Pictures of Dartmouth

About Dartmouth

Notwithstanding its deep rooted seafaring traditions and historic connections, the town of Dartmouth makes an interesting and relaxing place to visit for a holiday.

Rising up hills crowned by the Britannia Royal Naval College, this attractive water-side town has been a silent witness to many historic seafarers over the centuries. Crusaders sailed from here in the 12th-century and in Elizabethan times, the town was linked with the daring deeds of Sir Walter Raleigh; nine ships were despatched to fight the Spanish Armada. In the 17th-century, the Pilgrim Fathers' Mayflower and Speedwell left Dartmouth following repairs to both vessels and in 1944 hundreds of small craft left Dartmouth to take part in the D-Day landings. Adding to this illustrious record; the Britannia Royal Training College has prepared Kings and Princes to fulfil roles at the head of the Senior Service of the British Armed Forces.

The town has intriguing narrow streets, picturesque half timbered houses and a deep water natural harbour.making it a haven for the yachting fraternity as well as the tourist. The new modern marina, a short distance from the town centre, has a new luxury hotel with a superb restaurant and riverside terraces. The luxurious and the humble berth in this exciting marina which has been designed to give the best possible aspect for everyone.

Here the new sits easily with the old. The town's famous 17th-century Butter continues to draw much admiring attention, so too, does the cobbled quay at Barnard's Cove where the Pilgrim Fathers' visit is commemorated and parts of the Onedin Line television series was filmed. Most memorable though is the forest of masts, cabin cruisers, large sea-going ships and gay fishing boats thronging the Dart in high summer. All around there is amazing river scenery, stately swans mingle with gulls and, at the water's edge, boats cruise past elegant houses with a charm and atmosphere of a bygone age. The River Dart is a patchwork of inviting little coves and bays, each with its own character, history and wealth of wildlife. The River Dart has many matchless beauty spots to be found in Dartmouth and beyond, making this a wonderful destination in which to relax whilst enjoying coast and countryside.

Dartmouth's parish church is dedicated to St. Saviour. It was built during the 14th-century with later additions and alterations. It has a splendid screen, several ancient monuments and brasses. It is a lovely place of worship which is well worth seeing. Other attractions include - the annual regatta and firework display held in August, Dartmouth Castle, Agincourt House, Baynards Cove Castle, Dartmouth Museum, Newcombe Engine House and Woodlands Leisure Park.

Places to visit include: Start Point, Stoke Fleming, The 17th-century Butterwalk, Paignton Dartmouth Railway, Buckfast Abbey and the Picturesque Dartmeet on Dartmoor.