Places to Visit in Dartmouth & South Devon

Base yourself in Dartmouth, then branch out through Start Bay, the South Hams, and the English Riviera. Use the guide below to plan a smooth, well-paced route.

Dartmouth Highlights

Here are the key places to visit in Dartmouth:

Waterfront & Old Town

Start on the embankment and Royal Avenue Gardens, where cafés and galleries overlook the River Dart. The narrow lanes around the Old Market reward slow browsing, and Bayard’s Cove offers classic estuary views and stone quays.

Dartmouth Castle & St Petroc’s

Guarding the estuary mouth, the castle pairs small exhibits with big scenery. It’s a short ferry ride or a scenic walk from town. Nearby paths lead to pocket coves and woodland perches that are perfect on breezier days.

River Dart Cruises

Boats run to Totnes and on shorter round trips. Glide past wooded banks, boathouses, and herons for an easy sightseeing day. Ferries also hop across to Kingswear, with viewpoints back towards Dartmouth.

Kingswear & Heritage Steam Railway

The passenger ferry drops you by the station for seasonal steam trains along the coast towards Paignton. Even a short out-and-back delivers sea glimpses, photogenic stations, and a sense of travel from another era.

Blackpool Sands

A sheltered shingle beach just west of town. Clear water, facilities, and a café make it an effortless half-day. Arrive early on sunny weekends as parking is limited.

Start Bay & the South Hams

Here are the places you can visit:

Slapton Sands & Slapton Ley

A long shingle ribbon with big skies and an inland freshwater lake rich in birdlife. Sunrise is superb here, and the flat strand suits easy strolls.

Start Point & Lighthouse

One of the coast’s most dramatic headlands. A short path leads to the lighthouse; seals are often spotted below, and spring brings thrift and gorse to the clifftops.

Salcombe

Lively and polished, Salcombe mixes boutique shops with boat-dotted estuary scenes. South Sands and North Sands are close to town, while the ferry to East Portlemouth reveals gentler family coves like Mill Bay.

Hope Cove

Two small beaches and a cosy village square give this spot a slower tempo, ideal for swims, rock-pooling, and long lunches between cliff-top ambles.

Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea & Burgh Island

Wide sands and estuary views define Bantham. Across the water, Bigbury faces the famous island linked by causeway at low tide (or a quirky sea tractor at high tide). It’s a classic South Devon photo stop.

English Riviera Day Trips

Here are the places you should visit:

Torquay

Palm-lined promenades, a busy harbour, and easy dining make Torquay a good evening wander after a beach day.

Brixham & Berry Head

Brixham’s working harbour feels authentic and colourful. Nearby Berry Head National Nature Reserve delivers cliff-top paths, a lighthouse, and wide sea horizons; watch for dolphins on calm days.

Paignton

Traditional pier fun, long beaches, and family attractions suit mixed-age groups and easy logistics.

Towns, Heritage & Gardens

The following are the top places you should visit:

Totnes

Creative, walkable, and a contrast to the coast. Independent shops, whole-food cafés, and a compact Norman castle make a satisfying half-day.

Greenway (Agatha Christie’s Holiday Home)

Riverside gardens, woodland paths, and literary history. Arriving by boat from Dartmouth adds a scenic flourish.

Coleton Fishacre

An elegant 1920s house with terraced gardens that spill towards the sea. Especially lovely from spring into early summer.

A Smooth 3-4 Day Plan

Here is an exemplar trip plan:

Day 1: Dartmouth town & castle

Explore the waterfront and Old Town, then ferry or walk to Dartmouth Castle for estuary panoramas. Finish with sunset on the embankment.

Day 2: River day & Kingswear

Take a River Dart cruise (or steam train from Kingswear in season). Spend the late afternoon at Blackpool Sands for an easy swim and dinner nearby.

Day 3: Start Bay circuit

Work south along Slapton Sands and the Ley, then on to Start Point and Mattiscombe. Pause for viewpoints and a slow return via coastal villages.

Optional Day 4: South Hams or Riviera

Choose Salcombe and Hope Cove for beaches and boutiques, or aim north to Brixham and Berry Head for cliffs and harbour character.

When to Go & Useful Tips

Late spring through early autumn brings lighter seas and longer evenings; shoulder months are quieter with changeable weather. Parking in small villages fills quickly. Arrive early, carry a payment app or coins, and check height and width restrictions on lanes.

Ferries, some attractions, and the steam railway are seasonal; confirm times the day before to keep the plan on track. If you’re pre-booking multiple boat trips or non-refundable stays across the coast, consider travel insurance to safeguard your outlay if sea conditions or schedules shift.

The Takeaway

Dartmouth anchors an itinerary of compact harbour scenes, big-view headlands, and beaches that reward unhurried days. Link a few highlights from each section, keep an eye on tides and timetables, and leave room for serendipity. The next curve of the coast often hides your favourite stop.

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