Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a town and popular tourist area in the English county of Devon, in the south west of the United Kingdom. It lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and South Hams District.

Greenway Estate is the former home of novelist Agatha Christie. She lived there until her death in 1976 and it was used in some of her novels. The estate is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public.

Thomas Newcomen was the inventor of the atmospheric steam engine in around 1710, it can be viewed working at the Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre (The Engine House, Mayors Avenue).

Dartmouth Steam Railway steam trains travels 7 miles along the South Devon coast down into the Dart Valley, a designated area of outstanding beauty. Visitors can also combine the steam railway and a river and sea adventure.

Dartmouth Castle (now owned by English Heritage), is one of a pair of forts (the other being Kingswear Castle), which guard the mouth of the Dart Estuary. St Petroc's Church is immediately adjacent to the structure.

Dartmouth Museum is a small, interesting museum housed in an atmospheric old merchant's house, dating back to around 1640. The Museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts, models, paintings and photographs as well as a unique WWII film and there is a small shop selling items of local interest.

Coleton Fishacre (now owned by the National Trust) is a 24 acre garden and house built in the Arts and Crafts style, which dates back to the mid 1920's. The garden features some rare and exotic plants.

There are many churches in the area including St John the Baptist, St Clements and St Saviours.

Guided public and private tours of the Britannia Royal Naval College are available throughout the year (bookings can be made via Tourist Information). 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of Royal Navy Officer training in Dartmouth.

Woodlands is the largest family theme park in the South West. Located a few miles outside Dartmouth, the park is home to a range of indoor and outdoor activities including bumper boats, toboggan runs, zip slides, ball pools and bouncy castles.

Fast Rabbit farm consists of 43 acres with woodland and two extensive valleys. The garden has many varieties of bulbs, camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias. The woods are home to buzzards, badgers, hares and rabbits.

Explore the picturesque Castle Cove and Sugary Cove, which are ideal for rock pooling when the tide is out. The Coves are next to Dartmouth Castle, down the steps, a leisurely 30 minute walk from town.

Slapton Sands (8.5 miles from Dartmouth) is a fine shingle beach and favourite spot for fishing, windsurfing and sailing. It was also the location of the ill fated Exercise Tiger in 1944, a Sherman tank which was sunk during this action, it has been recovered and now stands on the road behind the beach. Slapton Ley Nature Trail lies behind the beach and is very popular amongst walkers and birdwatchers.

Blackpool Sands (4 miles from Dartmouth) offers a beautiful sheltered shingle beach with toilets, shops and cafe. There is also a water sports centre offering hire of equipment and a lifeguard is on duty from July-early September.

Popular activities in the area include scenic boat trips, kayaking, snorkelling, golf, fishing and walking. The South West Coast Path offers a variety of walks from gentle to strenuous and guided tours of the area are also available at certain times of the year. The Tourist Information Office have further information and walking maps.

There is a good range of shopping opportunities in Dartmouth, Foss Street is pedestrianized and houses many galleries selling local art and craftwork.

The yearly Dartmouth Food Festival happens in late October and a twice monthly farmers market held in the Old Market Square features tasty, fresh local produce.

Try some traditional fish and chips, a scrumptious cream tea or some hearty British 'pub grub' in the numerous restaurants and cafes. International options such as Indian, Italian, French and fresh fish and seafood such as crabs can all be found here.

Only small ships may berth alongside the dock, larger vessels anchor and a short tender ride takes passengers ashore.