Dartmouth

Dartmouth is located on the south coast of England in the county of Devon and takes its name from the River Dart.

It is about one hundred and sixty miles away from Chandlers Ford in Hampshire, roughly four hours drive each way, therefore a little far away for a day out but viable for a weekend.

This harbour, known locally as 'the boat float', was the place where ships once set off on the Crusades in the twelfth century and also the Pilgrim Fathers called in at Dartmouth en route from Southampton to America in 1620. It was the place where thousands of Americans set off for the Normandy beach landings during World War II.

It is home to the Royal Naval College a one hundred year old mansion where Navy Officers are trained. Dartmouth attracts many visitors each year and it is not hard to understand why if you have been there as buildings are delicately shaded as they cascade down steep wooded slopes of the valley to the River Dart.

The streets in the town are narrow and a number of the shops are from the 17th-century so it can get very busy in summer. Due to it's wide estuary there is a thriving port at Dartmouth with many sailing vessels mooring up in the safe waters as well as the numerous working boats around the harbour.

There are a number of hiking trails either up along the river or around the cliffs including the Dart Valley Trail which is about sixteen miles long walking through ancient woodlands, by a steam railway line on both sides of the River Dart. If you prefer a shorter walk then consider the Dartmouth to Greenway part of the trail, only nine miles long.

Places worth seeing include the National Trust garden at Greenway which is associated with Agatha Christie, best reached by Greenway Ferry Services or how about the Dartmouth Museum with its collection of costumes, ships-in-bottles, swords and old toys.

If you want to discover more information about Dartmouth take a look at the Tourist Office website at www.discoverdartmouth.com.

Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre - situated in the heart of town in the corner of Mayor’s Avenue Car Park.

We are the officially recognized and networked Information Centre for the town and are therefore able to assist you if you come into the office with booking serviced accommodation right across the country. We are self financing and non-profit making.

Our aim is to help residents as well as tourists with information about local events and attractions, travel arrangements and accommodation advice - amongst many other things.

Our staff all have excellent local knowledge and are delighted to help you plan your visits and Days out – we hold a wide variety of Maps, Walks, Attractions leaflets and discount vouchers.