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Dartmouth Castle

view from the coastline
view from the coastline (c) English Heritage Photo Library
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Aerial View of the castle (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography - Aerial View of the castle and the surrounding area, looking north (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography (c) Dartmouth Castle - View of the castle with the sea in the foreground (c) The Old Castle - The Old Castle from the South West and looking across the haven to Kingswear (c) view from the coastline - view from the coastline (c) View of the Estuary - View of the Estuary (c)
Visiting Dartmouth? Complete your day out with a picturesque river boat trip to the castle from the town quay, landing you a minutes walk from the castle.

One of the most picturesquely- sited fortresses in England. For over six hundred years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth.

This fascinating complex of defences was begun in 1388 by John Hawley, privateering mayor of Dartmouth and the prototype of the flamboyant 'Shipman' in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. About a century later the townsmen added the imposing and well- preserved 'gun tower', probably the very first fortification in Britain purpose-built to mount 'ship-sinking' heavy cannon. Climb to the top for breathtaking views across the estuary and see how it could be blocked in wartime by a heavy chain.

Unusually incorporating the fine church of St Petrox, the castle saw action during the Civil War, and continued in service right up until World War II. Successive up-dating included the Victorian 'Old Battery' with its remounted heavy guns, guardrooms and maze of passages to explore. Here a dramatic film-sequence recreates a Victorian gun-firing, and throughout the fortress displays retell the six centuries of castle history.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.20
Children:
£2.10 (5-15 years)
Concession:
£3.60
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
Devon TQ6 0JN
Road Access:
1 mile SE of Dartmouth off B3205, narrow approach road
Train Access:
Paignton 8 miles via ferry
Bus Access:
Stagecoach in Devon 120 Paignton - Kingswear, then a ferry to Dartmouth; Stagecoach in Devon 111 Torquay - Dartmouth (passing Totnes railway station). On both, alight Dartmouth, then 1 milewalk or ferry to site
Map Location:
Telephone:
01803 833588, Local Tourist Information: Dartmouth: 01803 834224

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Guidebooks No dogs allowed Shop Picnic area Events Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Tea Room Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Not adapted for wheelchair users (local authority-run). Near car park.
Exhibition: In Victorian Gun Battery, accessed via tarmac path and shallow steps.
Shop: Four steps - assistance advised.
Refreshments: In car park (privately run, small charge).
Note: Access for wheelchair users is through areas outside English Heritage's control, and a companion or helper is needed. Please telephone the site for more information.
Access:
Access to castle: Via stone and paved paths, steps and slopes. Ground floors have many steps, a helper is recommended. Narrow, steep spiral staircases to upper floors.
Grounds: The small riverside garden is accessible via paths and steps. Benches provided.
Parking:
12m from entrance (local authority-run). Disabled visitors may be set down at gate.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1803 833588
Group Booking:
Car park suitable for minibuses only, but there is coach parking available in the town
Average Length of Visit:
1 hour.

Further Info

Parking is limited (not owned by EH, small charge)
Tearooms (not managed by EH). Toilets (not managed by EH).
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