Dartmouth, England Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Dartmouth, a charming and historic port nestled on the banks of the River Dart in South Devon. This picturesque harbour is a favored stop for smaller, luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises, which can navigate its sheltered waters.
Passengers are drawn to its stunning natural beauty, rich maritime heritage, and the quintessentially English atmosphere of its narrow, winding streets. Tendering directly into the heart of town, you'll find yourself immediately immersed in a world of Elizabethan architecture, independent boutiques, and cozy riverside pubs.
In This Guide
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Key Dartmouth Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Visiting Dartmouth Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Dartmouth Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in England
- Monthly Pricing
Shore Excursions & Tours
Coasteering Geopark Adventure In Torquay
Our Coasteering Adventure can be tailored to your ability! As long as you can swim and boulder you will Love a Rock Solid Adventure! We have an incredible array of wildlife and the route is circular so you get maximum adventure for your money. You will challenge yourself with leaps into stunning cle
Private Coastal Boat Tour in Torquay
Join us for a fantastic coastal tour and explore of the bay. You will arrive at our vibrant hub and we will get kitted up and safety briefed. The excitement then begins to build as you are taken onboard one of our boats (dependant on the activity booked). Whether it's an exhilarating RIB Ride, a le
Gin Making Experience
The Gin Nest is Torbay's premier gin-making experience. You will be guided in the art of distilling your own craft gin using a traditional copper pot still. We provide alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks during the experience, and a 500ml bottle of your hand-crafted gin to take home with you. You h
Dartmoor Tour
You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation in a luxury, air conditioned Mercedes 7 x seater. Together we will explore the wild beauty of Dartmoor, with its windswept moors, ancient settlements and towering granite tors. Walk amongst the wild ponies and highland cattle whilst immersi
Half Day Sea kayak Guided Tour
Get away from the crowds and discover the views and wildlife of this stunning coastline. Explore lonely bays, spot wild birds and with a bit of luck seals and even a dolphin! A great feeling of calm and adventure will accompany you surrounded by beautiful nature and clear water. Bring your swimming
Explore North Cornwall on Electric Bikes
Please see davidmyers.co.uk for further info. Take in the beautiful surroundings of Morwenstow, North Cornwall with a local guide who was born and raised here. Our route takes us to some of the South west's most remote, wild and spectacular places - all linked together on sleepy country lanes with
Walking Tour of Exmouth in East Devon
On one side of Exmouth Beach, the red sandstone cliffs ascend to Orcombe Point, the official start of the Jurassic Coast – the only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in England. On the other side, the vibrant Exe Estuary sits teeming with birdlife, a fairly flat cycle path connecting Exmouth with
Doc Martin, Fishermans Friends & North Cornwall
This tour embraces the North Cornwall coastline and many of its diverse attributes. From beautiful little ports, world famous legends like King Arthur, TV dramas, to breathtaking coastlines to name but a few. We'll take away the hassle and pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation or agreed
Wine Tasting Experience in Torquay
If you love wine then this activity is perfect for you. You do not have to be an expert as we cater to all levels of knowledge.
Glider Plane Tour of the Jurassic Coast
Flying above the Jurassic Coastline in a motorglider is a truly unique experience. Our aircraft it is both very quiet and comfortable and offers unrivalled visibility making it perfect for taking aerial photographs of all the attractions along the beautiful South Coast Motorgliders by there nature a
Afternoon Tea and Painting Experience
Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea paired with a creative painting experience. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scrumptious scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delectable cakes. After savouring your meal, it’s time to unleash your creativity, choose an item to paint (up to the va
Gliding Experience in Devon
Totally unique experience offered with this trip. Take off and climb away using our 80hp Rotax engine and upon reaching 1 mile above sea level we will slowly reduce power and allow the engine to gently cool down. After about a minute of cooling we will stop the engine completely and become a proper
South Devon Adventure Walking Tour
Discover the stunning landscapes of South Devon on guided adventure walks that immerse you in a UNESCO Geopark. With an experienced local guide, explore coastal paths and woodland trails while uncovering fascinating stories and myths from the area. Enjoy moderate difficulty walks tailored for nature
Fly a Motorglider in Devon
Flying above the Devonshire countryside in a motorglider is a truly unique experience. Our aircraft it is both very quiet and comfortable and offers unrivalled visibility making it perfect for taking aerial photographs. Motorgliders by there nature are extremely safe aircraft to fly in as with thei
A Self-Guided Walk of Ilfracombe’s History and Ghostly Highlights
Journey through Ilfracombe’s fascinating history on this immersive 45-minute self-guided walking tour. Starting at the High Street, you’ll journey through the town’s oldest areas, hear spine-tingling ghost stories, and delve into tales of wreckers, smugglers, and Victorian holidaymakers. Wander thro
The story of Agatha Christie's extraordinary life
This walking tour has received over six hundred 5 star reviews and is recognised as one of the best activities on The English Riviera! Trip Advisor has awarded this tour the Badge of Excellence and their Traveller's Choice award. And in 2024 Visit Devon awarded this tour a Gold for International
90 Minute Coastal Explorer in Torquay
This is the longest boat trip we do. We will leave Torquay Marina and head out into the bay. Dependant on the weather we will either turn left or right but with way we will hug the coast. Along our route we will explore coves, caves and rock islands as we admire the geology of the UNESCO Geopark and
Coasteering
We specialise in PRIVATE sessions (just your group and our guides) and sessions are BESPOKE to suit you. Are you feeling a little nervous and need an extra hand along the way? Or are you looking for an adrenaline packed plunge off the biggest jumps we have to offer? Have you been before and would li
30 Minute Raptor RIB Ride Activity in Torquay
Once kitted up in lifejackets and having had a safety brief we will depart Torquay Marina and head along the coast stopping at secluded bays, rock islands and stunning coves. Be prepared for the moving bits to be done with astonishing acceleration but then settle into some witty commentary from the
The Exmouth Wooden Duck & Pottery Painting Experience
Arty Boat isn’t just another pottery painting studio — we’re home to our Signature Wooden Duck Painting Experience, where every duck leaves with its own personality! Enjoy up to 3 hours in our colourful Exmouth studio, choosing from our much-loved wooden ducks, pottery and other wooden pieces. No a
Key Dartmouth Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
A visit to Dartmouth offers several captivating sights, all within easy reach of the tender pier. The imposing Britannia Royal Naval College sits high on a hill overlooking the town; pre-booked guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into British naval history.
