Devon really does specialise in pretty towns but from its castle to its gorgeous riverfront, I’m always particularly tempted to head back to Dartmouth with kids.
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With its long history and laid-back holiday vibe, I’ve visited in glorious summer sunshine and autumn drizzle, and each time come away determined to spend longer.
And with so many things to do in Dartmouth with kids, it’s the perfect spot for a family holiday as well – here are my top 16 ideas to start you off.
Visit Dartmouth Castle with kids
While it’s easy to while away a day (and more) in Dartmouth, one place you shouldn’t miss is a visit to Dartmouth Castle with kids.
Set at the mouth of the River Dart, parts of the castle date back to the 14th century and it saw action during the English Civil War, plus there are also later 19th century additions – it was still used to defend the coast in Victorian times, as well as protecting Britannia Naval College during the First World War.
And while you shouldn’t expect knights, turrets and medieval splendour here, there are some fun things to do with kids at Dartmouth castle as well.
There’s a trail for kids to follow with various different quizzes and bits of trivia, as well as the chance to design your own castle.
Keep an eye out for the mice along the way too: some are on display, others take a bit more hunting out. And if I’m honest, there was so much else to look at that we didn’t even spot them all, as we kept getting distracted.
Before you even set foot inside, you’ll spot the first of the cannon – what’s now the shop used to be a Second World War gun house.
And it’s a theme which continues as you explore through the Victorian fortress and head on into the older medieval section.
The first defences date back to 1388, built by privateer and Mayor of Dartmouth John Hawley – an inspiration for the Shipman in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – while the 15th century gun tower is thought to be the first purpose-built fortification for heavy cannon that would sink ships.
That wasn’t the only defence: a heavy chain stretched across the estuary, which could be used to block enemy ships from invading.
And when you head down into the passageways – you’ll need the torch on your phone to illuminate these dim tunnels – the rooms were used to store gunpowder and explosive shells over the years.
Along the way, there’s a sound and light show designed to give you an idea of what it must have been like when the cannon were firing – and just how many people were needed to operate one.
One of the highlights of the first part of the castle was a model showing what the fortress looked like at different points in history: no ordinary model though, you turn a handle on this interactive creation to make towers rise and fall and fortifications suddenly erupt.
There are more displays and interactive fun over in the older section of the castle too – including more cannon and early guns.
But even more fun is the collection of metal helmets which you can try on, in a variety of shapes, and almost all a lot heavier than I could imagine wearing for more than a few minutes.
And to finish the tour of the castle, you can head up to the roof of the tower, including the guard-room at the highest point, to soak up some amazing views back along the river towards Dartmouth.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few seals in the water; you’re guaranteed to spy a few boats zooming by and Kingswear Castle (an artillery tower now transformed into a unique place to stay by the Landmark Trust) on the banks opposite.
Do look inside St Petrox church as well while you’re at the castle, with brass grave inscriptions dating back to the 17th century inside and its slanting sloping weathered graveyard outside.
We spent around an hour here before heading back to Dartmouth along the coast path, but there are more woodland walks around the castle, as well as the chance to buy a cream tea.
Open year round but at weekends only during the winter months. Click here for opening times and tickets: free for English Heritage members.
There is parking by the castle but it’s very limited but unless you’re planning to get there early, it’s best to take the ferry from Dartmouth (this also gets busy, especially in peak season) or walk from the town, which takes around 20 minutes.
Take a boat tour
We ticked off our taste of being out on the water by taking the ferry out to Dartmouth Castle, but you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to other boat tours in Dartmouth with kids.
There’s a circular boat trip which takes you along the river out to Kingswear and Dartmouth castles, as well as to Greenway and Dittisham – tickets available from the kiosks by the town pontoon.
The Kingswear Castle paddlesteamer, which normally runs this trip during the summer months, is not operating in 2022.
Or take the longer cruise towards Totnes: 90 minutes each way, it’s a lovely alternative to driving, if you’d like to spend a day exploring Totnes.
If you’re planning to visit Greenway (scroll down for details), there’s a ferry which runs from Dartmouth to Agatha Christie’s former home. The same company operates the ferry to pretty Dittisham, around 30 minutes away by water.
