Major city · United Kingdom
Dartmouth
Give Dartmouth 2 nights: one for the town and castle, one for the river and steam railway. Skip it as a day trip from Torquay — the roads take 1 h each way.
Dartmouth is a small Devon port town on the west bank of the River Dart, built on a steep hillside around a medieval street plan. It is a base for the South Devon coast path, the Dartmouth Steam Railway and river trips to Totnes, and it works best on foot: the centre is compact, the hills are real, and parking is scarce in summer. Two nights covers the town, the castle and one river or rail day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and parking), Dec–Feb (many places shut)
- Airports
- EXT · BRS · LHR
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Dartmouth111 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Dartmouth, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA low-crime small town; the real risks are steep wet streets, fast tides and rip currents at nearby beaches, and unlit coast-path sections after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckEXT Exeter Airport (About 1 h 15 min by road; limited routes, check the official site).
- Getting aroundWalk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–20 (≈ US$16–30)
- BeerPint of beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 km (3.1 mi)Taxi, 3.1 mi (5 km)£10–15 (≈ US$14–20) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketDartmouth Castle entry (English Heritage)about £5 (≈ US$7) adult, £3 (≈ US$4) child (check)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedInn or B&B double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedInn or B&B double room, a night, per room£300 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £60 (≈ US$80) · Mid £110 (≈ US$150) · High £200 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EXT Exeter Airport (About 1 h 15 min by road; limited routes, check the official site) · BRS Bristol Airport (About 2 h 30 min by road) · LHR London Heathrow (About 4 h by road; rail via London Paddington to Totnes, then bus or taxi)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Feb (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest Jun (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Dartmouth: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk. The centre is small and the ferries link the two banks: the Dartmouth–Kingswear passenger ferry and the higher vehicle ferry. Local buses run to Totnes and Paignton; a car helps for beaches and the coast path but is a liability for parking in the centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Totnes
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus from Dartmouth, about 40 min; or river boat in season
Market town with a castle and a good high street; the river boat is the better trip.
Paignton
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear, ferry, then the steam train
The railway runs most of the year except March; book seats in summer.
Brixham
goDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Ferry or bus via Kingswear and Torbay
Fishing harbour and fish restaurants; combine with Paignton.
Kingsbridge
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Car or bus along the A379
Better as a stop on a coast-path drive than a return trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Foss Street, Duke Street, the Quay)
Walk to everything; expect noise from pubs on the Quay in summer.
Above the town (Victoria Road, Above Town)
Quieter, better views, but a steep walk back up from the river.
Dartmouth Marina and Sandquay
Riverside hotels with parking; 10–15 min walk to the centre.
Kingswear and Dittisham
Across the river; cheaper and quieter, but you depend on the ferries.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £60–90 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- £90–150 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
- High
- £150 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn or B&B double room1 × 2 nights × £180 | £360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £110 | £440 |
| Dartmouth–Kingswear passenger ferry, return2 × £6 · check | £12 |
| Dartmouth Steam Railway, Kingswear–Paignton return2 × £25 · check | £50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £88 |
| Trip total≈ £243 per person per day, bed included | £970≈ US$1,300 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Dartmouth excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Cream tea | £6–9 (≈ US$8–12) |
| Pint of beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Dartmouth Castle entry (English Heritage) | about £5 (≈ US$7) adult, £3 (≈ US$4) child (check) |
| Taxi, 5 km | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer parking in the centre fills early; use the park-and-ride or a car park on the edge and walk in.
- The hills are steep — some streets are stepped footpaths, not roads.
- The vehicle ferry to Kingswear stops overnight; check the last crossing before a late return.
- Many restaurants and small hotels close in January and February.
Emergency numbers
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
DartmouthDartmouth
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Dartmouth; the US Embassy is in London and most consulates are in London or Edinburgh. Check your own country's list before travelling.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Dartmouth → Kingswear passenger ferry: about £3 (≈ US$4) single, 5 min (check)
- Dartmouth → Totnes bus: about £5–7 (≈ US$7–10), 40 min (check)
- Kingswear → Paignton steam railway: about £25 (≈ US$35) return, 1 h (check)
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the ferry? — Where is the ferry?
999 and 112 both work from any phone, including mobiles with no SIM.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Dartmouth. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and parking), Dec–Feb (many places shut) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for EXT and the Totnes rail route: last bus and ferry times field-checked, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the Quay and Bayards Cove, Foss Street and the Butterwalk, the castle and St Petrox, Kingswear.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth Museum, the Newcomen Engine, Britannia Royal Naval College tours) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and steam-railway timetable fixtures so gates A–D can go green.