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Click on any picture for a larger version, plus click on underlined links for more information.
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Dartmouth is approximately 34 miles from Exeter and 25 miles from Plymouth. It is situated in an area designated as being of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is surrounded by the most beautiful scenery.
There are many Blue flag beaches within easy reach and one of the best of them, Blackpool Sands is only 3 miles away.
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Picturesque and historic, Dartmouth was a fishing port early in the middle ages and became a base for smugglers and privateers. The 2nd and 3rd crusades departed from here in the 12th century and Dartmouth also supplied Edward III with 31 vessels for the Siege of Calais during the Hundred Years War.
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At Bayards Cove, which is to the South end of the Embankment, the Pilgrim Fathers set sail in the Mayflower and Speedwell for America on 20th August 1620.
The towns' Museum is a Merchants House dating from 1640. It contains a comprehensive collection of material covering the town’s maritime history.
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The 17th Century Butterwalk with its intricate wooden carvings and a frontage supported on granite columns forming an arcade, was built around 1635. The Cherub public house dates back to 14th century.
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Dartmouth Castle was built in 1481 and is approximately a 1 mile walk from the town centre.
Dartmouth is also the home of the Britannia Royal Navy College, an impressive building that can be seen from many areas approaching and around the town. This College is famous for its training of naval officer and has had an impressive list of students, amongst the His Royal Highness Prince Charles.
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As it is close to the southernmost point of Devon, Dartmouth is blessed with a fair climate all year round and is also a winner of the Britain in bloom award.
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There are over 30 restaurants and 14 bars that sell fine ales and quality local food. Local shops too are purveyors of quality local cheeses, plus fresh and smoked fish.
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A very popular annual event at the end of August is the Royal Regatta, offering an entertaining variety of events such as boat handling competitions, sailing events, waterborne treasure hunt, the Red Arrows air display and a very impressive fireworks display is the climax to the regatta.
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Totnes is approximately 13 miles away, with Totnes castle and an Elizabethan market. Torbay, which comprises Torquay, Paignton and Brixham is just a short drive via the ferry. Torbay has many attractions. Theatres, clubs and cinemas as well as some wonderful tourist attractions such as
The Living Coast, Babbacombe Model Village and Kent’s Cavern.
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Dartmoor with its ponies, its pixies and its prison is also just a stones throw away.
The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway is a wonderful site to see as it puffs along line by the side of the river.
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You might also like to take a boat trip either up the river to Totnes or along the Coast to Brixham and Tor Bay.
A little way up the river towards Totnes is the Greenway Estate. This was once the home of Agatha Christie. The gardens, farm, woodland and river frontage were donated to the National Trust and in 2002 the Gardens were opened to the Public.
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Coleton Fishacre, an Art Deco Mansion with beautiful gardens and one time home to the D’oyly Cartes, is also now owned by the National Trust. It is just a few miles along the coast from Brixham, reachable from Dartmouth by Car Ferry to Kingswear.
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Dartmouth is also a wonderful place to see in the New Year. Hoards of good natured, fun loving, revellers, most in fancy dress, make their way from venue to venue via Dartmouth’s narrow streets. There is such a friendly atmosphere as the town rings with laughter and song.
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