Guest Blog Post
Nestled along the scenic River Dart in South Devon, Dartmouth is a coastal gem perfect for families looking to blend fun, exploration, and a bit of seaside magic. With its colourful harbours, historic sites, steam railways, and beautiful walking trails, Dartmouth is packed with experiences that both children and parents will enjoy.
Whether you’re planning a full weekend getaway or just a relaxed day trip, here’s your guide to the best things to see and do in Dartmouth with kids.
1. Ride the Dartmouth Steam Railway
Start your day with a journey aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway. Departing from Kingswear and running along the English Riviera coastline, this nostalgic train ride offers stunning views and a bit of history that little ones find fascinating. The carriages are classic and the countryside feels like a storybook.
At the end of the line, enjoy a short ferry ride into Dartmouth proper, a fun bonus for kids who love boats!
2. Explore Dartmouth Castle
Next up, take a walk (or a quick boat ride) to Dartmouth Castle, perched dramatically where the River Dart meets the sea. It’s one of the best-preserved coastal fortresses in the UK, and kids can explore towers, look through old cannons, and learn about defending the port in centuries past.
The surrounding area also has scenic walking paths and picnic spots perfect for a family break. If you’re planning a photo-friendly outing, this is also one of the must-visit photography spots in Dartmouth.
3. Let Loose at Coronation Park
If the weather’s nice, head over to Coronation Park, right by the waterfront. It’s a fantastic space for kids to burn off some energy. There’s a playground, open grassy areas, and stunning views of the river. Parents can relax with a coffee while the little ones run, climb, and play.
You can also use this spot as a base to grab lunch from nearby cafés and enjoy a riverside picnic.
4. Discover Warfleet Creek and Sugary Cove
For a quieter adventure, take a short walk to Warfleet Creek or Sugary Cove. These are smaller, more secluded areas where kids can explore rock pools, hunt for shells, or simply watch the boats pass by. The walk itself is scenic, and you’ll find plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way.
If you’re capturing the day, remember you can always enhance your shots later—tools like Canva’s automated background remover can help clean up busy backgrounds and make your family photos shine.
5. Visit the Dartmouth Museum
For a bit of indoor fun or a rainy-day alternative, the Dartmouth Museum offers an educational experience the whole family can enjoy. It’s compact, quirky, and full of maritime stories, old maps, pirate tales, and models that bring the region’s past to life.
The museum also regularly hosts kids’ activities and events during school holidays.
6. Enjoy a Scenic Ferry Ride
Kids tend to love anything that floats, so hopping on the Lower Ferry or Passenger Ferry is a treat in itself. These quick crossings between Dartmouth and Kingswear are more than just transport—they’re part of the Dartmouth experience. Don’t forget to wave at the other boats!
7. Take a River Cruise or Paddle Adventure
For older children, a river cruise or kayak tour can be a highlight. Several local companies offer family-friendly cruises up the Dart, with views of Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate, wildlife spotting, and calming open water.
If you’re in town for a few days, be sure to check out some local weekend activities designed specifically with families and children in mind. From creative workshops to outdoor play events, there’s always something engaging happening.
8. Explore Dartmouth’s Hidden Shops and Ice Cream Stops
Wander through Dartmouth’s cobbled streets filled with small shops, bookstores, and plenty of ice cream vendors (which you’ll definitely get asked about more than once). Don’t miss the Foss Street area, lined with colourful buildings and creative local boutiques.
Final Thoughts: Family Memories by the Dart
Dartmouth strikes the perfect balance between relaxed coastal charm and engaging family fun. With castles to climb, trains to ride, boats to board, and parks to play in, every corner offers something special for children and adults alike.
Whether you’re chasing seagulls, exploring castles, or ferry-hopping between bites of ice cream, Dartmouth offers the kind of family memories you’ll want to revisit again and again.
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