The Best Hotels in Dartmouth

Dartmouth Hotels

Located in the forested hills along the glistening blue of the River Dart estuary, Dartmouth has long been a favourite haunt for tourists both British and international alike. This peaceful, historical town is perfect for slow walks along the waterfront, as the masts of the moored boats bob hypnotically up and down. The pleasant, cobbled streets that dot the town transport you to a simpler time, and you can often catch a real glimpse into the lives of ages past.

Things to see

In addition to the delightful independent shops and cafés sprinkled about the town centre, there are a number of attractions nearby. A short distance from the town lies the vast, impressive towers and halls of the 19th century Royal Naval College. The College is Britain's main officer training facility for the Royal Navy, and you can take a guided tour while learning about its history. For those wanting to delve even further back through the pages of time, then a visit to the imposing stone towers of Dartmouth Castle is a must. With foundations on the very cusp of the shimmering River Dart, kids'll have a field day exploring the winding staircases and battlements. If you're whiling away the afternoon with an indulgent, cream laden afternoon tea, then a walk around the Dartmouth Museum afterwards can provide the perfect way to burn some calories while learning about Dartmouth's fascinating history.

Hotels in Dartmouth

Almost all hotels in Dartmouth are unique, each having its own boutique feel and atmosphere. Generally, bed and breakfasts are the main form of accommodation on offer, but you'll also find some pleasant, historic inns with bustling bars, and restaurants on the ground floor. Dartmouth hotels also tend to vary their policies when it comes to extras. That said, you'll often find internet access is free in public areas, and you'll normally be able to enjoy free guest parking too. Thanks to the fact that Dartmouth is fairly moderate in size, you'll never be too far from the town centre.

Where to stay

For quick access to the waterfront, where you can enjoy the golden orange sky reflected in the waters of the river during the evening, Lower Street is the ideal location. You can also easily catch the ferry across the river here to the town of Kingswear. History enthusiasts might want to be as close to the museum as possible, so staying in or around the Quay will be the best choice. You'll be moments away from both the town centre and Dartmouth Museum itself. If you enjoy walks, and want a more peaceful place to stay, then head along the Victoria Road.

How to get to Dartmouth

While there are no services direct to Dartmouth itself from any of the major cities, you can fly into London or Birmingham and catch direct services to Totnes or Paignton (both worth a visit in their own right). You can then grab a taxi from either of these locations. If you're not in a hurry, then you can also take the scenic, relaxing steam train from Paignton to Kingswear before hopping on a ferry to Dartmouth. Once in the town itself, you can easily cover the area on foot.