Nestled in the picturesque county of Devon, the River Dart flows a total of 75 kilometres through the beautiful southwest English countryside. From its humble beginnings in the Dartmoor Forest to the river’s mouth at the quintessentially English Dartmouth Harbour. East Dart and West Dart, the river’s sources, join together in the wide-open moorlands of the Dartmoor National Park, a tourist spot and well-known home of the Dartmoor pony.
From here, the River Dart flows south. You’ll find avid white-water kayakers and canoers taking on the rapids or simply taking in the breath-taking scenery and medieval bridges in the upper stretches. Further south, the river passes the National Trust Greenway Estate, formerly home to the renowned crime author Agatha Christie; she famously took inspiration for her novels from the 16th century Tudor mansion and stunning grounds.
The lower stretches of the river feature ancient oak woodlands, which ooze with character and make for a sight. In Dartmouth, you’ll find a charming town centre with a variety of shops and eateries to enjoy, all set amongst the historic buildings of Dartmouth Harbour. There is a strong maritime connection with the Britannia Royal Naval College in town and routine visits from naval vessels.
The harbour and port are popular leisure boating locations, with many marinas and boatyards located on the river and an annual Regatta taking place every August. Whether you’re exploring the medieval clapper bridges, out on the moors in the National Park, discovering the diversity of wildlife and birds along the river or wandering the cobbled streets of Dartmouth, you’re in for a treat.
From here, the River Dart flows south. You’ll find avid white-water kayakers and canoers taking on the rapids or simply taking in the breath-taking scenery and medieval bridges in the upper stretches. Further south, the river passes the National Trust Greenway Estate, formerly home to the renowned crime author Agatha Christie; she famously took inspiration for her novels from the 16th century Tudor mansion and stunning grounds.
The lower stretches of the river feature ancient oak woodlands, which ooze with character and make for a sight. In Dartmouth, you’ll find a charming town centre with a variety of shops and eateries to enjoy, all set amongst the historic buildings of Dartmouth Harbour. There is a strong maritime connection with the Britannia Royal Naval College in town and routine visits from naval vessels.
The harbour and port are popular leisure boating locations, with many marinas and boatyards located on the river and an annual Regatta taking place every August. Whether you’re exploring the medieval clapper bridges, out on the moors in the National Park, discovering the diversity of wildlife and birds along the river or wandering the cobbled streets of Dartmouth, you’re in for a treat.
Take a tour of Dartmouth before you visit
Useful links for the area
Salcombe
The charming southwest Devon coastal town of Salcombe sits on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. More
River Yealm
The River Yealm originates from its source in the southern reaches of the outstanding Dartmoor National Park, flowing a total of 12 kilometres to the English Channel at Wembury. More
River Dart
Nestled in the picturesque county of Devon, the River Dart flows a total of 75 kilometres through the beautiful southwest English countryside to the river’s mouth at Dartmouth Harbour. More
British Marine South West
4 Providence Court
Exeter, Devon EX2 5JL
Registered number: 05203436