Bayards Cove Fort

This Tudor fort, built between 1522 and 1536, contained heavy guns to protect Dartmouth harbour town from attack.

The fort was the last line of defence against enemy ships that had eluded Dartmouth and Kingswear castles and the iron chain stretched across the Dart estuary between them.

Occupying a terrace cut from the rocky river bank, Bayard’s Cove Fort is picturesquely sited at the entrance to Dartmouth harbour. 

The fort can only be reached on foot and dogs are allowed on leads.