Dartmouth Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Dartmouth Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Dartmouth packs loads of sights into a small area. The Royal Naval College (TQ6 0HJ) dominates the hillside - tours run Tuesday and Thursday (10am-12pm) showing where British naval officers train. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the guides.

Dartmouth Castle (TQ6 0JN) sits at the mouth of the River Dart. English Heritage maintains this 600-year-old fortress with its gun tower designed to chain off the estuary. Open daily 10am-5pm in summer, weekends only in winter. TripAdvisor score: 4.5/5.

The South Devon Railway runs steam trains between Buckfastleigh and Totnes (20 minutes from Dartmouth). Kids love it and there's a butterfly farm and otter sanctuary at Buckfastleigh station. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5.

Blackpool Sands (TQ6 0RG) isn't actually in Blackpool - it's a gorgeous blue flag beach 3 miles from Dartmouth. The Venus Café there serves great local food. TripAdvisor score: 4.5/5.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Dartmouth! While Blackpool Sands bans dogs in summer, nearby Slapton Sands (TQ7 2QP) welcomes them year-round. It's a 3-mile shingle beach with plenty of space for running.

The Dartmouth Arms (TQ6 9QS) welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They even provide water bowls and treats. Their Sunday roasts are fantastic too.

Dartmouth Castle lets dogs on leads throughout the grounds and in most indoor areas. The South West Coast Path offers miles of walking - I recommend the section to Kingswear which has stunning views.

Many cottages with hot tubs accept pets, but always check specific policies. Some have enclosed gardens which make life much easier with dogs. Remember to bring towels for muddy paws after coastal walks!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Dartmouth

Dartmouth River Cruises (TQ6 9PS) offer the best way to see the area from the water. Their 1-hour harbour tour (£15 adults, £7.50 children) shows you Dartmouth Castle, Kingswear and often seals basking on the rocks. The 3-hour trip to Totnes (£24 adults) includes commentary about the area's history and wildlife. One visitor wrote: "Saw seals, egrets and even a kingfisher! Captain was knowledgeable and funny."

Greenway House (TQ5 0ES), Agatha Christie's holiday home, sits just across the river. National Trust maintains it exactly as it was when she stayed there. The gardens are stunning and the house contains her collections of archaeology, silver and books. Open 10:30am-5pm (closed Mondays). Book ferry tickets from Dartmouth in advance. A recent visitor said: "Felt like Agatha had just popped out - her notebooks were still on the desk!"

Coleton Fishacre (TQ6 7HJ) is a 1920s Arts & Crafts house with amazing gardens running down to the sea. National Trust property with Art Deco interiors and 24 acres of gardens featuring plants from Mediterranean climates. Open 10:30am-5pm. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "The gardens were spectacular even in October - the sea views at the bottom took my breath away."

Is Dartmouth good for families with young children?

Yes! Dartmouth has plenty for kids. The crabbing spots along the embankment keep children entertained for hours (buy lines from any local shop). Woodlands Family Theme Park is 15 minutes away with rides and indoor play zones for rainy days. Many cottages with hot tubs have family-friendly features like games rooms.

When is the best time to visit Dartmouth?

May to September offers the best weather, but Dartmouth gets very busy in July/August. June and September give good weather with fewer crowds. The Dartmouth Royal Regatta (late August) brings exciting boat races and air displays but accommodation books up a year ahead. Winter visits mean empty beaches and cosy pubs with fireplaces - perfect for returning to your hot tub afterwards!

Do I need a car in Dartmouth?

Not necessarily. The town centre is compact and walkable. Ferries connect to Kingswear, Totnes and Torquay. Buses run to surrounding villages and beaches. However, a car gives more flexibility for exploring Dartmoor and hidden coves along the coast. Parking can be tricky in summer - many cottages with parking spaces charge extra for this valuable asset!

Where can I buy groceries in Dartmouth?

M&S Simply Food on Mayors Avenue stocks essentials. For bigger shops, Sainsbury's is in Townstall (5 minutes drive). Dartmouth Farmers Market runs on the 2nd Saturday monthly with amazing local produce. The Dartmouth Deli on Foss Street sells fantastic cheeses, wines and picnic supplies.

Is Dartmouth accessible for people with mobility issues?

Parts are challenging. The town has steep hills and cobbled streets. However, the flat embankment provides level walking with great views. Some cottages with hot tubs offer ground floor bedrooms and wet rooms. The passenger ferry to Kingswear can accommodate wheelchairs but the small ferries to Dittisham cannot.

What should I pack for a Dartmouth cottage holiday?

Layers! Even summer evenings get chilly by the water. Walking shoes for coastal paths, swimwear for your hot tub and the beach. Binoculars for spotting river wildlife. Cash for small shops and parking meters as mobile signal for card payments can be patchy.

1. Visit Dartmouth Official Tourism Site
2. Greenway House - National Trust
3. Dartmouth Steam Railway Timetables
4. Dartmouth River Cruises Booking