Date Ideas in Dartmouth

Whether you’re living or visiting Dartmouth, you might be looking for some date ideas to spend some time with your special someone. There’s so much to see and do in Dartmouth such as historic landmarks, river cruises and not to mention lots of great places to eat. There’s also some great indoor places in case we experience some rainy weather.  Take a read of our list of outdoor date ideas in Dartmouth below. 

Take a trip to the castle 

Dartmouth Castle is one of the most beautifully located fortresses in England and would be the perfect setting for a romantic day out. It has guarded the Dart Estuary for over 600 years and offers stunning views of the River Dart and out to sea. Make a whole day of it and visit the castle via the Dartmouth Castle Ferry from the town quay, landing you a minutes walk from the castle entrance. After you’ve explored the castle, why not visit the Dartmouth Castle Tea Room for a light lunch or a snack. You could also venture around the coastal and woodland footpaths where you’ll be able to spot plenty of wildlife.  

Enjoy a portion of fish and chips 

A trip to the coast wouldn’t be complete without tucking into a hefty portion of fish and chips. If you prefer to eat your dinner alfresco, pick up a portion to take away from The Wheelhouse and walk up Jawbone hill for panoramic views across the estuary, or park up on a bench near the jetty or harbour. If dining in is your idea of a date night, there are plenty of great pubs, restaurant and bars who offer excellent seafood and fish and chip options such as Platform 1 or Bayards Cove Inn. Whether you sit in at a restaurant or take it away to enjoy them with a view, Dartmouth has plenty of great chippies to grab a portion of the nation’s favourite. Click here to read about the best fish and chips in Dartmouth. 

Take a boat trip with Fizz Boat 

If you’re looking for a unique, memorable, and fun experience to impress your significant other, embark on a boat trip with The Fizz Boat. Travel along the stunning River Dart whilst sipping on glasses of fizz on a purpose-built luxury boat, designed to the highest standards of comfort and safety to give you plenty of space to relax. Indulge in some food by choosing one of their grazing boards while you’re sailing upon the dart or keep it simple with a glass or two of fizz! 

Spend the day at Greenway 

If your significant other is a self-proclaimed bookworm, spending the day exploring Agatha Christie’s humble abode will certainly strike their interest! Greenway House is the beautiful estate where the iconic crime writer would spend her holidays relaxing by the river, or imagining her next mystery book in the library! The house is filled with a lovely collection of books and silver wear once owned by Agatha herself, and in the garden, the woodlands trail all the way down to the river. You could even catch the Greenway Ferry over! 

Take a trip to Coleton Fishacre 

Travel back in time to the Jazz Age with a visit to Coleton Fishacre House and Gardens, which was originally owned by the D’Oyly Cart family and is now in the care of the National Trust. The art-deco house is instilled with absolute elegance and grace and the grounds are just as wonderful; there are plenty of walks you can take with captivating views of the coast and hidden coves. They also have a lovely café, the perfect place to grab a light bite to eat, or a cup of coffee and bask in the atmosphere of the grounds with your loved one. 

Spend the day at the beach 

Dartmouth boasts many great beaches in and around the area. One of our most popular beaches is Blackpool Sands, a crescent of golden shingle set within a sheltered bay of Stoke Fleming, surrounded by evergreen and pine trees in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Venture down in the evening and pitch up a space to enjoy a picnic or a BBQ whilst watching the blue sea lap up the beach. If you’re looking to stay within Dartmouth, there are two beautiful secluded coves within walking distance from the town; Castle Cove and Sugary Cove, which are located next to Dartmouth Castle and have stunning views of the estuary and out to sea. 

Do something active! 

If you’re a couple who love to stay active, you’ve chosen the right place to visit as the town is known for their water sports. You could try paddle boarding with The Paddle Shack, or spend the day kayaking along the Dart Estuary with Sea Kayak Devon. If you’re avid walkers you’re in luck as Dartmouth sits on the South West Coast Path so there’s a wealth of footpaths and bridleways to explore. 

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