The Castle Tea Rooms
Any visit to Dartmouth, the prettiest harbour town in Britain, would not be complete without sampling the experience of the wonderfully located Castle Tea Rooms. Perched above Dartmouth Castle and and the ancient St Petrox Church, the panoramic views from the tearooms are breath taking making it a perfect year round location to boat watch, gaze out to sea or relax with friends and family. The warm and cosy atmosphere inside makes it perfect for the cooler months, whilst the outdoor seating means ample space for soaking up the summer sunshine.
The tearooms serve hearty breakfasts from 9am, a range of sandwiches (including local crab in freshly baked granary bread), soups, paninis and other specials, plus a vast range of delicious homemade cakes and goodies. Even better, they offer a great selection for the vegetarian and gluten free diet too as well as fun children’s lunch bags! If you fancy something light, we’d recommend the savoury cream tea with cheese scones, local chutney and cream cheese to top it off or go traditional and enjoy the double scone Devonshire cream tea! With a focus on fair trade, organic, local ingredients and homemade goods, the menu has something for everyone whilst supporting the neighbourhood and its businesses by buying local ingredients as much as possible!
To top it all off, the Tea Rooms is fully licenced. So take the passenger ferry and relax in the sunshine with a Pimms, chilled glass of wine or cold beer, or wrap up warm for a winter walk before sitting by the cosy fire with an Irish coffee, Bailey’s hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine!
Originally known as the Castle Light, the Castle Tea Rooms building was built in 1856 and, as the name implies, its purpose was to provide a light to guide shipping into and through the narrow entrance to Dartmouth Harbour. Within a few years new lights were installed on the Kingswear side of the river and the Castle Light was no longer required.
Photographs from the 19th and early 20th centuries show the building was never abandoned and the new role of providing refreshment appears to have become established early on. Taken over by the military during the two world wars there is some evidence this role was continued for the troops. It was the canteen for those stationed there in World War 2. Its function as a place of refreshment and latterly a tearoom has continued ever since.
The Castle Tea Rooms are a level 15 minute stroll from the centre of Dartmouth but you can also reach them in style on one of the frequent Castle ferries which serve the Castle from the South Embankment. Should you wish to drive, there is a small car-park (home to Dartmouth Shakespeare Week in early August). But if it’s exercise you’re after the coastal path runs through the castle site just outside the tea rooms. And if you need a small picnic for your hike, why not pick up your drinks and sandwiches from us? We look forward to welcoming you.
