Dartmouth Castle
On the south Devon coast, at the estuary of the River Dart, lies the appropriately named town of Dartmouth, and standing guard above the slopes is the impressively preserved Dartmouth Castle, a late medieval powerhouse that was still active as a defensive military position as late as World War II.
Begun in the 1480s, Dartmouth Castle became an important strategic link in the chain of castle fortifications established along the Devon and Cornwall coastline by the Tudor king Henry VIII. A number of exhibitions and displays reflect the castle’s long and eventful history.
The grounds of the castle offer a fine vista over the town and double as a perfect picnic spot during the summer or in good weather. But don’t despair if the rain clouds form. Find shelter on the Dartmouth quayside and enjoy some of the best fish and chips in England. Access to the castle from the north bank of the estuary is via a small car ferry in the town centre. Nearby, passenger steam trains of the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway service leave from the Kings Weir and follow the Devon coastline northwards. Sit in the observation car for fine views of the countryside.