There is plenty to do inside the castle and if the weather is fine, you can make it a full day out with a river boat trip from the town quay up to the castle, landing you a minute’s walk away from the castle entrance. After you have explored the castle, you can visit the tea room immediately adjacent for light lunches, snacks and ice creams - and stunning views over the entrance to the River Dart.
History
Sitting on a promontory where the River Dart meets the English Channel, the castle was begun in 1388 to protect the town and harbour of Dartmouth against French raids during the Hundred Years War. One hundred years later it was strengthened with a gun tower, the first purpose-built coastal artillery fort in Britain. The castle saw fighting during the Civil War and was later updated and re-equipped several times, serving in both World Wars.