Rainy days in Dartmouth

1 Dartmouth Museum

Our beautiful museum is housed in the Grade 1 listed Butterwalk building. Permanent exhibitions reflecting Dartmouth’s links to the Mayflower, Royalty, the D-Day preparations, as well as artefacts from our rich maritime heritage. Absorb yourself in an exploration of our past.

2 Dartmouth Castle

Dartmouth Castle is located at the mouth of our gorgeous river, and is over 600 years old. The views are stunning, whatever the weather.

An English Heritage site, the castle has an atmospheric gun tower, winding passages, and a climb to the top of the battlements. Look out for the animation showing how a 250m chain was used from the 1480s to keep the estuary safe.

3 Shop til you drop!

Explore Dartmouth’s lovely range of shops – art galleries, clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, hand-made leather goods, books, fudge and much much more. You’ll recognise some of the chains, but alongside are so many exciting independent stores, spread around our beautiful streets. It really is such a inspiring place to browse – whatever the weather.

4 Newcomen Engine

Housed in our Visitor Centre is the Newcomen Engine – an example of the first successful Steam Engine. Thomas Newcomen had a workshop in Dartmouth, and the town is proud to share this link in the industrial revolution. If you have a spare £1 in your pocket you can even get the engine working (minus the steam!)

5 Take a boat trip

Even in wet weather the boat trips are an adventure. The Dart is such a beautiful river, with plenty to see along the way. Take a trip to Greenway House, Agatha Christie’s holiday home, or to Dartmouth Castle and beyond.

6 Catch the steam train

Across the river is the wonderful Dartmouth Steam Train. The trip to Paignton takes you through the beautiful countryside along the Dart River and coast of Torbay. Even wet weather can’t dampen the joys of a trip on a steam train.