Dartmouth hotels and self catering cottage accommodation in Dartmouth

Devon » Dartmouth accommodation

Within the River Dart valley, among deep tree-filled hillsides, sits the thriving town of Dartmouth. With the riverside South Embankment running the length of the town, from New Ground to Bayard’s Cove, you can enjoy a peaceful riverside stroll and take in the bustling estuary. Visitors are catered for in one of the many restaurants, cafés and boutique shops or even on one of the many pleasure crafts departing for short trips from the dock.

Being that the river has always been Dartmouth’s central artery, a main road into town has never been built, helping preserve the historic feel of small streets and historic buildings. As a matter of fact, the oldest surviving building here, the Cherub Pub in Higher Street, was constructed in 1380. Many other medieval structures can be found along the town’s winding alleyways and narrow roads. This harbour, for the last thousand years, has been the departure point for all kinds of sea voyages, from Norman traders to the Crusades.

The local museum is located inside the Butterwalk, an impressive building with timber framed walkways, built around 1635. Close by, lies the Engine House, where it’s possible to see a working 19th century steam pumping engine, a type of engine invented by Thomas Newcomen, born here in 1663.

Cobbled Bayard Cove remains almost intact since the wharf construction in 1539, featuring an artillery fort on the south end. Also defensively built for artillery purposes are the two castles at the mouth of the Dart: Kingswear Castle and Dartmouth Castle, built in the 15th century to protect the bay and town from opposite banks.

Britannia, the Royal Naval College built in 1905 here in Dartmouth, is probably the town's most famous asset and the one that upholds a true nautical tradition here.