Description
This well-preserved and beautifully sited castle juts out into the narrow entrance of the Dart estuary.
Begun in the late 14th century, a defence called ‘the Fortalice’ was intended to protect the homes of Dartmouth merchants from shipborne attack. By 1491 it had been reinforced by a gun tower, probably the very first fortification in England purposebuilt to mount heavy cannon.
It is said that Chaucer based the ‘Shipman’ character in his Canterbury Tales on John Hawley – the colourful merchant and Mayor of Dartmouth who began the first castle. Today, you can enjoy other tales of the castle as you journey through time from the Tudor period and the Civil War to World War II. Displays on the castle’s 600-year history add to the experience.
Why not make it a full day out and take a boat trip from the quayside at Dartmouth, which lands you just a short walk from the castle entrance. What are the opening times?| Dates | Opening Times | Opening Days |
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| 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. | | 1-31 Oct | 10am-4pm | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun. | | 1 Nov-20 Mar | 10am-4pm | Sat, & Sun. | | Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan | | |
How much does it cost?English Heritage Members: Free - Join English Heritage How do I get there?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 station). On both, alight Dartmouth, then 1 mile walk orferry to site Accommodation Find a hotel near this property Map Location: Map of location Cycle Routes: Find the site on the National Cycle Network Telephone: 01803 833588, Local Tourist Information: Dartmouth: 01803 834224 What facilities are available?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, samll 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 InfoParking is limited (not owned by EH, small charge) Parking (not owned by EH, small charge). Tearooms (not managed by EH). Toilets (not managed by EH). |
