Making the most of Dartmouth
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships are anchored or moored in the mouth of the river.
The tender dock is within a very short walking distance of town.
Ancient narrow streets house boutique shops, art galleries & delicatessens. A cobbled market place features colorful stalls and Farmers markets supplying local produce – used by our gourmet restaurants, pubs & cafes.
Sail, fish, explore by boat or come at festival time. Take the steam train ride to Paignton for a treat or enjoy visits to the Castle, Britannia Royal Naval College and National Trust Gardens. Walk the South West Coast Path or laze on the clean beaches. Don't forget to visit the tourist office to see a working Newcomen Engine!
St Petrox Church has some of the most stunning views in the country! Probably a monk's cell when first recorded in 1192 (it has been rebuilt - in the 17th century.) This church has an interesting collection of brasses and family memorials. Well worth a visit - perhaps by river taxi.
Dartmouth Castle, Strictly speaking, two castles. The Medieval fortress dates back 600 years while the most recent building was still in use during the Second World War. It is under the care of English Heritage
Getting around
The town is too small for a traveler to need a bus, by foot is the best way.
There is a ferry between the two sides of the valley, there is a small charge for crossing.
Nearby places
There is beautiful coastline all around the area.
Food and shopping
Foss Street A delightful pedestrianized street dating from the 1200s. It was built as a dam to hold the Mill Pool. As the water ran out it drove two mill wheels. If you stand about halfway along Foss Street and look towards St Saviour's Church, it is still almost possible to imagine how things might have looked.
Money
The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.
Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.
Staying connected
English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!
Most cafe's and restaurants offer free WiFi.
The local emergency telephone number is 999, however, the EU-wide 112 can also be used.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are in general:
Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hypermarts often 24/7