Dartmouth’s riverside setting, framed by wooded hills and the South Devon National Landscape, makes it one of the most picturesque towns in Devon. The views, the historic streets and the nearby coastline are a joy to experience, but they also need protecting. Looking after the local environment is something everyone can play a part in – whether you’re visiting for the day or staying longer.
Here are some ways you can enjoy Dartmouth responsibly, while helping to keep the town and its surroundings as special as they are today.
Travel the Greener Way
Reaching Dartmouth is part of the experience. Although the town isn’t directly on the rail network, trains to Totnes and Paignton provide excellent connections from across the UK. From there, it’s easy to continue by bus, riverboat or the Dartmouth Steam Railway, finishing with a short ferry crossing into the heart of town. Approaching Dartmouth by water or steam train is not only memorable, but also a more sustainable choice.
Once here, you’ll find the town is best explored on foot. The waterfront, market, shops and galleries are all within walking distance. To see more of the area, ferries run to Kingswear, Dittisham and Greenway, and river cruises travel as far as Totnes. Exploring without the car often gives you the best views, while keeping your impact low.
Choose Local Food and Drink
Supporting local businesses helps to sustain the community and makes your visit more rewarding. Dartmouth is renowned for seafood, and many restaurants highlight the catch of the day. Rockfish, Bayards Cove Inn and the Dartmouth Arms are all excellent places to enjoy fresh fish and seasonal produce. For something sweet, the Dartmouth Ice Cream Company creates ice cream on site using West Country milk – a long-standing favourite with visitors.
For breakfast or coffee, Café Alf Resco is a long-standing favourite, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and use of fresh local ingredients. The Dartmouth Wine Company is also well worth a visit, with a carefully chosen range of wines, including bottles from Devon vineyards.
Shop Thoughtfully
If you’d like to take something home, Dartmouth’s independent shops and galleries offer thoughtful alternatives to mass-produced souvenirs. A hand-made ceramic, a print of the river or a Dartmouth tote bag makes a lasting memento while supporting local makers. Choosing something useful or long-lasting means your souvenir will be enjoyed for years rather than forgotten in a drawer.
Reduce Waste
Small adjustments during your stay can make a real difference. Carrying a reusable water bottle and shopping bag helps cut down on single-use plastics, and many cafés are happy to offer refills. If you’re self-catering, plan meals carefully to avoid excess food, and make use of containers for picnics or leftovers.
Hotels and guesthouses in Dartmouth are also focused on sustainability, but guests can help by reusing towels, recycling where possible and limiting unnecessary laundry. Individually these steps may seem minor, but together they have a significant impact.
Get Involved
If you’d like to make a hands-on difference, look out for beach cleans and litter picks organised by the South Devon National Landscape. Even if there isn’t an event during your stay, taking a few moments to collect a couple of stray items while you’re out walking can have a real impact. Small actions, multiplied by many people, go a long way in keeping the area unspoilt.
Dartmouth’s calendar of festivals and community gatherings is another way to support the place you’re enjoying. Events such as the Dartmouth Food Festival and the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta bring people together, celebrate local life and often raise money for good causes. Joining in is not only a fun way to spend your time here, but also a direct way of giving back to the community.
Respect the Landscape
The River Dart and surrounding countryside are beautiful but sensitive environments. Sticking to waymarked paths, taking rubbish away, and being mindful of wildlife ensures they remain unspoilt. A little care goes a long way in keeping the landscape intact for future generations.
Helping to Keep Dartmouth Special
By making small choices – whether it’s how you travel, where you eat or the way you shop – you can enjoy everything Dartmouth has to offer while helping to care for the town and its surroundings. It’s thanks to those efforts, from both visitors and locals, that Dartmouth continues to be such a special place to return year after year.
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