Holiday homes & rentals in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a town in Devon, situated beside the River Dart. This part of south west England has some fantastic coastal scenery, and the River Dart is certainly one of the main highlights. Those renting a holiday home in Dartmouth can visit some intriguing historic sites, and go on day trips to the beautiful beaches, gardens and countryside of Torbay.

Accommodation in Dartmouth will give you easy access to plenty of sandy beaches. Castle Cove and Sugary Cove can be found right in town, and the stunning Blackpool Sands Beach is nearby. Dartmouth is also packed with historical sites, from the Dartmouth Visitor Centre with its working steam engine, to the 600-year-old castle on the banks of the Dart Estuary. Whether you book a traditional holiday cottage or modern flat, you can easily reach this wonderful holiday destination and its many diversions.

Getting to Dartmouth: by car, train, bus or boat

Located on Devon’s south coast, Dartmouth is well-connected by road and rail. From London, follow the M25, then link onto the M3 towards Southampton. Continue onto the A303 and merge with the M5, following the signs to Devon. From the Midlands, follow the M5. At Exeter, the M5 leads to the A38. From here, there are signs all the way to Dartmouth.

Trains from London or Birmingham stop in Totnes. From here it’s possible to get to your holiday home in Dartmouth by hire car, bus, or taxi. It’s even possible to take a boat down the River Dart! Dartmouth is also linked to many nearby towns by bus, and Stagecoach South West is the town’s main coach operator.

Dining in Dartmouth: clotted cream, cider, and vegan fare

Devon has been long-famed for its cuisine, and Dartmouth is a foodie’s dream. Its streets are packed with cafes and restaurants, ranging from gourmet bistros to traditional takeaways. Boasting an optimum growing climate and fertile soil, the county has long been known for its quality dairy, soft fruits, and locally brewed cider. Pasties stuffed with meat or vegetables, fish and chips doused with vinegar, scones smeared with clotted cream, and local cheese are all essential Dartmouth edibles. The town has also kept pace with the times and is home to a handful of great vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

The weather in Dartmouth

Dartmouth has a similar mild climate to the rest of the West Country. The best time to book a Dartmouth holiday home is the summer, or at least late spring, which runs from June through to September. At this time of year you can expect relatively dry weather and temperatures of around 20 degrees. In winter there is more rain and less sunshine, but the town still remains a delightful destination - why not escape the weather to relax by the fire in one of its cosy pubs?

The top sights in Dartmouth

Renting a Dartmouth holiday letting gives you the opportunity to visit some fascinating historic sites. One of the most notable landmarks is Dartmouth Castle. This is an English Heritage site located just by the River Dart estuary. The castle offers terrific views of the River Dart and the surrounding coastline from its towers.

The Newcomen Engine Museum is also a must-see attraction. It displays Newcomen's engine, the first steam engine built, in all its full glory. If you're lucky you might even see the engine in operation.

The Dartmouth Steam Railway is another highlight. The station is at Kingswear, across the river, and the steam railway line runs from there to the nearby town of Paignton, running through some spectacular countryside en route. Note that this line also links with river boat cruises that ru nfrom Dartmouth up the River Dart to Totnes, stopping en route at Dittisham.

Day trips in Devon

Those staying in a Dartmouth holiday cottage can also visit some great sites in Devon. Dartmouth has a shingle beach, Blackpool Sands, but if you take the steam railway to Paignton you'll find a number of sandy beaches where you can soak up some sun. Goodrington Sands is a good stretch of beach where you can hire paddle boats and pedalos. The Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark is also located in this area. Note that regular boat trips run from the River Dart to Paignton and Torquay in Torbay during the summer.

Just down the line from Paignton, about 15km from Dartmouth, is Torquay, or the 'English Riviera'. Here, you'll find about 20 beaches linked with coastal footpaths. Torre Abbey Sands is perhaps the best beach, and also boasts some fine gardens at Torre Abbey. Babbacombe Beach is another excellent choice. Visitors can also visit its model village, set within stunning landscaped gardens.

Another great destination in Torquay is Cockington Court. This is a craft centre in a picturesque 460-acre country park, which includes woodlands, rose gardens and ornamental ponds.

Regular events in Dartmouth

Rent a holiday home in late August, and you'll be able to catch the royal regatta, held every year along the River Dart. Aside from the rowing and sailing events, there are also air shows from the Red Arrows and firework displays to round it off.

Dartmouth Shakespeare Week in July and the November Candlelit Dartmouth Festival procession are a couple of other seasonal events in Dartmouth which are not to be missed.

Agatha Christie's legacy in Dartmouth

Coleton Fishacre

Take the guided tour through Coleton Fishacre's sweeping grounds and the main house, with its lavish Art Deco rooms. Sounds from the Bluethner piano will whisk you back to the 1920s.

Greenway

Catch the ferry from Dartmouth to get to Agatha Christie's house at Greenway, now open to visitors. Eclectic family collections, floral displays, lush gardens and views of the River Dart await.

Britannia Royal Naval College

Housed inside a gorgeous traditional building, the college also known as BRNC houses exquisite paintings and historic artifacts. River views from here are fabulous.

Dartmouth Castle

Dartmouth Castle has faithfully guarded the Dart estuary and port for over 600 years. Explore the spiral staircases, ancient displays and modern animations at leisure. The cafe serves excellent cake and coffee.

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Devon's largest family theme park boasts the biggest indoor play centre in the South West, life-size play tractors, farm animals and daily falconry shows.

Frequently Asked Questions