Things to see and do at Dartmouth Castle
There’s lots to see and do on a trip to Dartmouth Castle. As well as finding out the history of this unique castle, you can get amazing views across the estuary and find out about some incredible medieval engineering. If the weather isn’t great, there’s plenty of indoor adventures to be had: check out the Gun Tower, the Victorian Gun Battery and the atmospheric tunnels below ground. See below for our highlights for visitors.
Start on the water
The unique location of Dartmouth castle, on the entrance to the Dart Estuary, means you can approach it by boat. Take the passenger ferry from Dartmouth Harbour and enjoy a spot of seal spotting as you sail along the coast. Cameras at the ready: the best views of Dartmouth Castle are from the water!
Explore the gun tower
Developed over the centuries, the Gun Tower at Dartmouth Castle was one of the first purpose-built coastal artillery forts in Britain.
Designed to house the guns that fired across the narrowest part of the river, the Gun Tower worked with the heavy iron chain (see more below) to prevent enemy ships from entering the estuary.
Don't miss the new displays of weaponry and armour used to defend the castle – try on helmets and get hands-on with the cannon balls and shot fired from the castle's guns. Climb the four storeys to the open roof platform to enjoy far reaching views out to sea.
Learn about the harbour chain
Climb down the steps until you reach the basement floor of the tower which is built into the rock itself. Here the large metal harbour chain would have been housed. An impressive feat of medieval engineering, a great iron chain once spanned the 250m opening of the Dart estuary to defend Dartmouth from enemy warships.
The chain, which was probably first installed in the 1480s, could be raised or lowered with the tide to stop ships mid-river – making them an easy target for gunfire from the castle. Inside the Gun Tower, you can watch a special animation showing how the Harbour Chain may have worked.
Enjoy the sound and light installation
Explore the castle further to find the two open-air gun platforms for heavy guns on each side of the Gun Tower, and another beside the shop, which was itself originally a WW2 gun house.
Inside the Victorian gun battery you can get a sense of the work carried out by the soldiers as they prepare to fire one of the big guns thanks to a dramatic sound-and-light installation. Alongside the display are cannonballs, some of which were discovered in the River Dart, and all the equipment the soldiers needed to load, fire and clean the guns.
Investigate the passageways
Grab a torch and explore a passage in Dartmouth Point Battery.
Get a sense of the cramped, dangerous and dark conditions in which the soldiers would have worked as they loaded charges into the guns. Walk down the narrow passages lit only by dim lanterns to recreate the atmosphere of wartime at the castle.
See the gunpowder barrels stacked in the store and hear the men talking as they work on the audio system - can you hear what they are doing?
Learn more about the history of Dartmouth
The castle has defended the town and coastline for over six centuries, including during the Civil War, the First World War and the Second World War. You can read this history here before you go; and find out even more about this unique castle when you visit.
Go Shopping
The English Heritage shop at Dartmouth Castle has one of the best views on the Dart Estuary. You can spot seals, dolphins and sea birds while you pick out that perfect gift or souvenir. With a great range of toys, games and books to choose from, budding soldiers, princesses or knights will soon find something to keep them amused.
Thank you! Every souvenir, guidebook or kids’ treat you buy helps the charity look after England’s heritage.
Take a coastal walk
The castle lies on one of the most beautiful coastline walks in South Devon which forms part of the South West Coast Path. Combine your castle visit with a trip on one of two local steam railways, bus or ferry and make it a special day out for the whole family. With a range of wildlife, birds, flora and fauna along the way, this is a perfect excuse for a photograph.