Check out my review of a stay at Dittisham Hideaway in one of the luxury treehouses
Or venture further afield with a ferry to Brixham, or pick up the steam train to Paignton after hopping on the ferry across to Kingswear – there’s also a combined steam and cruise ticket to include the circular harbour tour, or the round robin option, which includes ferry, train, cruise and bus!
Dartmouth Steam Railway
The vintage trains of the Dartmouth Steam railway run between Paignton and Kingswear for a rather different way to get to the seaside, travelling along the English Riviera Geopark coast line, and via pretty stations including Goodrington, Churston and Greenway Halt (for Agatha Christie’s holiday home).
As well as soaking up the coast and countryside, there’s a free foot passenger ferry included with your train ticket to sail over from pretty Dartmouth, plus the round trip options which include an open-topped bus, or with an extra circular cruise on the River Dart.
If the weather isn’t being kind, the steam train is a fun option on a rainy day in Devon with kids as well.
Take a walk
With tiny twisting alleys, and a history of pirates and explorers, there’s plenty to discover on a wander through Dartmouth, from the 14th century Cherub Inn (with its gold cherub) to Bayard’s Cove, where the Mayflower anchored before its journey to the New World.
There’s been a settlement here since 4000BCE, although it was only after the Viking raids ended in Norman times that the first beginnings of the town began to be established.
You can follow this Dartmouth town trail, designed as part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations or join a guided history tour. This Dartmouth Treasure Trail is also a good way to keep kids entertained along the way.
Scroll down for more Dartmouth walks with kids, including routes along the South West Coast Path.
Dartmouth Museum
This little museum is a fun way to learn more about Dartmouth’s history. Located on the historic Butterwalk, it’s set inside a terrace of merchants’ houses dating back to around 1640, which once sheltered Charles II when a storm forced his fleet ashore.
Focused on the town’s maritime history, there’s everything from ships in bottles and background on the Mayflower to exhibits on Dartmouth’s contribution to D-Day during the Second World War, as well as profiles of notable local inhabitants.
There’s plenty of chance for kids to get hands on as well, looking in drawers below displays, peeking through microscopes, answering questions – and you can even put them in the stocks!
Royal Avenue Gardens
If you’re into plants, the gardens (which sit between the Mayor’s Avenue car park and the River Dart) are home to a herb garden, rose garden, Antipodean garden and Mediterranean garden, among others, along with the grand Victorian fountain.
For most visitors, it’s a peaceful shady spot to relax – although you can also find little markets taking place, while the bandstand is usually the focus of the town’s festivals.
There are also public toilets here, although there is a small charge to use them (20p piece or contactless payment accepted)
Hit the beach
You do have to leave Dartmouth itself if you want a bit of beach time, but there are some lovely stretches of coast within easy reach of the town including Blackpool Sands, one of my favourite beaches in Devon with kids.
It’s also a great base to explore the South Hams – home to some more gorgeous beaches, including Salcombe, Bantham Beach and Bigbury on Sea to mention just a few.
Keep the kids entertained on the beach with this fun South Hams colouring book from the Devon With Kids collection – there’s also a Dartmouth colouring book for when you’re back in the town.
Wander the coast path
Linking Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset, there’s plenty of choice along the South West Coast Path for walks with kids.
If your family doesn’t fancy trekking for miles, the section between Dartmouth Castle and Dartmouth itself is an easy stroll, and makes a nice alternative to taking the ferry both ways.
Alternatively, if you want a longer hike, there are several family-friendly options from Dartmouth: check out the South West Coast Path site for routes, or try this circular walk from Little Dartmouth to Dartmouth Castle.
Woodlands Family Adventure Park, Dartmouth
With a string of animals, play areas and family-friendly rides, Woodlands Family Adventure Park is perfect for younger children in Devon, as well as more adventurous fun for older siblings – and around a 10-minute drive from Dartmouth.
You’ll find events running throughout the year, alongside the string of themed zones with different rides and other activities, from fairytale forests to sea monsters and the water coasters of Cyclone Canyon, plus a toddler zone.
