Dartmouth Castle

The Dart Estuary and bustling port of Dartmouth have been guarded by picturesque Dartmouth Castle for 600 years. Dartmouth Castle was constructed in 1481 for the protection of Dartmouth from the mouth of the River Dart. The first of England’s castles to be built especially for artillery, Dartmouth Castle displays examples of many pioneering defences for its time.

The castle’s foreboding gun tower was added to it by locals around 100 years after its original construction, and visitors to the castle can still climb the tower and enjoy spectacular views across the estuary. Boat trips can be taken from Dartmouth’s quay to the castle to explore this Dartmouth and Kingswear history.

Royal Naval College

The Royal Naval College overlooks Dartmouth from its position on a nearby hill, and the sight continues to demonstrate the naval significance of Dartmouth’s heritage.

The historic port of Dartmouth has been home to Royal Naval Officer training since 1863, although the buildings used today were built in 1905.

Before this, students lived on HMS Britannia, a wooden boat moored on the River Dart – a name still occasionally used for the college to this day. Students were moved from the college to Cheshire during World War II after its bombing in 1942 and it re-opened in 1946. Tour boats pass directly beneath the Naval College too.

Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre is located in Kingswear and is a beautiful property, with 24 acres of garden and an unmistakable Arts and Crafts style. Formerly the country residence of Rupert D’Oyly Carte and his family, the house was constructed in 1926. The house has a strking Art Deco influence throughout the inside, and its gardens include many rare plants bought back from Mrs Cartes’ travels.

The house is now owned by the National Trust and opened to the public in 1999. Such is its impressive design that it has appeared in Country Life magazine twice, the first time in 1930. Today Coleton Fishacre makes for a beautiful tourist attraction and an insight into the elegant Kingswear heritage.

Dartmouth Harbour

Dartmouth harbour has long been regarded as one on the finest harbours in Britain and is the source of much Dartmouth heritage. Dartmouth life and transport has always centred around the harbour and River Dart, and there is still no main road in or out of the town.

The harbour at Dartmouth has been the starting point of voyages around the globe for hundreds of years. One of the most significant journeys to start at Dartmouth Harbour was that of the Mayflower, on 20 August 1620. Laden with pilgrims heading for America, the ship eventually landed at Cape Cod in November. A memorial plaque can be seen at historic Bayard’s Cove where the ship was docked before her departure.