30 Different Leisure Activities without using a Car
VISIT DARTMOUTH CASTLE
450 years of coastal fortification open from:
| 1 April-30 June |
10am-5pm |
Daily |
| 1 July-31 August |
10am-6pm |
Daily |
| 1-30 September |
10am-5pm |
Daily |
| 1-31 October |
10am-4pm |
Daily |
| 1 Nov-31 March |
10am-4pm |
Sat & Sun. |
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| Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan |
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THE OLD MARKET PLACE
A bustling market selling bric-a-brac, china, etc…
Tuesdays and Fridays.
Held in Market Square, 5 minutes from the Hotel.
VISIT DARTMOUTH MUSEUM
Housed in an old Merchant’s House dated 1640 and full of local maritime information.
Open Mon - Sat April - October 10.00 am - 4.30 pm
November – March 12.00am – 3.00pm
2 minutes from the Hotel in an area called Butterwalk built between 1635-1640.
TAKE A SELF GUIDED WALK
| Jawbones and Dyer’s Hill
A steep climb is involved but is well rewarded with a view of the town and out to sea.
Duration: 1.5 hours.
Also, why not take a packed lunch?
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Southtown and Warfleet
This walk takes you out of Dartmouth to Southtown and Dartmouth Castle with spectacular views.
Duration: 1 hour.
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| Dartmouth Castle and Gallants Bower
This provides you with an insight into Dartmouth’s historic defences and gives you a beautiful woodland walk.
Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
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Town Trail
The story of Elizabethan traders and sea captains unfolds as you explore the narrow winding streets and town.
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
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Strete Gate to Dartmouth
This walk is seven miles long following the coastal footpath consisting of rugged, rocky paths leading onto high cliffs and low beaches..
To start the walk, catch the Number 93 bus to Strete Gate.
Please see reception for timetable details.
Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours |
Little Dartmouth
This short coastal walk is three miles long taking you on a circular route from St Petrox Church. Following the cliff tops the path takes you to little Dartmouth and back to your starting point.
Duration: 1.5 hours. |
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| Other walks further afield are also available from reception. |
TAKE THE DART VALLEY TRAIL
A 4 mile walk along both sides of the Dart estuary using local ferry services.
This is for the energetic walker and we would recommend that you order a packed lunch at reception to keep you going. There are, however, delightful pubs in Dittisham for a well-earned pub lunch. Rucksacks are also available at reception. (Dart Valley Trail leaflet at Reception).
| Ferries: |
Dartmouth to Kingswear frequent services, daily. |
| Dittisham to Greenway services on demand…Ring the bell. |
Dittisham to Dartmouth March - October
(Red and Yellow Boats) 10.30,11.30, 13.30, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00 |
Dartmouth to Dittisham March - October
(Red and Yellow Boats) 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30, |
| Tel: |
- River Link 01803-834488
- Greenway Ferry 01803-844010
- The Dartmouth-Dittisham Ferry 0781 8001108 |
A STROLL AROUND STOKE FLEMING
An undemanding stroll around Stoke Fleming village with its white thatched cottages and colourful gardens.
Cycle to Stoke Fleming past the castle and potteries along the coastal road.
Duration: 1.5 hours. Then take as long as you like on your stroll. We recommend you take a packed lunch. Cycle hire available in Totnes, please ask reception for details.
TAKE YOUR WALKERS GUIDE TO SOME LITTLE KNOWN ASPECTS OF DARTMOUTH
This perhaps is more of a ramble than a walk giving you a local person’s insight into the town. Again take as long as you like and soak up the atmosphere, as well as the humour in the walk.
Enjoyed best after a couple of drinks at the bar.
Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Running for seven miles along the spectacular Torbay coast to Churston and through wooded slopes bordering the Dart estuary to Kingswear:
See reception for the times.
Round Robin - Road, Rail and River trip.
Round Robin is an inclusive ticket enabling you to make a circular trip from Paignton to Kingswear by steam train, ferry to Dartmouth, River Cruise to Totnes and return by bus to Paignton. You can start your journey at any point and break your journey at any time.
Runs most days April - October
River Cruise:
1.5 hours |
Bus:
20 mins |
Steam Train:
30 mins |
Ferry:
10 mins |
| River Link |
01803 834488 |
Please ask for a leaflet from reception. You will need to check the sailings available on the day as these will vary according to tides. Trains and bus timetables are explained in the leaflet as well as the prices.
