Discover Dartmouth by car: scenic routes and trip tips

Guest Blog Post

What can be better than visiting a town that’s rich in both natural and man-made attractions and having the possibility to create your own itinerary and explore all the sites you’re interested in at your own pace? That’s exactly the kind of experience you can enjoy if you decide to visit Dartmouth by car. 

This charming harbour town, located on the mouth of the River Dart in South Devon, is a popular tourist destination, famous for its maritime heritage, having served as a key naval and trade centre for centuries. Visitors are lured in not only by the town’s rich history and eclectic architecture, with medieval-era and Victorian-style buildings lining its winding streets, but also by the surrounding countryside, with quaint villages and the possibility to take part in different water activities like sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or scenic boat trips. 

With so many things to do and see, traveling by car to Dartmouth is definitely a good idea as it provides comfort, convenience, and flexibility, allowing you to discover little gems that might otherwise be out of reach. The town is easily accessible by road, via the M5 and A38 motorways, and has good road infrastructure, which makes getting around feel like a breeze. But before you hop in your car and start driving to Dartmouth, you might want to read up on potential routes and prepare a bit for your trip. 

Routes worth exploring 

There’s certainly something to be said about getting behind the wheel and wandering aimlessly through a town and its surroundings, with no specific destination or purpose other than seeing what the area has to offer. However, in doing so, you might also miss out on many interesting attractions and then come to regret you didn’t see them when you had the chance. 

So, if you want to travel to Dartmouth by car, you should at least have a general idea of the most interesting driving routes, so you can choose what you want to do once you get there. Here are some of the options. 

Dartmouth to Kingswear

The road from Dartmouth to the little village of Kingswear takes you away from the hustle and bustle of tourist activity and immerses you in a breathtaking coastal spectacle, as you’ll be driving alongside the River Dart and the English Channel. The journey by car takes around 35 minutes, during which you’ll have the opportunity to see various historical landmarks, including Dartmouth Castle, and bask in the beauty of the landscapes you pass by. 

Then, once you reach your destination, you can take the time to walk around Kingswear with its colourful houses and peaceful atmosphere. Keep in mind that certain portions of the road are narrow, and you’ll most likely be accompanied by cyclists and other tourists, which calls for extra caution.  

Dartmouth to Dartmoor

As you head North, toward the Dartmoor National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to witness nature’s diversity, as the scenery shifts from riverside views to woodlands and moorlands. You might want to plan a few stops at Haytor, Widecombe in the Moor, and Postbridge, and explore the ancient sites and prehistoric settlements you come across along the way. 

Dartmouth to Totnes

If you take the A379 or A3122 road to Totnes, you’ll discover the beauty of the English countryside in all of its splendour. This itinerary will take you through rolling hills, wooded areas, and charming villages, like Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands, where you can stop to rest and enjoy a meal at a local pub, before you resume your journey to Totnes. 

Dartmouth to Torcross via Slapton

The route from Dartmouth to Torcross passes through Slapton, offering spectacular water views from start to finish. The main attraction on the itinerary is Slapton Ley, the largest natural freshwater lake in south-west England, separated from Start Bay by a shingle beach called Slapton Sands. 

Dartmouth to Dittisham

The road from Dartmouth to Dittisham via B3205 is less popular with tourists, since the drive is a bit more challenging than the alternative route through Totnes. However, the effort is well worth it as you’ll get to travel through Dart Valley and enjoy the serenity of the fields and forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.   

Dartmouth to Brixham

For a complete Dartmouth experience, you need to take a trip along the English Riviera, with stops in the popular coastal towns of Torquay and Paignton. Since this is a rather short drive, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the beauty of the towns you visit and admire the dramatic landscapes in between. 

Trip recommendations 

Apart from looking into potential routes, you should also focus on practical aspects that can help you get ready for the trip. As expected, travel conditions vary depending on the season. Summer may offer more daylight hours and better weather, but it’s also peak travel season, which means the traffic is going to be busier and the lack of parking might pose a problem. 

Busy roads also lead to a higher risk of car crashes, as tourists are often distracted or in a rush to reach their next destination, which is why traffic incidents tend to rise during the summer. This is hardly a local phenomenon. The same trend can be observed in Ireland, for example, where the Road Safety Authority (RSA) reported a higher proportion of motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries between May and September, which ties in with the generally higher number of car accident claims in Ireland registered during this period. 

So, you might want to plan your Dartmouth trip in quieter months, in spring and autumn, when there’s less traffic and you have more options for accommodation as well. Also, make sure to check the forecast before you leave, as Devon weather can be quite moody, and prepare accordingly. Bring a paper map with you for areas where you lack mobile coverage, and make sure to equip your car with basic emergency supplies. 

Overall, traveling to Dartmouth by car can be a memorable experience, so choose your routes and enjoy your adventure to the fullest.

” Sponsored”