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A jewel in Devon’s proverbial crown, Dartmouth’s enchanting streets line the scenic River Dart. Steeped in naval history and Elizabethan architecture with castles and forts offering views of stunning surrounding countryside accessible by the South West Coast Path, Dartmouth is a beloved holiday destination – whatever the weather or time of year.

Famed for local produce sourced from sea to ice-cream parlour, Dartmouth offers fine dining in an array of riverside restaurants as well as the opportunity to enjoy a seafood snack while swinging your legs over the harbour wall. Fish and chips and South Devon crab are delicacies and there is a wealth of fabulous eateries including Rockfish, which is child-friendly and atmospheric but offers craft ales for grown-ups to complement their succulent sustainable fish dishes.  

Book-lovers will enjoy a nose around Greenway, Agatha Christie’s glorious holiday home, the grounds of which can also be viewed while enjoying a chuff along the Dartmouth Steam Railway. Look out for the Round Robin ticket, which allows you to explore Dartmouth as well as nearby Paignton and Torquay by steam train, river boat and open top bus. It’s tremendous fun for all the family!

The area’s beautiful beaches were one of the things that celebrated crime novelist Christie wrote home about. With Dartmouth and its surrounds renowned for some of the best shores in the west, Blackpool Sands should not be missed. As well as learning to surf on the coast, you could try your hand at sailing or kayaking down the Dart – one of the finest ways to appreciate this Devon mecca.

If watersports are your thing, you will want to time your trip to coincide with August’s Dartmouth Regatta. This comprises sailing and rowing events, aircraft displays and a spectacular firework finale.   

While October offers a treat for culture hounds with local arts festival Galleries Week and Dartmouth Food Festival. The popular grub show is one of the biggest UK draws for foodies, local producers and celebrity chefs alike. Make sure you get your taste of the area by bagging a Dartmouth holiday cottage today.