An excellent way to travel and to see the area.
Take a boat cruise with Dartmouth STEAM RAILWAY AND RIVER BOAT COMPANY
An excellent way to explore the River Dart as well as a coastal cruise.
| An hour cruise from Dartmouth |
11.30 a.m. – 15.30 every hour. |
| Dartmouth to Totnes: |
Times vary according to the tides |
| Contacts |
01803-834488 |
Very popular trips. Please ask at reception for further details.
Go on a Wildlife Cruise
With Devon Wildlife Trust. A wonderful opportunity to observe birds and wildlife, sailing to the seal rocks and guillemot ledges. A full commentary is given.
Times vary so check at kiosk.
Tel: Dartmouth steam railway and river boat company 01803-834488
This is a cruise not to be missed!
Enjoy the Elizabethan market in Totnes.
Take one of the Red Cruisers to Totnes, or take a bus travelling through lovely countryside to arrive relaxed and ready to browse at the market.
Every Tuesday in Totnes. Also the main market is every Friday and well worth a visit.
See reception for bus times or Dartmouth steam railway and river boat company 01803-834488.
The bus stop is by the Station Restaurant and the bus service you require is the No 111 to Totnes, which runs hourly on the hour from 8.00am and then forty minutes past the hour from 15.40 until 19.40.
Returning from Totnes the bus runs hourly, nine minutes past the hour from 9.09am. till 14.09 and then 46 minutes past the hour until 18.46. Dartmouth steam railway and river boat company cruisers booking kiosk is to be found at North and South Embankment and Boatfloat.
Book a round of golf at the Dartmouth Golf and Country Club
Dartmouth Golf and Country Club offers guests of the hotel 25% off the current green fees on their Championship course. For availability of tee times at the Club, please ask reception to call for you. Then a discount voucher can be filled in for you to take to the Club.
DGCC tel: 01803 712686
A chance to enjoy a first class golf course. Please take your handicap certificate with you.
Visit Blackpool Sands
Set in an unspoilt sheltered bay amongst evergreens and pines this award-winning beach is one of South Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures.
| General information: |
01803-770606 |
| Catering and shop information: |
01803-770209 |
| Watersports: |
01803-770209 |
| Bus time tables information: |
08712002233 |
| With sunny summer days this is a must. Take the bus No93. |
| From Dartmouth Mon-Sat |
09.15, 10.20, 11.20, 12.20, 13.20, 14.20, 15.20, 17.15, 18.15 |
| From Blackpool Sands Mon-Sat |
09.43, 10.47, 11.42, 12.42, 13.42, 14.48, 15.42, 16.23, 16.42, 17.42, 18.42, 19.42 |
| A Sunday service is available. Please contact traveline 0870 200 2233 for details. |
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Take a bus ride to Torquay
A scenic ride with views of the sea. Once you are in Torquay you have a wide choice of shops, the cinema and even a free bus ride to the Model Village at Babbacombe.
For bus time tables information: 0870 200 2233 or see reception.
A fun day out. Ask for an Explorer Ticket which cost approximately £6.00 and you can hop on and off as many buses as you like for the day. The bus stop is in Kingswear at the Banjo. You will need to get the ferry across.
Hire a Tennis Court in Coronation Park.
Tennis courts are at 10 minutes walk from the hotel with a small kiosk selling refreshments nearby.
Tel: 01803-835099
For early bookings of the courts pre-payment is required. Rackets and tennis balls are available for hire.
Try “Pitch and Put”
This is next to the tennis courts and a fun relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Tel: 01803-835099
Visit Paignton Zoo
75 acres of conservation in action. With over 1300 animals it is one of the largest zoos in England. Lots of fun activities for children as well.
Open every day from 10.00 a.m-5:00pm
Tel: 01803-697500
Take the bus No 120 from Kingswear Banjo bus stop to Torbay Leisure Centre then the No 200 bus for the zoo.
LIVING COASTS
A unique, world-class aquatic visitor attraction, focusing on the conservation of coastal and marine life around the globe
Open every day from 10.00 a.m.
Take the bus No 120 from Kingswear Banjo bus stop to Dartmouth Road, station, lane Torbay then the No 200 bus to The Strand.
Visit the River Dart Country Park
This Country Park has adventure playgrounds and beautiful woodlands. You can splash out in the bathing lake or picnic in grassy meadows or slide down the “Anaconda Run”.
