One extraordinary town has been dubbed one of the “best seaside towns” in Britain owing to its captivating coastal charm, despite not actually sitting beside the sea. Dartmouth is a stunning town in Devon, England, nestled alongside the River Dart which flows into the English Channel.
It is celebrated for its gorgeous pastel-coloured properties lining the waterfront, which buzzes with activity as boats sail by. It has been highlighted as one of the UK’s “best staycation ideas” by CN Traveller, and has recently been crowned one of England’s “best seaside towns” by Time Out, despite having no beach to speak of. The coast is a few miles away from the pretty riverside town of Dartmouth, however the aura of the place does still have a seaside-like vibe.
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Britain’s ‘best seaside town’ has been named – despite being miles away from the ocean (Image: Getty)
Time Out wrote: “Okay, so it’s technically not actually a seaside town – rather a town on the banks of the River Dart, a couple of miles from the sea.
“But Dartmouth comes with everything you could want in a trip to the coast. There are historic pubs, and there are walking trails straight out to the sea. There are boat trips galore, and there are crabbers crabbing away in the harbour daily.”
Dartmouth delivers all the hallmarks of a classic seaside break whilst being enveloped by spectacular vistas of verdant countryside, rolling hills and woodland, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll with a camera in hand.
Given the town’s enviable position, water-based pursuits rank amongst its most popular draws, with kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and river cruises all offering a wonderful means of soaking up the town’s scenic splendour.
Visitors can embark on a journey aboard the historic Dartmouth Paddle Steamer, the last surviving coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK, offering breathtaking scenery along the way, including a passage past the iconic Dartmouth Castle.
Dartmouth Castle traces its origins back to the 1380s, having safeguarded the town for centuries, and was last called into service during the Second World War when it housed military personnel.
The town is known for its incredible countryside views, boating and connection to Agatha Christie (Image: Getty)
The castle is celebrated for its spectacular vistas over the town and provides an ideal vantage point for wildlife spotting, discovering the area’s rich heritage, and indulging in homemade ice cream from the charming castle tearooms nearby.
The town centre exudes a delightful historic character, with its cobbled streets lined with independent shops, art galleries, cafés and the Dartmouth Museum, all offering plenty to keep visitors entertained.
Families travelling with youngsters will also find plenty to enjoy at the Woodlands Family Theme Park, which boasts exhilarating rides, a petting farm, a splash pool and a packed schedule of events throughout the summer holidays.
No coastal getaway would be complete without the quintessential fish and chips, a local speciality, and visitors can dine in or take away from The Rockfish, a seafood restaurant celebrated for its award-winning fish. There’s also the Wheelhouse Takeaway, another top-rated venue on Trip Advisor with guests lauding its “perfect dish and chips” and “fantastic gluten-free fish and chips batter”.
Anyone who wishes to visit the beach can travel to Blackpool Sands, which is said to be the UK’s ‘most beautiful beach’ (Image: Getty)
Dartmouth has additionally been placed firmly on the cultural map by Dame Agatha Christie, Britain’s most celebrated crime novelist, whose holiday residence Greenway House sits beside the River Dart. Visitors can explore the writer’s captivating life through guided tours led by Mathew Prichard, the author’s grandson.
Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a coastal escape, it’s merely a brief drive or bus ride from Dartmouth to Blackpool Sands, crowned the UK’s “most beautiful beach” in 2023 by CN Traveller, who likened it to being “almost reminiscent of Amalfi Coast” in Italy.
Additional options include Sugary Cove, Strete Gate and Slapton Sands, meaning you’ll have an abundance of choices for unwinding during your stay.
Regardless of your itinerary in Dartmouth, there’s an impressive range of attractions and activities for anyone seeking the ideal coastal getaway destination.
