Dartmouth Higher Ferry in 360º

Enjoy a 360 Virtual tour of the Dartmouth Higher Ferry. If you’re short on time and in a rush, it’s the quickest way to get across the river.

Location/Facts History Opening Times Prices Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Sunrise & Sunset Times Tide Times Nearby Destinations

If you’re short on time or want to avoid the narrow streets, the higher ferry is the easier and quicker of the two options available. If you pre plan your journey, then make sure you buy your ticket online to save yourself some money. I personally usually use the lower ferry when travelling between Kingswear & Dartmouth, it’s just more interesting and has better views.

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Location/Facts

Dartmouth Higher Ferry, also known as the Dartmouth–Kingswear Floating Bridge, is a vehicular cable ferry crossing the River Dart between Kingswear and Dartmouth, Devon, UK.

The Kingswear ferry slip is adjacent to a level crossing for the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway. All vehicles entering or leaving the ferry must cross this crossing.
The ferry has been designed to take a double decker bus. High sided vehicles should use either of the two middle lanes.
Caravans and trailers are treated as an additional vehicle when charging for the crossing.
Emergency Services are given priority.

History

Isaac Blackburn built the first Floating Bridge, in 1829, at Turnchapel in Plymouth.

Originally steam power was used to pull the floating bridge across the river on chains. However it was not a commercial success so in 1836, sadly two horses operating a treadmill pulled the bridge. This horse/treadmill system remained in use until 1867 when steam replaced the horse, Philip and Son Ltd, Shipbuilders of Dartmouth since 1858, built a new Floating Bridge and reintroduced steam power.

In 1908, the Ferry service stopped and the Ferry was left abandoned at Sandquay. There was no service for four years.
1912 a new owner and a new ferry for the first time ever, chains were replaced by wire ropes.
In 1920 the ferry was propelled across the river by paddle wheels, running on wire ropes. The system of using wire ropes is still in use today.

Opening Times

Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year (weather or maintenance pending)

Mon – Sat: 6:30 am – 21:00 pm
Sun: 8:00 am – 21:00 pm

Prices

There are 3 Ways to pay

Onboard: Full Price.
Mobile: Save 10%. Click here to book your ticket.
Online Concession: Save 75% +.

Things To Do

Check out Dartmouth or Kingswear pages for more details.

Where To Eat & Drink

Check out Dartmouth or Kingswear pages for more details.

Getting There

Dartmouth Sat Nav TQ6 9PQ, Kingswear TQ6 0DZ.

Helpful Tips

The ferry is fully equipped to accommodate wheelchair users and crews are there to assist.
If pre planned, make sure you buy your ticket online to save yourself some money.
If you cross regularly, ask about the concession tag to save yourself some money.
The ferry has been designed to take a double decker bus. High sided vehicles should use either of the two middle lanes.
Caravans and trailers are treated as an additional vehicle when charging for the crossing.
Emergency Services are given priority.
Dogs welcome.
Follow them on twitter for up to date announcements.