Your Guide to
Dartmouth, Devon
A small, beautiful town at the mouth of the River Dart. Everything you need to know for a wonderful weekend.
Where to Stay
Accommodation
Dartmouth is a small town and accommodation books up quickly, especially during Regatta weekend. We recommend booking as early as possible. The following are our personal recommendations.
The Royal Castle Hotel
The Embankment, Dartmouth
A landmark 17th-century coaching inn right on the Embankment, with views over the river and Kingswear beyond. Beautifully restored with a warm, traditional atmosphere.
Dart Marina Hotel & Spa
Sandquay Road, Dartmouth
Contemporary hotel and spa directly on the river with a private pontoon. Stunning views, excellent restaurant, and one of the best spas in Devon — perfect for a pre-wedding treat.
Brown's Hotel
Victoria Road, Dartmouth
A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Dartmouth with elegant, individually styled rooms. Excellent breakfast and a lovely bar. Just a short walk from the Embankment.
Dartmouth B&Bs
Various locations, Dartmouth
Dartmouth has a wonderful selection of independent B&Bs offering warm hospitality and excellent breakfasts. Explore options on exploredartmouth.co.uk for something more personal.
Kingswear & Surrounding Villages
Kingswear, TQ6
Just across the river by ferry, Kingswear and the surrounding villages offer beautiful self-catering cottages with spectacular estuary views. A wonderful base for the weekend.
While You Are Here
Things to Do
Dartmouth is one of England's most beautiful small towns. Here are our personal recommendations for making the most of your time here.
Eat & Drink
Rockfish Dartmouth
South Embankment, Dartmouth
Mitch Tonks's celebrated seafood restaurant on the quay. The freshest fish in Devon, simply done. Book well ahead.
Book in advanceAlf Resco
Lower Street, Dartmouth
A much-loved Dartmouth institution. Relaxed outdoor dining with a great menu and wonderful harbour views.
Outdoor terraceThe Royal Castle Hotel Bar
The Embankment, Dartmouth
Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. Atmospheric historic bar right on the Embankment with local ales and excellent wines.
Historic barSee & Explore
Dartmouth Castle
Castle Road, Dartmouth
One of England's finest coastal fortresses, dating from the 1380s. The views from the battlements across the mouth of the Dart are extraordinary.
English Heritage siteDartmouth Royal Regatta
Dartmouth & River Dart
One of the oldest regattas in the world, running all week from 26th–29th August. Sailing races, air displays, entertainment, and the famous Saturday fireworks.
Coincides with the wedding weekendThe Dartmouth Passenger Ferry
Dartmouth Embankment
Cross the river to Kingswear on the little passenger ferry — a Dartmouth institution. Runs regularly from the Embankment and takes about 5 minutes.
Runs regularlyOutdoors & Active
Blackpool Sands
A379, Stoke Fleming, TQ6 0RG
Award-winning beach with turquoise water and a Mediterranean feel. Beach café, kayak hire, paddleboard hire, cold water dipping, and the famous beach sauna. 10 minutes by car.
Beach sauna availableSouth West Coast Path
Dartmouth Castle trailhead
One of England's greatest long-distance walks runs right through Dartmouth. The stretch from Dartmouth Castle towards Start Point is particularly spectacular.
All abilities welcomeSea Kayak Devon
Blackpool Sands
Based at Blackpool Sands, offering coastal kayak tours, hire, and guided experiences along the South Devon coast. Book in advance for the Sunday morning session.
Pre-booking recommendedFind Your Way
Dartmouth & Surrounds
All the key locations for the wedding weekend, mapped for you. Click any marker for details.
St Petrox Church
Wedding Ceremony
Gullsway Boathouse
Wedding Reception
Castle Cove
Post-ceremony
Blackpool Sands
Sunday Brunch & Saunas
The Embankment
Town centre & ferry
Dartmouth Castle
English Heritage site
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. All distances and locations are approximate.
By Car
Dartmouth is approximately 3 hours from London via the M5 and A38. The postcode for the town centre is TQ6 9PH. Parking is available at the Mayors Avenue car park and along the Embankment. Note: roads around Dartmouth Castle are narrow — allow extra time.
By Train
The nearest mainline station is Totnes (approximately 12 miles). From Totnes you can take a taxi or the scenic Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear, then the passenger ferry across to Dartmouth. The journey from London Paddington to Totnes takes approximately 2.5 hours.
By Ferry
The passenger ferry runs regularly between Dartmouth Embankment and Kingswear throughout the day and evening. It is the most charming way to arrive. A higher car ferry also operates nearby at Dartmouth–Kingswear Higher Ferry on the A3122.