Meet falcons – with flying displays for much of the year – and the inhabitants of the zoo farm, including meerkats, rabbits and guinea pigs, an farm animals.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for ideas for a rainy day in Devon with kids too: head inside the reptile house and big animal barn, before hitting the 25 indoor slides (and 32 more outdoors incidentally) or the ball pit.
Have some fish and chips
Is it really a proper day by the coast if you don’t have fish and chips? Rockfish is always one of my favourites to visit whenever we’re in Devon and there’s not one, but two branches in Dartmouth.
The main restaurant is on the waterfront, including some lovely outdoor tables looking out to the River Dart, which are perfect on a summer’s day.
If you’re looking for a quicker and slightly cheaper option, there’s also a takeaway on Lower Street, close to the Lower Ferry – take your fish and chips around the corner to Bayard’s Cove, where there are some public benches overlooking the river.
Well worth getting there early in the summer (or send an advance party to snap up some seats!) There’s a pub nearby where you can get drinks to sip along with your fish and chips.
Enjoy an ice cream
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to getting an ice cream in Dartmouth on a sunny day – but head to The Good Intent on Lower Street (just along from the Rockfish takeaway) to discover the flavours of the Dartmouth Ice Cream company.
I couldn’t resist a stem ginger one, while my daughter couldn’t decide between raspberry and mint choc chip, so to her delight was offered a half and half cone with a bit of both. Delish.
There’s also a branch on Duke Street between April and October, and you can also find them by Avenue Gardens during the summer months and busy periods.
Day trips from Dartmouth with kids
If you’re staying in or near Dartmouth with kids, it also makes a great base to explore further – I’ve picked out some of my top day trips within around a 30-minute drive.
But if you’re prepared to drive a bit further, check out my ultimate guide to Devon for families, including suggestions around Totnes and Paignton, as well as things to do in Torquay and Teignmouth & Shaldon.
Greenway, Galmpton
While Agatha Christie’s holiday home isn’t in Dartmouth itself, it’s an easy day out if you’re staying in (or near) the town.
The National Trust site still looks much as it did when she stayed there – there’s a trail for kids to follow around the house, which gets dressed up for Christmas, as well as a changing display in the Cabinet of Curiosities.
If you’re arriving to Greenway by car, you have to book a parking space in advance: there is also a ferry service from Dartmouth which takes around an hour (or an open boat from Dittisham), then a steep 10-15 minute walk from the quay.
Brixham
Another contender for the title of prettiest place in Devon, it’s easy to while away a day exploring the twisting little streets and harbour, where you can go crabbing.
Don’t miss a visit to the Golden Hind: the replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship has plenty for history fans, including an audio tour, but also lots to bring it alive for kids, including trails and a chance to turn the wheel.
Check out our review of a visit to the Golden Hind with a toddler (not to be confused with the Golden Hinde in London)
There’s also street art, more boat tours to explore the coast, and just outside town, you could go for a swim in Shoalstone sea pool, or rockpooling on Shoalstone beach.
Berry Head Nature Reserve
This gorgeous clifftop reserve on the southern half of Tor Bar is one of the gateways to the English Riviera global geopark, with some fabulous views out to the sea on a sunny day.
While you’re at Berry Head Nature Reserve, you can also explore the fortifications from the Napoleonic War, gaze out to try to spot seals and sharks in the waves, or venture onto one of the walking trails.
Check out our review of an afternoon at Berry Head Nature Reserve
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Stepping into this art deco house (built by the D’Oyly Carte family of West End theatre fame) is wonderful at any time of year, especially the glorious gardens.
If you’re visiting Devon during the run-up to Christmas, Coleton Fishacre is even more special.
The house is decorated for a 1920s Christmas, with traditional games and dressing up (plus the Coleton Aglow illuminations: must be booked in advance) – there are spotter trails to follow inside the house year-round as well.
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh to Totnes
If you can’t get enough steam railways, head to Totnes, around 30 minutes from Dartmouth where you can pick up the South Devon Railway.
This route takes you between Totnes and Buckfastleigh, with seven miles of railway running along the River Dart valley, so you can enjoy some of the countryside without any effort as your steam train puffs and chuffs along.
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