Camping in Dartmouth

More about camping in Dartmouth

There’s plenty to do on your camping trip to Dartmouth. Whether you love an outdoor adventure, want to lounge around on a beach or fancy exploring the town's history, you’ll find something that suits you.

The River Dart

Flowing through Dartmouth, the River Dart is a breathtaking waterway framed by rolling hills, picturesque woodlands, and historic sites. There’s plenty to do both on and off the river.

For water sports enthusiasts, the river offers boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and much more. It’s also an excellent spot for fishing, with catches like sea trout, brown trout, salmon, and other fish.

If you prefer to stay dry, set up a picnic, bring binoculars, and enjoy some wildlife watching. You’ll be able to spot porpoises, seals and, if you’re really focused, dolphins.

Walking enthusiasts will also enjoy a gentle stroll around the river, where you can marvel at the incredible view and breathe in the fresh air.

Dartmouth beaches

Within the pretty town, you’ll find Castle Cove and Sugary Cove, both offering incredible views of the estuary and Dartmouth Castle. These two secluded beaches provide a quiet, relaxing escape from the crowds.

If you’re up for a short drive, just 10 minutes from town and 4 minutes from our Dartmouth Club Site is Blackpool Sands. This popular Blue Flag beach is renowned for its clear waters, golden sand, and pristine atmosphere. Lay down a picnic blanket and enjoy a good book, build sandcastles, or cool off in the water with fun water sports activities.

A little farther afield is Slapton Sands. This shingle beach is about 20 minutes from Dartmouth and just a 2-minute drive from our Slapton Sands Club Site. Here, you’ll find a three-mile stretch of beach that forms part of the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. It’s perfect for a day out, with scenic walks, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and a touch of history. At the beach, you’ll also find memorials commemorating the tragic Exercise Tiger disaster during World War II.

Shopping in Dartmouth

Dartmouth has a mix of well-known high-street brands and independent boutiques that sell unique products you won't find anywhere else. Whether you love to shop or you're after a souvenir to remember your trip, pop into Dartmouth for some excellent finds.

Fross Street, Dartmouth's oldest street, is a great place to start. You can explore the galleries, browse through the stores and marvel at the architecture.

The Old Market Square and Duke Street are also home to various independent and high street brands.

Dartmouth Old Market is open every Friday throughout the year, and it’s open on Tuesdays from Easter to Christmas. It’s only open on Thursdays during high season. Here, you’ll find unique crafts and gifts as well as local fresh produce.

Dartmouth Castle

For over 600 years, Dartmouth Castle has guarded the entrance to the Dart Estuary. During your visit, you can see the Gun Tower and winding passages, and you can climb to the top of the battlements. Walking enthusiasts and wildlife watchers will adore walking around the castle and spotting breathtaking birds and other wildlife. If the weather is good, you can also catch a riverboat from the town quay to the castle's entrance.

The Dartmouth Newcomen Engine

Dartmouth is the home of Thomas Newcomen, the inventor of the steam engine, which can be found in the centre of Dartmouth. The Dartmouth Newcomen Engine is the world's oldest preserved working steam engine, built in 1720. Visitors can see the steam engine in operation during certain times.

Although you won't be able to ride this steam engine, you can book a ride in Dartmouth. You’ll travel on the coast of Torbay through the incredible Devon countryside, overlooking the River Dart.

Click here for more information on steam train rides in Dartmouth.