A weekend in Dartmouth

A historic harbour town on the River Dart, with a castle and steam railway

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Dartmouth is a handsome historic port on the steep west bank of the River Dart, with a medieval centre, a castle at the river mouth and the Royal Naval College above the town. Colourful houses line the quay, and boats come and go along the river.

It can be reached by a steam train to Kingswear and a ferry across the river, or by boat from Totnes, and has a strong food scene.

Best forHistory lovers, Food lovers, Families, Walkers

Best time to goSpring to autumn. The regatta in late August is busy, and the river is lovely year-round.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereExeter: About 1 hour 15 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Dartmouth

Plan your weekend in Dartmouth

Top attractions in Dartmouth

Dartmouth Castle

A fortress at the mouth of the river, reached by a pretty walk or a small ferry.

The Quay and Bayard's Cove

A historic waterside with old merchants' houses and cobbled streets.

The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat

A steam train from Paignton to Kingswear, with a ferry across to the town.

Greenway

Agatha Christie's holiday home and gardens, reached by boat or on foot.

The Britannia Royal Naval College

The historic naval college on the hill, with tours on certain days.

Best things to do in Dartmouth

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Dartmouth river cruise

River boats sail between Dartmouth and Totnes along the tidal River Dart, passing wooded banks, creeks, boathouses and Greenway, once the home of Agatha Christie. Allow about 1.5 hours each way.

Camel Trail cycling

The Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free path along a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, running from Padstow to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Seafood in Padstow

Padstow is one of Cornwall's best-known food towns, centred on a working fishing harbour. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

More things to do near Dartmouth

Dartmouth Steam Railway Paignton to Kingswear, Devon

Best areas to stay in Dartmouth

The Quay

Right on the water, with restaurants and cafes.

Above the town

Quieter, with views over the river.

Kingswear

Across the river, with the railway and ferry.

Best hotels in Dartmouth

Prices for a double room in Dartmouth typically fall around £130–£220 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Dartmouth

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Dartmouth

Spring to autumn. The regatta in late August is busy, and the river is lovely year-round.

Seasons that suit Dartmouth well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Dartmouth

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Dartmouth

From Exeter: About 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
From Plymouth: About 1 hour by car.
From London: About 3 hours by train to Totnes, then a bus or the river boat.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Dartmouth

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The Quay.
Saturday: Start with Dartmouth Castle, then The Quay and Bayard's Cove. In the afternoon, head to The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat.
Sunday: Visit Greenway or The Britannia Royal Naval College, then head home.

Packing list for Dartmouth

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

There is no railway station in Dartmouth, so most visitors drive or arrive by boat.
Parking is limited and pricey in town.
The Regatta week fills rooms, so book far ahead.