From mouth to source - the top 5 things to do along the Dart Estuary

Camping in the South West of England

The South West of England is a real charm, boasting some of the most stunning scenery the country has to offer. One of the largest counties in England, Devon, is no exception to this, home to some of the best beaches, long winding rivers, and great swathes of moorland, countryside and costal paths.

Visit the Devon : the area of the River Dart

A particularly picturesque part of Devon is the River Dart.

Here, we will take you from mouth to the source of the river, mentioning just small handful of worthwhile attractions this part of South Devon prides itself on.

Devon boasts beaches of all sizes, including Blackpool Sands. Located at the mouth of the Dart, Blackpool Sands is surrounded by woodland pine, so if sand isn’t your thing, there are plenty of grassy areas for a picnic. The beach has bodyboard and wetsuit hire, as well as a café.

As we journey up the river and come up to the main entrance of the Dart, we approach Dartmouth. Dartmouth is located in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which has historical roots as a deep-water port. A really desirable location, Dartmouth has an array of good restaurants,
pubs and shops, many looking out over the water which hosts watersports and the Dartmouth Royal Regatta.

One of the main attractions that Dartmouth is most known for is Dartmouth Castle. The castle has been guarding the entrance to the River Dart for over 600 years, and is now under the ownership of English Heritage.

The River Dart Country Park

Further up the Dart Estuary is the River Dart Country Park – an award-winning visitor attraction and campsite, located on the edge of Dartmoor. With 90 acres of woodland, lakes and parkland, it’s the perfect setting for all kinds of exciting outdoor action.

The park caters for both adrenalin seekers and those who are looking to wind down and relax. With activities such as water zorbing, zip wires, high ropes course and kayaking, there’s more than enough to keep any thrill seeker pumped. For those looking for a more relaxing break, there’s woodland
to explore, play parks for children, as well as the lake – complete with famous pirate ship, the Jolly Dart.

Our campsite has electrical and non-electrical pitches, amenity blocks with hot water and showers, laundry rooms, and an on-site café restaurant and bar. It’s also known as an incredibly green attraction, in more ways than one!

The River Dart Country Park recently won a National Rural Business Award for its environmental projects, which has seen them invest over £1 million in renewable energy initiatives. It was the first site in the UK to install a Hydro Dynamic Screw, a turbine that uses water from the river and it makes the park self-sufficient for two-thirds of the year.

Buckland & Dartmoor 

As we reach closer to the source of the Dart, we come to Buckfastleigh, home of Buckland Abbey. The over 700-year-old monastery is famous for its tonic wine and the beautiful gardens surrounding the property. The National Trust protected Abbey has an on-site café so whilst you’re exploring the huge grounds of Buckland, you can make time for a cream tea.

As we reach the source of the Dart Estuary, we land at Dartmoor. The Moor attracts thousands of visitors each year, yet it is big enough to not see anyone for miles. The 954² km park is great for walking and cycling, and with some truly breath taking views of Devon, make sure you bring your camera.

Whilst on Dartmoor you can track the River Dart right up to the source point, and that’s where this particular journey will end. But with 12 other main river source points, where will your next adventure take you?

PS : More information about campsites in Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe.