Picturesquely sited by the water’s edge, Bayard’s Cove Fort was built in Tudor times by the townspeople of Dartmouth. It was designed to protect the town quay and control the narrowest point of the channel. Dartmouth’s importance as a prosperous port made it a natural target for enemy raids.

Fearful of attack, the people of Dartmouth decided to build Bayard’s Cove Fort as a second line of defence, in case any enemy ships broke past Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle at the entrance of the cove.

Occupying a terrace cut from the rocky riverbank, Bayard’s Cove is beautifully located. Discover where heavy guns and cannons once guarded the waters, and soak up unrivalled views along the river.