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The Best Way to see Dartmouth…

We aim to commence services from Saturday 30th March,but due to the very changeable weather, please check on this page for SERVICE UPDATES

Thank you for your understanding. 

SATURDAY 30 MARCH SERVICE NOTIFICATION PENDING

“One of the best-loved short boat trips in Britain”

The famously beautiful Dart Estuary should really be enjoyed from a boat and the Castle Ferry with its traditional open launches is one of the best and simplest ways of getting close to the water – an authentic Dartmouth treat.

The trip passes our unique Lower Ferry – the last remaining tug and float ferry in England, ancient Bayards Cove, with its cobbled quay and fort and waterfront houses which were once warehouses and boat-building yards.  You may well see the elegant 1924 paddle steamer, Kingswear Castle, on one of her excursions. She has recently returned after decades away to grace the river where she was built.

There is a good chance you may see one of our resident grey seals or even a leaping Dart salmon and we will try to point out other rarities as we go.

The Dartmouth Castle we see today, run by English Heritage, dates from the late 15th century but it is surrounded by curtain wall sections of an earlier fortification which hint at the story of Dartmouth’s pirate past, as reflected in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

The Castle Tea Room offers a wide selection of meals and snacks and is a prime spot for a proper cream tea. Popular bathing coves – Castle Cove immediately adjacent to the castle entrance and Sugary Cove just a few minutes walk away are perfect places for a wild swim, a picnic, or just for sitting and watching the boats come and go.

The South West Coast Path may be joined at Dartmouth Castle and there are a number of circular walks of truly exceptional beauty and variety that start from this point.

take a trip

Prices, Times & Periods of Operation

Trips take around ten minutes (one way) which is ideal for younger children and anyone with limited time. With boats running continuously on-demand, there is no fussing with timetables – just go when you like and come back when you like.

2024 FARES (PER TRIP)

14 Years & Above: £3.00    I    Under 14s: £2.00   I    Dogs Travel Free

There is great walking for dogs around the Castle Estate and they are welcome into the Castle Building on leads.

Periods of Operation

Ferry Starts From Dartmouth 10:00 AM

Last Ferry from Dartmouth 4:45  PM

Last Ferry from the Castle  5:00 PM

Please note that the service finishes ONE HOUR EARLIER in OCTOBER

VISITING DARTMOUTH

Holidays in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a​ beautiful historic town situated on the west ​bank ​of the stunning ​River​ Dart ​in an area of outstanding natural beauty​. This ancient market town is steeped in history and is the perfect destination for all-year-round day visits, short breaks, and holidays.

Discover many great places to stay, fabulous eateries and exciting things to do by visiting the Visit Dartmouth Website.