton HamletsPaigntonParkhamPlymouthPonsworthyPorlockPrincetownSalcombeSauntonSeatonShaldonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonSouth HamsSouth MoltonTavistockTeignmouthThrowleighThurlestoneTivertonTopshamTorbayTorquayTotnesUmberleighUpotteryWelcombeWestward 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.
