Mayflower 400: special commemorative events in Dartmouth
Dartmouth is one of 13 international locations leading the commemorations for the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage to America. Mayflower 400 will bring a packed programme of special commemorative events to Dartmouth, culminating in a grand finale in November 2020 – four centuries after the pilgrims finally reached the New World.
Dartmouth’s connection to the Mayflower
Dartmouth was never in the pilgrim’s travel plans but they were forced to stop here when the Mayflower’s partner, Speedwell, began leaking badly after leaving Southampton. Over the next 11 days the ship was repaired before setting sail again. Ultimately, Speedwell was too unseaworthy to make the crossing and was left behind in Plymouth.
After 66 days of stormy seas and cramped conditions, the enduring pilgrims landed on Cape Cod on 11 November 1620.
Today, more than 35 million Americans can trace their roots back to the Mayflower.
Mayflower 400 in Dartmouth
Preparations for Mayflower 400 are well underway in Dartmouth and aim to highlight not only its connections to the pilgrims’ journey but also the town’s long maritime history.
You can begin your pilgrim experience today with a walking tour that has been curated to show you Dartmouth as it would have looked when the Mayflower and Speedwell moored in front of Bayards Cove in 1620. The tours are freely available on the Mayflower 400 app. Download it here.
Other commemorative activities in Dartmouth in the lead up to the 400th anniversary include:
- More walking tours on the app and a river tour
- The unveiling of a commemorative sculpture
- A trail of mosaic panels about the Mayflower
- Concerts and theatrical performances
- Tall ship visits.
Find out more about Dartmouth Mayflower 400 events as they are released by looking at the dedicated website.
Dartmouth Mayflower 400 dates for the diary
Mayflower 400 will weave into many of the town’s annual events that attract thousands of visitors each year. In November 2019, Dartmouth’s Candlit lantern procession will be renamed ‘Mayflower Candlelit’ to mark the beginning of a year of special events.
The 2020 Dartmouth Royal Regatta will roll into Mayflower 400 Week from 30 August to 5 September 2020, with tall ship visits and events on the River Dart.
Planning on visiting Dartmouth in August 2019? Find out what’s on during Dartmouth Regatta 2019.
Stay in Dartmouth
2019 to 2020 will be an extremely special year to stay in Dartmouth, South Devon. If you are looking for Dartmouth accommodation that will put you at the heart of the Mayflower 400 events then take a look at our holiday cottages in Dartmouth. Some are cottages with parking and others give you easy access to the town using public transport or Dartmouth Park & Ride. Also take a look at our last minute deals and short breaks in South Devon.
Images courtesy of Mayflower 400.
