Self-Catering Holidays in Dartmouth

Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag Award winning fine shingle beach, named after the village of Blackpool and is only a short drive from Dartmouth. It has unusually clear waters and is privately managed meaning that the showers, toilets and disabled facilities are to a high standard. Dogs are permitted on the beach during restricted times of the year.

Bigbury on Sea beach is an expansive sandy beach with shallow waters, plenty of rock pools for children to explore and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is patrolled by lifeguards from May to September and dogs are permitted to restricted sections during the summer. The beach is famous for Burgh Island which is accessible during the low tide via a causeway or at high tide by its iconic water tractor.

Across the estuary from Salcombe town, Mill Bay is a sandy beach within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can take the small ferry across from Salcombe or park in the National Trust car park. Dogs are permitted on the beach all year round and at low tide there’s plenty of rockpools for children to explore.

Dartmouth Castle dates back to the 1380s when civic authorities needed to protect themselves against the threat of a French attack. The artillery fort overlooks the mouth of the Dart estuary and is run by English Heritage. They have events and activities on throughout the summer months and is educational and fun for all ages.

Step back in time and enjoy the bygone delights of the steam railway. It’s a 10.8km stretch of coastal track that was completed in 1864 and runs from Paignton to Kingswear. Have your camera and smartphones ready because the track cuts through rolling hills and provides passengers with a view of the sea and the River Dart.

Greenway House was the home of global murder mystery novelist Agatha Christie. It is now run by the National Trust and is situated within its own estate on the River Dart near Galmpton. If you wish to arrive in style there’s a steam railway service with trains arriving from Paignton and Kingswear to Greenway Halt station. Booking in advance is advised.

Coleton Fishacre was the home of the D’Oyly Carte family, a renowned theatrical family, and is now under the ownership of the National Trust. It has been lovingly restored to its 1920s peak and its 24-acre garden is RHS accredited. It is located near Kingswear and has a restaurant, gift shop and extensive car parking.

If you like quality produce sourced locally and want to enjoy the rustic setting of a Tudor building then take a stroll down to Bayards Cove. Their menu caters for many dietary requirements; there’s vegan options, fresh fish and traditional meat mains. It’s a popular restaurant so we recommend booking a table in the evening.

Salcombe is a popular coastal town which has become a hub for quality food, water sports and shopping. It lies on the west side of the Kingsbridge Estuary within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is very popular with day trippers and holiday makers during the summer season because of its sandy beaches, rolling countryside and stunning views.

Totnes is located at the head of the estuary of the River Dart within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is known for its independent spirit, colourful boutiques, quaint cafes and town market.