Open April to the end of September.
Tel: 01364-652511
An adventure day out. You could take the ferry to Totnes (see ferry to Totnes), and take the bus No 88 to Ashburton. You would need to make it a whole day out so we recommend you take a packed lunch with you. Please arrange this at reception
Visit Sharpham Vineyards
Self guided vineyard trail and river walks. Guided tours around winery and vineyards.
Open 10.00-5.00 p.m. Monday to Saturday March– December
Open on Sundays in May, June, July and September. Closed on bank holidays.
Tel: 01803-732203
Take the bus to Totnes No 111 (Bus stop by the Station Café). Then enjoy a delightful walk along the riverside to Ashprington which will take you through the grounds of the Sharpham estate.
Visit Avenue Cottage Gardens Ashprington
11 acres of historic gardens set in the countryside of Dart Valley.
Tel: 01803-732769
Same as above, just continue the walk until you arrive at Ashprington. The gardens are to be found about 300 yards beyond the church towards Sharpham- go past the no through road sign.
VISIT DARTINGTON HALL
The 1200 acre Dartington Hall Estate encompasses one of the finest gardens created in modern times with many beautiful woodland and riverside walks.
Open throughout the year, this medieval hall has a bar, restaurant on site as well as the barn theatre and plays host to regular artistic events.
Tel: 01803 847100
We suggest a river trip to Totnes then take the No 165 bus from Totnes to Dartington Hall.
Enjoy a self guided walk around Totnes
| Town and River |
One hour gentle walk through the town plus an optional riverside walk to Dartington (3 hours return). |
| Totnes Historic Town Trail |
Featuring our sister hotel, the Royal Seven Star, this self guided walk takes you around the historic landmarks of this ancient town. |
| Follaton |
2 ½ hours which is a moderate circular walk from Totnes. |
| Littlehempston |
2 ½ hours moderate circular walk from Totnes. |
| Ashprington |
Short circular walk from Totnes. |
| Murder Mystery Town Trail |
A 2 hour guided walk around Totnes with questions to answer and clues to puzzle over as you go! |
Copies of walks are available from reception. If the weather is good these are both informative and enjoyable for those who wish to get a better feel for the area. Again, should you wish to take a packed lunch with you, please arrange this at reception.
Visit Dartington Cider Press Centre
Here you will find a wonderful collection of Dartington crystal, jewellery and pottery. Also a fine selection of farm foods, traditional crafts and toys. There are a variety of crafts demonstrations, plus food and cider tastings.
Monday to Saturday 9.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m.
Sundays 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Tel: 01803-847500
We suggest a river trip to Totnes then take the No 45 bus from Totnes to Dartington (a short bus journey). An interesting day out and well worth a visit.
Visit Totnes Castle
Norman motte and bailey castle with a stone shell keep and curtain, built in the early 13th century and reconstructed in the 14th century.
| 21st March to 30th June daily |
10.00 am to 5.00pm |
| 1st July to 31st August daily |
10.00 am to 6.00 pm |
| 1st September to 30th September daily |
10.00am to 5.00pm |
| 1st October to 31st October daily |
10.00am to 4.00pm |
| 1st November to March |
Closed |
| Contact |
01803-864406 |
This is really worth a visit. We recommend that you take the bus or river boat trip to make a day of it. For a packed lunch see reception.
Visit Coleton Fishacre Gardens.
A lush stream-fed garden sloping down to the sea with a mild climate which is ideal for growing unusual trees and shrubs.
Open March to October
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday plus bank holidays from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. – last admission half an hour before closing.
Tel: 01803-752466
Take the ferry over to Kingswear and then take a leisurely walk to the gardens or hire a bicycle from reception. Leaflets about Coleton Fishacre are available from reception.
Enjoy a self guided coastal walk from Kingswear to Sharkham point.
This is a six mile section of the South West Coast Path which covers some beautiful and unspoilt coastal scenery. Along the route are clues to the area’s hidden history.
Take the ferry over to Kingswear and the walk starts there. Sturdy footwear is advisable. The path is perfectly safe if used sensibly but in winter places can be damp and slippery, so do take care. Self guide walk details can be obtained from reception. Also if you wish to take a packed lunch please order one from us.
CRABBING FOR CHILDREN OR ADULTS!
We have crabbing lines and buckets for you to use, just as at reception. We will also provide you with some bacon, the crabs favourite!
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