Visit & Enjoy

Overview

Recreation

The beautiful Dart River, its estuary and the surrounding area is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can explore this glorious area on foot, cycle, bus, steam, train, boat and canoe. The key to harmonious use of the estuary is to bring all groups together so that each becomes aware of the other' needs and desires.

As the demand for access to the water and moorings grow, recreation is fast becoming the major source of pressure on the estuary environment.

Tourism

Tourism and leisure have become increasingly important to the local economy in recent years. Dartmouth is now a popular destination for smaller cruise ships. Visits by cruise ships to Dartmouth increased from 10 in 2004 to 13 in 2005. The Port of Dartmouth had been a longstanding destination for cruising yachts from UK and the continent.

In addition, some ¾ million day-visitors each year take a passenger boat trip to enjoy the beauty of this scenic estuary.

The great natural beauty of the Dart Estuary is recognised as the greatest source of attraction for visitors to the area and needs to be protected to maintain its value.

Navigation

The River Dart has a legacy of navigation stretching back many centuries. From the launching of the Crusades in the Middle Ages, through the voyages of discovery in the Elizabethan era, the development of trade with North America, to the launch of the D-Day assaults in World War 2 and the present day. The Port of Dartmouth is a natural safe haven accessible to substantial vessels at all states of the tide. The navigation of the River Dart is the quintessential feature of its character.