Dartmouth is a town like no other, blending stunning natural beauty with a rich maritime heritage and a lively cultural scene. Beyond its picturesque streets and historic charm, it offers experiences that are entirely unique to this corner of the UK.
Here are eight exceptional experiences exclusive to Dartmouth:
- The Embankment Bistro
Formerly a railway platform destined to carry trains that never came, this bustling riverside café now offers delicious food alongside fascinating history, making it a one-of-a-kind spot to relax by the water.
READ MORE: Exmoor’s Most Tragic Night: The Story of Eight Men Lost in a Wartime Plane Crash
READ MORE: Little Beeches Nursery Celebrated for Nurturing Environment and Strong Educational Approach
-
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Step back in time aboard vintage carriages that traverse a scenic coastal route past woodlands, cliffs, and estuaries. This nostalgic journey captures the essence of England’s golden railway era.
-
Dartmouth Visitor Centre and Newcomen Engine
Explore Dartmouth’s proud engineering legacy by visiting the Dartmouth Visitor Centre, home to the world’s oldest preserved working steam engine—the Newcomen Engine—which helped ignite the Industrial Revolution.
-
Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle
Cruise the Dart aboard the UK’s only coal-fired paddle steamer. The Kingswear Castle offers serene views with herons overhead and the peaceful sound of water lapping gently beneath the paddle wheels.
-
Home to the UK’s Only Commercial Freediver
Meet James Kirkcaldy, Dartmouth’s own freediver who hand-picks scallops by diving on a single breath. His sustainable technique supports local Michelin-starred chefs and helps preserve the seabed.
-
The UK’s Last Remaining Tug and Float Ferry
The Lower Ferry is a living piece of history—a floating platform pushed by a tug, ferrying passengers and vehicles since the 1700s. It remains the country’s sole surviving example of this type of ferry, offering spectacular views and a unique commuting experience.
-
Dartmouth Castle
A historic sentinel guarding the river’s mouth since 1388, Dartmouth Castle features Britain’s first coastal artillery gun tower and provides panoramic views over the estuary and sea.
-
Dartmouth Museum’s Jesse Room Ceiling
Admire the exquisite Elizabethan plaster relief of the Tree of Jesse, an artistic treasure reputed to be the only surviving plaster example of its kind in the world.
Danni Pinnington, Director of Visitor Marketing for Explore Dartmouth, sums it up perfectly: “Dartmouth’s charm lies in what you won’t find anywhere else. It is a convergence of history, water, culture, and community that you simply must experience for yourself.”