The ancient town and deepwater port of Dartmouth lies in a picture book location, on the picturesque River Dart, with steep wooded hillsides on either side. Dartmouth's main Embankment runs the length of the town, from the New Quay towards the historic Bayard's Cove. The Embankment is the perfect place to sit and watch the busy maritime activity on the river.
Dartmouth is steeped in history with its narrow streets and ancient buildings of which the Cherub pub (c1380) in Higher Street and Agincourt House by the lower ferry are survivors from the 14th century. The timber-framed arcade known as the Butterwalk was built in 1635-40 and restored following bomb damage in 1943. The town offers visitors a stunning array of bistros, restaurants, boutiques and specialist shops, all lining Dartmouth's narrow streets with their long flights of winding steps and intriguing medieval buildings. For about 1,000 years, the port has been the starting point for sea-going journeys all over the world. The Crusades assembled and set off from Dartmouth’s quayside. Later, the Pilgrim Fathers put into the still cobbled Bayard’s Cove (which has changed little since 1539) on route from Southampton to the New World.
Two impressive castles have guarded the mouth of the River Dart for centuries. Dartmouth Castle, built in 1481, was the first in the country to be constructed specifically for artillery. Across the river sits Kingswear castle. The deep water anchorage was further protected by a heavy chain strung between the castles in times of war.
Thomas Newcomen, the inventor of the steam pumping engine was born in Dartmouth in 1663 and a working example of one of his engines is displayed in the Engine House.
Dartmouth Visitor Information Centre
Mayors Avenue
Dartmouth
Devon TQ6 9YY