At the mouth of the estuary stands the magnificent Dartmouth Castle, an English Heritage site that has guarded the harbour for over 600 years. It provides stunning coastal views and a rich history lesson.
For a more relaxed experience, a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway is a must. This heritage railway journey offers breathtaking views of the coastline as it travels to Paignton. Alternatively, simply strolling through the town's historic streets, such as Foss Street with its independent galleries and shops, is a delightful sightseeing experience.
Last updated on May 16, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
One of the most popular day trips is to Greenway, the beloved holiday home of author Agatha Christie. Now a National Trust property, it's a short and scenic ferry ride up the River Dart, offering a look into the life of the 'Queen of Crime'.
Another excellent option is the historic market town of Totnes, located further upriver. You can reach it via a relaxing one-hour river cruise or by taking the steam train from Kingswear (across the river from Dartmouth). Totnes is known for its bohemian vibe, unique shops, and Norman castle.
The nearby fishing port of Brixham is also accessible via ferry. As part of the 'English Riviera', it boasts a beautiful harbour, a replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind, and excellent seafood restaurants.
Last updated on May 16, 2026
Port Location
Cruise ships visiting Dartmouth anchor in the deep waters of the River Dart, meaning passengers always arrive via tender boats. The tender drop-off point is typically at the Town Jetty or the Higher Ferry pontoon, both located directly in the town center.
From the tender pier, you are immediately in the heart of Dartmouth, with shops, restaurants, pubs, and the main town square just a few steps away. No shuttles are required to explore the town itself, as its compact center is best discovered on foot. The waterfront area is bustling with activity and provides instant access to the town's charming atmosphere.
Last updated on May 16, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency in Dartmouth, England, is the Pound Sterling (GBP), often denoted by the £ symbol. US Dollars and Euros are not accepted for transactions.
Major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most shops, pubs, and restaurants. For cash, ATMs (known locally as 'cash points') are readily available at banks located in the town centre. It is advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to ensure your cards work smoothly overseas.
Last updated on May 16, 2026
Safety Considerations
Dartmouth is considered a very safe and welcoming town for tourists. The crime rate is low, and visitors can feel comfortable exploring independently during the day. The town center is compact and well-populated, making it a secure environment for a stroll.
As with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions, such as keeping an eye on your personal belongings in crowded areas. There are no specific areas to avoid. Guided tours are an option for learning more about the area's history, but they are not necessary from a safety standpoint.
Last updated on May 16, 2026
Weather & Climate
Dartmouth enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with the main cruise season running from late spring to early autumn (May through September). During this period, you can expect mild to warm weather, with average daily temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (60°F to 72°F).
While summers can bring beautiful sunshine, the weather in this part of England can be changeable. Rain showers can occur at any time of year, so it is highly recommended to pack in layers. A light waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a sweater or fleece are essential items for a comfortable visit.
Last updated on May 16, 2026
Getting Around
The centre of Dartmouth is small and best explored on foot, so no transportation is needed for the main attractions. To explore further afield, several options are available directly from the waterfront.
The Dartmouth Passenger Ferry provides a quick and regular service across the river to Kingswear, where you can connect with the Dartmouth Steam Railway for scenic trips to Paignton. The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company also offers various river cruises, including popular trips to Totnes.
Local buses connect Dartmouth to other towns in the region, and a small number of taxis are usually available near the waterfront. Ride-sharing services like Uber are not prevalent in this area.
Last updated on May 16, 2026
Shopping
Shopping in Dartmouth is a delightful experience focused on independent shops and boutiques rather than large chains. The main shopping streets, including Foss Street, Fairfax Place, and the Old Market Square, are filled with art galleries, craft shops, and unique clothing stores.
Look for local specialties such as Devonshire fudge, clotted cream, and locally distilled gin. Maritime-themed art, pottery, and souvenirs are also popular mementos of your visit. Prices are fixed, and haggling is not part of the local culture. While there are no large duty-free outlets, the unique local products make for excellent and authentic purchases.
Last updated on May 16, 2026
Visiting Dartmouth Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Dartmouth Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
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Other Cruise Ports in England
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Dartmouth
Prices are about steady throughout the year. On average Dartmouth is moderately expensive as a port of call. See the diagram below for the average cost per day by month.
