Explore Delightful Dartmouth and Dittisham
A Little History…
Dartmouth is a town steeped in maritime history, from the castle at the mouth that has stood for over 600 years to the cobbled quayside at Bayards Cove where the Mayflower and Speedwell set off for America in the 1600’s, up to the Britannia Royal Naval College that overlooks the town completed in the early 1900’s.
The village of Dittisham is believed to date back to the Saxon era. The home of a chief called “Deedas” who probably lived here around 660AD. In the Domesday book of 1085-86 the village is named as “Didashim” meaning homestead of Deedas. It was in the reign of Elizabeth 1 that Dittisham put its name on the historical map thanks to Sir Walter Raleigh and his half-brother Sir Humphrey Gilbert who were brought up at Greenway House. Greenway House in later years became the home of Agatha Christie and now is run by The National Trust.
Explore by Land, Sea and Even Steam Train!
A great way to see the area is via boat; The Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company offer several trips and tours up and down the river. Our favourite is the ‘Round Robin’ that incorporates travel by boat, steam train and open top bus in a circular route from Dartmouth via Totnes and Paignton. Tickets can be purchased online or at the kiosk on the South Embankment.
To incorporate a bit more history there are boat trips to Greenway, a National Trust property and once holiday home of crime writer Agatha Christie. With glorious woodland gardens on the bank of the river and a home filled with period artefacts.
Booking and Information 01803 882811 or visit the kiosk on the boat float.
It is possible to visit Dartmouth Castle and learn about the history of protecting the mouth of the Dart. Dartmouth castle is an English Heritage site; please check the website for opening hours and special events.
There are also tours available of Britannia Royal Naval College. To book a tour visit http://www.britanniaassociation.org.uk/tours/
To learn more about the history of Dartmouth, Dartrmouth Museum is located on the historic Butterwalk on Duke Street www.dartmouthmuseum.org
Or why not take a 1.5 hour walking tour with the town crier Les Ellis and his wife – both dressed in full regalia! Contact them on 01803 845501
