|
The Embankment |
Dartmouth Standing as it does just inside the estuary of the magnificent deep water harbour of the Dart, means that this historic town has played an important roll in maritime history for over 900 years, many famous mariners have set sail from this port, and the town has always done it's share in times of conflict, but now it is just a wonderful place to visit on holiday, where you can find relaxation or activity as you wish. |
|
Here along the Embankment you can sit and watch the boats going about their business on the water, or, just a few yards away enjoy the activity of the passengers embarking on the river trips up and down the river, and perhaps join in and book a trip to Totnes, 8 miles upstream, where you can browse round the town and come back on another boat later in the day.
|
The Embankment |
|
Across the river to Kingswear |
From the lower part of the town a car and foot ferry runs regularly across the river to Kingswear, there you can explore along to Gomerock Castle the counterpart to Dartmouth Castle, where in ancient times a huge chain would be strung across the river entrance to secure the town from invasion. From Kingswear it is also possible to take a ride on the old steam trains up the dart valley and see the beautiful scenery from a different angle, or the other way into Painton to enjoy the attractions of a large seaside town. |
|
Any visit to Dartmouth would not be complete without seeing Bayards Cove, dating from the 16th century, the Pilgrim Fathers stopped here in 1620 for repairs to the Speedwell, it was also the setting for filming the BBC series "The Onedin Line". Most of the houses here date from the 17th century and the old customs house still has it's original deeds on display dated 1662. |
Bayards Cove |
|
The entrance to the Dart |
Standing at the southern end of Bayards Cove is Bayards Castle, built around 1534 as a second line of defence in case the chain and castles at the mouth of the estuary failed, it is not difficult to see how this fort, which gives such a commanding view of the entrance, could afford such good defence against the enemy |
|
Whilst wandering round the quaint old streets of Dartmouth you will find many beautiful old buildings such as the ones shown here. The Butterwalk, it's upper stories supported on stone pillars, was built as a house for a wealthy merchant around 1640, or The Cherub, now a public house and reputedly the oldest building in Dartmouth, and Agincourt house built in the late 16th century and now home to several small businesses. There are many less auspicious, but equally interesting houses in nearly every tiny back street in Dartmouth, waiting for you to discover them. |
The Butterwalk |
|
Agincourt House |
The Cherub |
.jpeg)