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Home | Things to do | 5 unique boat trips from Dartmouth

5 unique boat trips from Dartmouth

Kingswear Castle paddle steamer and Castle Ferry on River Dart

One of the very best ways to appreciate the beauty of the South Hams is from the water. So it’s no wonder that there’s plenty of choice when it comes to boat trips from Dartmouth.

Here are five of the best:

1. Castle Ferry

This is the dinkiest of boat trips from Dartmouth but that makes it one of the most fun. 

For a small fare, this 10-minute hop transports you between the South Embankment and Dartmouth Castle. It’s a great way to save your legs if you’ve just finished a walk along the South West Coast Path at Little Dartmouth.

Pay for your ride when you board. Find out more about the Castle Ferry.

2. The Fizz Boat

For an extra special trip along the River Dart, book a cruise on The Fizz Boat. 

This stylish vessel can be hired complete with host, nibbles and – as the name suggests – plenty of fizz to accompany your valley voyage.

The Fizz Boat can accommodate up to 12 guests for a 1.5-hour cruise taking in the sights of the river between Dittisham and Dartmouth Castle. It’s the ideal choice if you have a special occasion to celebrate while staying in Dartmouth.

Find out more about The Fizz Boat.

3. Ferry to Greenway House 

Fans of Agatha Christie can visit her sumptuous South Devon holiday home by boat from Dartmouth. 

Greenway House and Gardens sit above the Dart. It is a short uphill walk from the quay opposite the pretty riverside town of Dittisham. 

Getting there by boat gives you the perfect view of the Boat House. It was the scene of for Christie’s crime novel Dead Man’s Folly. You may also get a glimpse of the house through the trees.

During your 30-minute boat trip, there’s commentary from the crew who will highlight other points of interest along the river. Buy your entrance to Greenway separately (National trust members can visit the house and gardens for free).

Here are some more National Trust places in South Devon.

Tickets for the Christie Belle can be bought online or from a ticket booth on the Boat Float in Dartmouth.

4. Kingswear Castle paddle steamer

Step back in time and experience the era of steam-powered travel with a boat trip on Dartmouth’s paddle steamer and railway.

Alight the vintage train at Kingswear Station and take the passenger ferry across the harbour to meet the Kingswear Castle steamer. Your one-hour cruise takes you along the river to Greenway before heading back towards the mouth of the estuary.

Combined train and boat trip tickets can be bought online from the Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company.

5. Cardiff Castle to Totnes 

Another boat trip from Dartmouth that can be combined with the steam railway is a cruise onboard the Cardiff Castle. It’s one of the only cruises to travel all the way to Totnes – a journey lasting about 1.5 hours each way.

Travelling that bit further upriver gives you even more chance to appreciate the beautiful scenery. That’s not to mention spotting more South Devon wildlife. Egrets, seals, and kingfishers are all common sights.

Ride the Cardiff Castle by booking the excellent Round Robin tour of South Devon, which includes the steam train, boat trip and bus transfer in a loop between Dartmouth, Totnes, and Paignton.

Where to stay in Dartmouth

If you fancy taking one or more of these boat trips from Dartmouth, let us help you find the perfect base for your cruise.

Get in touch with us to check availability of our accommodation in Dartmouth and the surrounding areas. We offer a variety of places to stay, from romantic cottages and dog-friendly holiday lets to large family homes.

 
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