Set on the western side estuary of the River Dart, which is a long narrow tidal river that is navigable from Dartmouth to the old weir location at Totnes. The small naval port of Dartmouth has played an important role in the UK’s nautical history. A deep-water port for sailing vessels, Dartmouth has always been of strategic importance and as far back as 1147 and 1190 it was used as the sailing point for the Crusades, and War fleet Creek is allegedly named after the vast fleets that assembled there. The crafts which dock in the port are mainly local fishing vessels, naval ships and luxury yachts; warships routinely visit the harbour.

Bayard’s Cove is Dartmouth’s oldest wharf and the cobbled quayside is where the Mayflower moored up in 1620 as the Pilgrim Fathers made their way from Southampton to America on their voyage to discover the New World.

• The Britannia Royal Naval College located on the hill overlooking the town and has been training Officers since 1863.
• The earliest street in Dartmouth to be recorded by name (in the 13th century) is Smith Street. The Butterwalk was built around 1635 to 1640.
• Royal Castle Hotel on the Quay was built in 1639.
• The oldest building is a former merchant’s house in Higher Street, The Cherub, built circa 1380.
• Dartmouth lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and within the parish of the South Hams.