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Out and About by the Dart this summer - Heather Long
I am faced, writes Heather Long, with the prospect of entertaining three lively children through the summer holidays! However I can honestly say it’s a challenge I relish now that we live in Dartmouth. Oh yes I’m sure there will never be a dull moment living by the River Dart this summer.
I am faced, writes Heather Long, with the prospect of entertaining three lively children through the summer holidays! However I can honestly say it’s a challenge I relish now that we live in Dartmouth. Oh yes I’m sure there will never be a dull moment living by the River Dart this summer.

In this two part series (more next month!) I’ll be taking a look at just some of the huge range of activities and days out Dartmouth and the surrounding area have to offer. Of course times are hard at the moment and many of us are watching those purse strings. Thankfully keeping busy and having fun does not have to cost the earth.

Top of our list this summer is Days on The Beach. I hesitate to say this but our favourite is Sugary Cove, just a quick nip along the coastal path from Dartmouth Castle. I hesitate because we happened upon it by accident, we have only ever shared it with five other families at most, it is a sheltered and private haven and has the most wonderful rock pools. I certainly don’t want it spoiled by hoards of people.

The steep steps down might put off the less determined, but with the Castle Ferry round the corner to shuttle you home if you’re flagging after all that good fun and fresh air it really is a fantastic day out right on the doorstep. Just don’t tell anyone… Other beaches along the coast are also worth a visit. Blackpool Sands is a particular gem and its Venus Café has won many awards, and historic Slapton is a unique natural phenomenon.

Regular buses run along the A379 coast road. Next door to my favourite beach, though, is Dartmouth Castle, managed by English Heritage and full of fascinating historic detail from six centuries of defending the Port of Dartmouth. This fascinating complex of defences was the 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.

The castle saw action during the Civil War, and continued in service right up until World War II. This summer there are all sorts of activities for youngsters including Tudor days – arts, crafts and tales with costumes and fun, every Monday and Tuesday during August. Heading back into the town is a joy in itself, whether by ferry, over Gallants Bower and through the woods (look out for the rope swing) or along the roads past picturesque riverside houses of all shapes and sizes, pausing to skim stones or feed the ducks at Warfleet.

Nothing can beat a couple of hours crabbing from the Embankment and there are dozens of shops selling bait, lines and buckets. Combine this with fish and chips, a café lunch or a scrumptious ice cream and you have a perfect day’s entertainment. Dartmouth and its surrounding villages are full of cafes, pubs and restaurants that give a warm welcome to families.

Continue reading "By the Dart" July 2009 edition...
 
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