Dartmouth Castle

Dartmouth Castle

Dartmouth Castle

One of the most beautifully located fortresses in England.  For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth. It enjoys stunning views of the estuary and out to sea and offers a great family day out, whatever the weather. Kid friendly, it’s long been a must-do outing when visiting Dartmouth.

This fascinating complex of defences was begun in 1388 by John Hawley, privateering Mayor of Dartmouth and the prototype of the flamboyant ‘Shipman’ in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. About a century later the townsmen added the imposing and well-preserved ‘gun tower’, probably the very first fortification in Britain purpose-built to mount ‘ship-sinking’ heavy cannon. Climb to the top for breath-taking views across the estuary and see how it could be blocked in wartime by a heavy chain laid across the river to Kingswear Castle on the opposite bank.

Unusually incorporating the fine church of St Petrox, the castle saw action during the Civil War, and continued in service right up until the Second World War. Successive updating included the Victorian ‘Old Battery’ with its remounted heavy guns, guardrooms and maze of passages to explore.

There is plenty to do inside the castle and if the weather is fine, you can make it a full day out with a river boat trip from the town quay up to the castle, landing you a minute’s walk away from the castle entrance. After you have explored the castle, you can visit the tea room immediately adjacent for light lunches, snacks and ice creams - and stunning views over the entrance to the River Dart. 

History

Sitting on a promontory where the River Dart meets the English Channel, the castle was begun in 1388 to protect the town and harbour of Dartmouth against French raids during the Hundred Years War. One hundred years later it was strengthened with a gun tower, the first purpose-built coastal artillery fort in Britain. The castle saw fighting during the Civil War and was later updated and re-equipped several times, serving in both World Wars.

Don’t miss

• The climb to the top of the battlement for splendid views over Dartmouth town

• The lower floor where the chain would have been stretched across the estuary

 • A ferry boat ride to or from the castle - perfect for wildlife spotting

• A home-made cream tea in the sunshine while you watch the boats drift by at the Castle Tea Rooms

Please note: in response to Covid 19, advanced booking is essential and opening arrangements may change. Please check the Dartmouth Castle website for the latest information on booking tickets, facilities, access and more.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/dartmouth-castle  or search ‘Dartmouth Castle’ to find out more.

How to get there:

By foot - The castle is a 15-20 minute walk from the centre of the town - proceed up Newcomen Road/South Town away from the town. Turn left at Warfleet. Look out for the stunning views across the River Dart towards Kingswear opposite.

By car - Parking (charge) - Limited ‘Pay and Display’ car park located 12 metres from entrance (not managed by English Heritage). Parking on the access road is free. Disabled visitors may be set down at gate.

By ferry - The Castle Ferry, with its traditional open launches, is one of the best and simplest ways of getting close to the water – an authentic Dartmouth treat. The trip, from the steps on Dartmouth’s South Embankment, takes around ten minutes and ends at the steps below St Petrox church and it’s then a 5 minute steepish walk up from the Stumpy Steps to the castle. Weather permitting, the ferry runs every day of the season from Easter until the end of October:  First ferry 10am South Embankment; last ferry 5pm from the castle. 

If you get the Castle Ferry to the castle be sure to look out for Miranda the Mermaid seated on the rocks not far from the Castle.

Please note the ferry is not operated by English Heritage.

Watch the video

Opening Times

17 May-1 Nov, daily 10am-5pm

2 Nov-31 Mar, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed

Last entry 30 mins before closing.

Entrance prices

Non-Members, with Gift Aid:

Adult £8.70 | Concession £7.90 | Child £5.20

Family 2 Adults £22.60 | Family 1 Adult £13.90

For more information about Dartmouth Castle's opening times and prices, click here.

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    Dartmouth Castle

    Castle Road, Dartmouth, TQ6 0JN
    01803 833588
    Website

    Picturesquely-sited fortresses. For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth. Currently managed by English Heritage.

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