Dartmouth Hotels
Mini guide to Dartmouth
Dartmouth is a small fishing port situated at the mouth of the River Dart on the
south coast of Devon. Originally a fishing town which later became a base for
pirates, Dartmouth is now a charming resort blessed with a mild climate all year
round, allowing palm trees and other exotic plants to bloom.
There are some interesting historical buildings in Dartmouth including Dartmouth
Castle, which was built in the 1480s and was used to protect the entrance of
the river with the help of a chain slung across the river. Next door is the
Old Battery, which dates from 1545 and contains a fine collection of cannons,
while the Cherub in Higher street is a well-restored listed building which was
built for a wool merchant in 1780.
The town is overlooked by Britannia Royal Naval College, which was built in
1902 and designed by Sir Aston Webb, the architect of the façade at Buckingham
Palace. Also worth seeing is one of Thomas Newcomen's massive steam engines.
He built the first of these in 1712 and within 15 years over 100 of the machines
were operating all over Europe, and it is still possible to make a trip by steam
engine on the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway even today. For a quieter afternoon
activity, try the Dartmouth Museum, which offers some interesting maritime and
local historical exhibits.
Dartmouth has over 30 restaurants, with local seafood being the speciality.
There are also numerous bars where you can sample traditional local beer and
cider. There are many places to stay, including bed and breakfasts, hotels,
self catering homes, camping and caravan sites.
Nearby are some large sandy beaches, while short cruises up the River Dart
or along the coast to Salcombe or Torbay are popular. Dartmouth also offers
some good sailing and sea angling as well as a top quality golf course with
an attached leisure suite boasting a swimming pool, gym, spa and health and
beauty facilities. While for the children there is the nearby Woodlands award-winning
indoor amusement park.
Dartmouth can be reached by car from Exeter via the A380 and the A3022 or via
the A379 from Plymouth. British Rail and National Express run rail and coach
services to Totnes and Paignton, from where you can catch a taxi or local bus
to Dartmouth.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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