Our View
For over 600 years, Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy port of Dartmouth. It is an incredible location, with stunning views of the estuary and out to sea. The complex was begun in 1388 by John Hawley, privateering Mayor of Dartmouth. About a century later the imposing 'gun tower' was added, and may have been the first fortification in Britain purpose-built for 'ship-sinking' heavy cannon. The castle saw action during the Civil War, and continued in service right up until the Second World War. Successive changes included the Victorian 'Old Battery' with its remounted heavy guns, guardrooms and maze of passages, which can be explored.
Facilities – at a glance
Refreshments
Features
- Parking onsite
- Cafe
- Facilities: Induction loop, 1 disabled parking bay, handrails
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, ; Oct, daily 10-5; Nov-Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4. See website for opening times Apr-Sep. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan
Also in the area
About the area
Discover Devon
With magnificent coastlines, two historic cities and the world-famous Dartmoor National Park, Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape. For centuries it has been a fashionable and much loved holiday destination – especially south Devon’s glorious English Riviera.
Close to the English Riviera lies Dartmoor, one of the south-west’s most spectacular landscapes. The National Park, which contains Dartmoor, covers 365 square miles and includes many fascinating geological features – isolated granite tors and two summits exceeding 2,000 feet among them.
Not surprisingly, in Dartmoor the walking opportunities are enormous. Cycling in the two National Parks is also extremely popular and there is a good choice of off-road routes taking you to the heart of Dartmoor and Exmoor. Devon’s towns and cities offer stimulating alternatives to the rigours of the countryside.
Nearby stays
Places to Stay
Dining nearby
Restaurants and Pubs
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