Dartmouth Cruising Guide
Where To Go Sailing In Dartmouth
Perched on the steep hillside of the River Dart estuary, the stunning West Country town of Dartmouth boasts a plethora of places to explore, activities to get involved with, and foodie treats to savour.
To inspire your next West Country adventure, we spoke to Ancasta Dartmouth yacht broker Nick Bishop for his views on where’s best to visit and what to experience when cruising along this lovely part of the Devonshire coast.
Places to Visit
Dart Estuary
Venturing up the River Dart on a rising tide, most vessels can sail up as far as Totnes witnessing epic scenery, historical sites, great pubs and quiet mooring spots on the way.
The quaint little village of Dittisham is a lovely place to moor up, take the tender ashore and relax for the afternoon. Anchorstone Cafe is popular for its local produce and fantastic seafood. And if you have children with you, the public pontoon is a crabbing hotspot!
Alternatively, take the ferry to nearby Greenway Quay to visit Greenway House, once the private holiday home of Agatha Christie, it’s now owned by the National Trust.
Further upriver is Stoke Gabriel, a beautiful creek surrounded by lush countryside. Take a walk along the shoreline to Duncannon at low tide or explore the tranquil estuary by paddleboard, and The River Shack is ideal for delicious riverside dining and wood-fired pizza.
The busy medieval town of Totnes is at the top of the navigable River Dart. Independent shops and cafes offer plenty of interesting trinkets and homemade wares in this bustling hub. Enjoy views over the town from the castle, or relax with lunch, wine tasting and a walk through the vineyards at the award-winning Sandridge Barton winery.
Salcombe and Kingsbridge
Salcombe is about 15 nautical miles from Dartmouth. A very picturesque harbour steeped in history, Salcombe forms the entrance to the Kingsbridge Estuary and is a popular destination for visiting yachtsmen as there are many anchorages and creeks to explore nearby. Ashore, you’ll find a charming high street lined with artisan shops and the Salcombe Dairy produces locally made frozen treats, while the coastal walks offer beautiful sea views.
If your vessel is small enough, take a trip up to the bustling little market town of Kingsbridge where you can enjoy fine local fayre and browse an eclectic array of shops.
Brixham
Sail northeast from Dartmouth around the spectacular cliffs at Berry Head and you’ll reach Torbay. Brixham, a busy fishing town, is positioned in the south of the bay. Renowned for its pivotal role in establishing the UK’s fishing industry in the Middle Ages, Brixham’s fishing activity remains strong, and the state-of-the-art fish market is a hive of activity.
A popular English Riviera town, Brixham displays a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind, right in the centre of the harbour – the kids will be kept entertained for hours. Or for something more peaceful, Berry Head is perfect for coastal walking, and you can explore the Napoleonic fortress and lighthouse.
Things To Do
Dartmouth is renowned for its pretty harbour, narrow streets, and vibrant maritime heritage. Colourful cottages cling to the hillsides, and ferries dart back and forth to Kingswear on the opposite riverbank.
For a good dose of retail therapy, browse Dartmouth’s boutique shops and art galleries adorned with local goods and handmade souvenirs. Or indulge in the top-notch foodie scene – brunch at the legendary Alf Resco Café is not to be missed and posh fish and chips at the Rockfish in the evening is well worth it.
For a bit of adventure, the whistle of the Kingswear steam train will take you back to a bygone era with its puffs of white smoke trailing majestically as it winds along the river’s edge to Paignton.
Alternatively, keep the kids entertained with a spot of crabbing on the harbour wall, or make a splash with a sea kayaking trip along the river.
To stretch the legs, take a scenic walk up to Dartmouth Castle and enjoy cream teas at the riverside cafe overlooking the harbour entrance, or carry on a few more miles around the headland and visit the beautiful Blackpool Sands beach.
What’s On
Dart Music Festival
Dartmouth comes alive to the sound of music during the Dart Music Festival. From jazz and swing to blues and soul as well as reggae, rock, folk and plenty more, there are performances to suit all music tastes.
All of the events are free to attend and take place in various venues around the town including Dartmouth Yacht Club, Bayards Cove Fort and the main Bandstand. Enjoyed by all ages, this vibrant festival attracts people from near and far every year.
Dartmouth Regatta
Dartmouth Regatta is one of the area’s biggest events of the summer. Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend the event is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. From yacht racing and rowing to running and swimming, as well as ice cream eating and crab fishing competitions, there’s something for all of the family to enjoy.
Take a spin on the teacups in the fairground or sit back and enjoy the bandstand entertainment with an ice cream before being wowed by spectacular air displays. Plus, don’t miss the magnificent end-of-regatta fireworks.
Dartmouth Food Festival
If you love trying new food and drink, the Dartmouth Food Festival is one event not to miss with its jam-packed schedule of workshops, demonstrations, seminars and tastings. Whether you choose to indulge your sweet tooth with some fudge making or want to learn more about food and beer matching, there’s something to whet everyone’s appetite. Most events are free to join but it’s recommended to book your place in advance to avoid disappointment.
Ancasta Dartmouth
Our friendly team at the Ancasta Dartmouth Office invite you to visit them if you’re passing by and if you have any questions about the local area. We have plenty of boats available to view in this stunning part of the country too so pop in to find out more.
