2020 is the perfect time to plan your visit to Dartmouth. With a marvellous calendar of events, outstanding food and drink, top things to do and see as well as welcoming accommodation you’ll find everything that you need for a wonderful holiday or short break in this pretty estuary town.
Exciting Events
Throughout 2020 there is an exciting and varied calendar of events which celebrates all aspects of life in Dartmouth.
For those looking to combine some arts or performing arts with their 2020 holiday, the 27th and 28th of June sees Royal Avenue Gardens come alive with arts and craft stalls as the Dartmouth Arts & Craft Weekend takes place.
One of the highlights of the summer is The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, this three day event, from the 27th to the 29th of August, sees Dartmouth and the river come alive with sailing, live music, street food and fireworks so if you’re in the area it’s an event not to be missed.
This year Dartmouth will be hosting a whole range of special events commemorating the 400 year anniversary of the sailing of The Mayflower to America. Events are being held throughout the year culminating with a week packed with events including a grand river pageant, visiting warships, tall ships and a Mayflower Replica as well as concerts and performances. Taking place from the 30th of August to the 5th of September, Mayflower Week is a real chance to explore a fascinating part of the towns history.
Rounding off the year and also closing off the year long Mayflower commemorations is Candlelit Dartmouth Mayflower, this two day Christmas celebration sees Santa visiting by boat, stalls and entertainment. Taking place on the 27th and 28th of November the highlight of the event is a lantern procession through the streets with local school children showing off their handmade lanterns.
As well as these main events there are numerous events being held throughout the town and in local businesses, so no matter what time of year you want to visit there’ll be plenty going on. You can search all the events taking place this year here.
A Year to Remember with Mayflower 400
As mentioned above throughout 2020 Dartmouth will be commemorating the sailing of The Mayflower to the new world, America, 400 years ago. The Mayflower and The Speedwell stopped at the port of Dartmouth for repairs after leaving Southampton when The Speedwell started taking on water. The pair of boats set sail again before being forced to return to Plymouth when The Speedwell started leaking again. The Mayflower then continued its voyage alone taking the pilgrims to America to start a new life.
More about the Mayflower and Dartmouth’s part in its story can be found here, whilst details on all the events taking place in the town throughout 2020 can be found here.
Excellent Food and Drink and Shopping
Dartmouth’s fascinating historical streets are packed with independent shops and eateries, making the town the perfect destination for anyone looking to mix a bit of retail therapy or excellent fresh cuisine in to their holiday plans.
Within the town you’ll find antique shops, art galleries, high street fashion chains, jewellery shops and souvenirs of all kinds. So whether you want to have a quick browse for a holiday keepsake or want to spend a day perusing all Dartmouth has to offer, there’ll be a shop or two to fulfil your wishes.
With its coastal location and surrounded by the South Devon AONB, rolling hills and farm land, it’s no wonder the town serves up some of the best food around in wonderful places to eat. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, locally reared meat, seasonal fruit and veg or locally produced ice cream and fudge, the pubs, restaurants and takeaways throughout Dartmouth and in the surrounding villages have on offer some amazing dishes for you to enjoy alongside Devonshire beer, wine and soft drinks.
Welcoming Accommodation
We each have our own idea of what makes perfect holiday accommodation, whether it’s a luxury hotel, a homely self catering cottage or a stylish apartment or even a cosy B&B, Dartmouth has a variety of accommodation which is perfect for couples, families or group of friends looking for their ideal night away.
Great Surroundings and Superb Things to Do
Dartmouth may seem like a charming, relaxing coastal town, but if you’re after some entertainment or want to explore the area’s history or stunning landscape you’ll find there’s so much to choose from. For those looking to find out more about the towns past, there’s the 600 year old castle or Tudor fort at Bayards Cove, as well as the town museum, two close by National Trust properties at Greenway and Coleton Fishacre as well as tours of Britannia Royal Naval College. As part of The Mayflower commemorations there’s a new Mayflower Heritage Trail which can be followed around the town exploring historical sites related to the story.
The adventurous and sporty among you can go kayaking on the River Dart, hire a boat and enjoy the water, join a yoga class on board a barge or enjoy one of South Devon’s best assets, the South West Coast Path and hike along the shore exploring the coastline and the stunning views that can be found.
For families and younger groups there are a number of wonderful family friendly attractions close by from Pennywell Farm with its farmyard fun to Babbacombe Model Village and its miniature world. You could take a trip to Torquay Dinosaur World and walk among the Dinosaurs or for a bit of adrenaline head to Woodlands Family Theme Park and have a go on the rides and slides.
To search everything that Dartmouth has to offer and all the great things to do and see click here.
Here are just some of the great reasons to plan a trip to Dartmouth in 2020, but with so much on offer, both in the town and throughout the surrounding area, we’re sure once you’re here you’ll find many reasons to come back again and again.
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