Seven trips you must take on the River Dart

In the height of the summer there really is nothing better than messing about on the water. And what better way than to sit back and relax as you glide along the beautiful River Dart. Here are six trips you really must take along our stunning waterway.

1. Take a cruise to Dame Agatha Christie’s beautiful riverside home with Greenway Ferries.

Greenway Ferry

This really is the best way to arrive at Greenway, past the bathhouse and its distinctive three arches, where the tide used to provide fresh bathing water for the estate workers. Services to Greenway House are available from Dittisham and Dartmouth as frequent as every hour. Or, for more time to relax on the water, take a one-hour river cruise and glide past the wildlife, castles and historical buildings en route.

For more information see www.greenwayferry.co.uk

2. Take a circular cruise around the Dart estuary or up to Totnes with Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company.

Dartmouth Riverboat

The Totnes trip can be taken solo or as part of the company’s popular ‘round robin’ circular route, including a trip in and out of Paignton by bus and steam train. The circular cruise starts and ends in Dartmouth and takes in views of Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dittisham and Greenway. Full and informative, and often amusing, commentary is provided throughout. Or go further up the river to trendy Totnes, taking in views of the glorious thick green banks along the way – so green and lush they were once used as an Amazon Rainforest setting for 1970s TV series The Onedin Line.

Visit www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk for more information.

3. The same company operates the Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer -

Kingswear Castle

Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer

the UK’s only coal-fired paddle steamer, which is now taking passengers between Dartmouth and Totnes. This can also be taken as part of the ‘round robin’ trip. As you get towards Totnes look out for the beautifully still reed beds – and keep an eye out for the cormorants and Canadian geese which nest nearby.

For fares and timetables see www.paddlesteamerkc.co.uk

4. The Picnic Boat is designed for families, groups or romantic trips along the River Dart,

The Picnic Boat, Dartmouth

complete with bespoke picnic provided on board. Based in Dartmouth, the boat cruises along the Dart for two-and-a-half hours, allowing plenty of time for a spot of crab fishing too.

Picnic menus include ‘seafood heaven’, ‘West Country’ or ‘the continental’, all containing local produce including home-baked assorted breads, olives and salads. Birthday parties, events for up to 12 people and even a wedding reception have all been hosted on board. See

www.thepicnicboat.com for more details and booking.

5. Dartmouth Castle ferries take visitors to and from the town’s historic fortification,

The Castle Ferry

from the town centre to the castle slipway. This really is the most delightful way to approach the castle and is a lovely relaxed experience close to the water. Look out for seals as you sail nearer to the coast. A cream tea at the café next door to the castle and a trip to Castle Cove complete a perfect trip to the castle before waiting on the slipway for a boat to return to the town.  

See www.dartmouthcastleferry.co.uk for more details

6. Cruise on board the classic launch ‘Elberry’, aka The Banquet Boat and enjoy luxury

banquet boat

cream teas and homemade cakes or seafood, rustic and tapas platters while the River Dart laps beneath you. All with a glass of fine wine, of course. For an intimate romantic cruise, or with friends and family, The Banquet Boat makes an elegant and special transport to a wedding or party along the River Dart.

Set menus include the classic ‘West Country cream tea’ and ‘Devon’s finest seafood’ options and children’s themed parties, as well as a personal service of tailored dishes. The boat can also be chartered out with a qualified skipper, to explore the Dart or taxi to a specific riverside location, including getting a bride to church on time. 

See www.thebanquetboat.co.uk for more details.

7.  If you're looking to combine a celebration with a unique and memorable trip in the stunning setting of the River Dart then the Fizz Boat should be your choice. 

Whether it’s just the two of you or a group booking, you can experience the River Dart and surrounding countryside, with exclusive use of their purpose built luxury boat ‘Vivere’.

Designed to the highest standards of comfort and safety, giving you plenty of space to relax and enjoy your time onboard whatever the occasion, weather or time of year.

The Fizz Boat, perfect for your…

• Celebrations, Pre Dinner Cruises, Corporate Entertainment
• Proposals of Marriage, Funeral Wakes
• Special Interest Groups - Photography, Painting, Writing, etc.

See www.thefizzboat.co.uk for more details