Dartmouth may be known for its lively festivals, bustling harbour and colourful history, but it’s also one of the best places in South Devon to slow down and recharge. Tucked between wooded hillsides and the River Dart, surrounded by peaceful beaches, tranquil countryside, and welcoming places to stay, the town makes an ideal base if you’re looking for calm corners and restorative experiences. Whether you’re escaping for a long weekend or treating yourself to a well-earned holiday, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a quieter pace of life here.
Riverside Escapes
Life in Dartmouth is centred around the river, and simply spending time by the water can feel like a retreat in itself. The Embankment is the perfect place for a gentle stroll, with benches dotted along the way where you can pause and watch the ferries crossing to Kingswear. You’ll often spot paddleboarders and sailing boats gliding by, yet the pace is unhurried and soothing.
If you’d like to stay right on the water’s edge, Dart Marina Hotel & Spa offers a peaceful riverside setting with elegant rooms, many overlooking the river. Sitting on your balcony with a book and the sound of the tide lapping below is an experience that’s hard to beat. The hotel’s spa is also a sanctuary, where you can unwind with a treatment or simply relax in the pool and steam room after a day exploring.
Hidden Beaches and Secluded Shores
The South Devon coast is dotted with quiet beaches and coves, many just a short drive from Dartmouth. Blackpool Sands, with its shingle shore framed by pine trees, has a calm, enclosed feel that makes it perfect for a peaceful swim or an afternoon of doing very little at all. If you prefer wide open space, head to Slapton Sands, where the three-mile stretch of beach means there’s always room to find a quiet spot. At quieter times of the day you may feel as though you have the beach to yourself, with only the sound of the waves and gulls for company.
If you’re staying in Dartmouth itself, Bayards Cove Inn makes a cosy base for beach days. This historic inn, tucked away in one of the oldest parts of town, offers comfortable rooms and hearty meals that feel especially welcoming after a bracing coastal walk.
Countryside Calm
When you’re ready to swap the coast for greenery, the countryside surrounding Dartmouth is equally restorative. The Dart Valley offers a patchwork of riverside paths and woodland trails, where the sound of running water and birdsong provide the perfect backdrop for a slow wander. One of the loveliest routes is the walk between Dartmouth and Dittisham, where you’ll pass orchards, rolling hills and quiet stretches of riverbank.
For something a little wilder, Dartmoor National Park is within easy reach. A day spent exploring the wide, open landscapes of the moor can be surprisingly restful, with only the wind and skylarks for company.
Gentle Ways to Explore
Taking to the water is another calming way to enjoy Dartmouth at a slower pace. Instead of rushing along the coast, why not try a leisurely river cruise, where you can sit back and soak up the scenery of wooded hillsides, hidden creeks and pretty riverside villages? Alternatively, if you’d like to set your own rhythm, kayaking or paddleboarding from Dartmouth provides a more personal connection with the river – early morning outings are often the quietest and most rewarding.
A Taste of Tranquillity
Food plays an important role in a relaxing break, and Dartmouth has no shortage of places where you can linger over a meal or drink in a calm setting. For a leisurely breakfast or brunch, Café Alf Resco is a Dartmouth favourite. Its rustic décor and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect place to start the day slowly, with good coffee and hearty plates.
Time to Unwind
The beauty of Dartmouth is that you don’t need to fill every moment with activity. Sometimes the best way to experience the town is to find a quiet bench on the South Embankment, take your book to the beach, or enjoy a leisurely stroll to see what you can find. With peaceful accommodation, restorative landscapes, and gentle experiences waiting to be discovered, Dartmouth is the perfect place to step away from the rush of everyday life and give yourself time to truly unwind.
