Dartmouth Castle
Devon, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Paignton, 6.4 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle Rd, Dartmouth TQ6 0JN
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- A local road closure is in place near the castle; alternative routes are available.
- Facilities
- On-site shop.
Guarding the mouth of the Dart alongside its twin across the water at Kingswear, this English Heritage fort saw active military service as recently as the Second World War. It's a fully staffed, intact site with sweeping views along the river, reached by a pleasant walk out from the town centre with a cafe waiting at the far end.
Worth the trip
The view up the Dart estuary from the gun battery, framed by its sister fortification on the opposite bank.
Before you go
The council-run car park machines are reportedly unreliable - reviewers suggest paying online in advance, though note it can cost more that way. It's a proper walk from town, so budget time either way.
Reviewers consistently praise Dartmouth Castle's riverside setting and history spanning from the 14th century to WW2, with several recommending arriving by boat for the best views. Limited on-site parking comes up repeatedly, including one mention of malfunctioning payment machines at the council-run car park, so visitors are advised to plan their journey accordingly.
“The views are fantastic and the castle has a lovely cafe. The car park is run by the council and the machines don’t work and online you need to pay more.”- Kerstin Simson, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “The car park is run by the council and the machines don’t work and online you need to pay more.” - Kerstin Simson
- Facilities
- “A good walk down the River Dart from the town centre you can refresh and refill yourself at the welcoming cafe.” - Nigel Huxtable
Common questions about Dartmouth Castle
Where is Dartmouth Castle?
Dartmouth Castle is in Devon, England, at Castle Rd, Dartmouth TQ6 0JN.
Do you need a ticket to visit Dartmouth Castle?
Yes - Dartmouth Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Dartmouth Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Dartmouth Castle - one reviewer noted: “…shop, independent tearoom and toilets. Dogs on leads are welcome. Interactive displays will help keep younger visitors engag…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Dartmouth Castle?
The view up the Dart estuary from the gun battery, framed by its sister fortification on the opposite bank.
Is Dartmouth Castle a ruin or still intact?
Dartmouth Castle is largely intact.
