10 things to do in Dittisham in Devon

Dittisham is one of South Devon’s hidden gems. In fact, unless you sail past it on the River Dart you might never know it was there. If you are looking for a quiet, yet characterful place for a holiday in Devon then it’s worth investigating further. Here’s our guide to the many things to do in Dittisham and the surrounding area, whether you want to enjoy its peaceful riverside location, indulge in Devon’s culinary delights or enjoy the great outdoors with your family.

About Dittisham in Devon

Dittisham is located on the west bank of the River Dart, up stream from Dartmouth in the South Hams. Its pastel coloured quayside buildings and boathouses look out across the widest part of the river where there’s a theatre of marine activity all year round.

Pick Dittisham in Devon for your next getaway and you have a wonderful choice of holiday cottages with river views.

Things to do in Dittisham

When you come to stay in Dittisham, here are 10 of the things you can enjoy during your holiday:

1. Visit Agatha Christie’s Greenway

What better endorsement for a holiday in Dittisham than from crime writer Agatha Christie. She famously called her South Devon holiday home the “loveliest place in the world”. Greenway sits a stones throw away from Dittisham on the east bank of the River Dart. 

Today you can visit Greenway, which is a National Trust property. The gardens sit beside the river with plenty of points of interest along the winding paths. One such focal point is the boathouse that was the scene of a murder in Christie’s novel Dead Man’s Folly. In fact, if you are a fan of her work, Greenway features it in at least three of her books.

Greenway House itself is full of curiosities and collectables gathered by Agatha’s family. 

Visit by taking the small ferry from Dittisham quay over to Greenway. 

2. Hire a boat or try water sports

If you fancy getting on the water under your own steam then Dittisham Boats will hire you your own vessel, kayak or paddle boarding equipment.

Here’s some more places you can try water sports in South Devon.

3. Go crabbing

Dittisham is known as one of the best places to go crabbing in Devon. Arm your kids with a crabbing line and bucket, and sit on the pontoon in front of the Ferry Boat Inn.

4. Dittisham restaurants – where to eat

Dittisham may not have the widest selection of places to eat but what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in quality:

• Visit the Ferry Boat Inn, known locally as the FBI, for traditional pub meals served with a river view 
• Dine on the quayside at the Anchorstone Cafe, which is renowned for its delicious seafood menu
• Or visit the Red Lion Inn for light bites, coffee and cake or a meal from the home-cooked pub menu. This is also where you can pick up groceries and use the post office.

5. Tour Sharpham Vineyard

Not far from Dittisham is Sharpham Vineyard, which also sits on the banks of the River Dart. Here you can get a taste of some of the finest food and drink produced in the South Devon countryside. 

Sharpham Vineyard offers tours, tastings and vine walks. You can also visit its shop to pick up wine and cheese to enjoy back at your holiday cottage.

Find more Devon food and drink producers you can visit.

6. Play at The Ham 

Dittisham’s recreation ground, also known as ‘The Ham’, is a wide open space overlooking the river. It is an ideal place to visit if you are holidaying with children. There’s plenty of room for picnics and to run around. There’s also a play park with a pirate ship to keep the most mutinous kids happy.

7. Walk the Dart Valley Trail

Dittisham is one of the way points on the Dart Valley Trail between Dartmouth and Totnes. The route includes woodland paths, country lanes and hikes across fields that have beautiful views of the valley and river. 

Head south from Dittisham and the walk to Dartmouth is about three miles. Or go north and you’ll reach Totnes in 8.5 miles passing by the villages of Cornworthy and Tuckenhay.

For a circular walk to Dartmouth cross the river from Dittsham to Greenway on the east bank. The walk south to Kingswear is 4.5 miles. Here you can cross to Dartmouth on the passenger ferry. Then walk back to Dittisham up the west side of the river.

Find more walks in South Devon.

8. Visit Totnes

One of the wonderful things about South Devon’s towns is they all have their own unique character. Totnes oozes bohemian style and history, from its Norman motte and bailey castle to its high street full of independent traders.

It is also where you can find a rare breeds farm, South Devon Railway and the China Blue pottery studio. Totnes is a half hour drive or a 8.5mile walk from Dittisham. If you want to visit by boat you can hire your own or travel to Dartmouth for a connection to Totnes.

Here’s our full guide to things to do in Totnes.

9. Visit Dartmouth

The historic maritime town of Dartmouth is a short car journey away but we would recommend visiting by ferry. Catch the Christie Belle or Hercule Ferry to Dartmouth where you can explore the picturesque streets, independent shops and eateries. 

Find more things to do in Dartmouth.

10. Go to the beach

Some of Devon’s finest beaches are a short drive from Dittisham. Here’s our guide to the best South Devon beaches including places where you can hire water sports equipment, dine at beach front restaurants and walk your dog all year round.

Dittisham holiday cottages

If we have whetted your appetite for a stay in Dittisham in Devon then check out our selection of Dittisham cottages that can accommodate up to eight people. Many are also dog-friendly.

We also have cottages in nearby Cornworthy and Tuckenhay. If you would like help finding the perfect South Devon holiday cottage we know all of our properties first hand. Contact us for a chat.