River and Coastal Cruises in Devon

River Cruises Along The River Dart and Wildlife Cruises Along The Devon Coast

River Link's Dart Venturer

One of the most charming activities while visiting Devon is to take in a cruise along the River Dart. River Link is the largest operator of Dart River cruises and a typical cruise will start from Dartmouth and end at the lovely town of Totnes. The River Dart is one of the most beautiful estuaries in Britain – and a cruise provides the holidaymaker with an opportunity to drink in the rich tapestry of history, wildlife and pure scenic beauty all in one go.

Dart River Cruise

Wildlife thrives on the Dart river banks and a pleasure cruise from Dartmouth to Totnes would allow the holidaymaker to see unspoiled scenery with surprises round every bend. The following are some of the sights along the route:

• Village of Dittisham
• The lovely, traditional cottages of Duncannon
• Sir Walter Raleigh’s boat house
• Greenway Estate – once the home of Dame Agatha Christie
• Greenway Quay
• Stoke Gabriel
• Galmpton – this was where the British Naval Fleet once assembled prior to landing at Dunkirk in World War II
• Sharpham Vineyard
• Sandridge house, designed by architect John Nash

Agatha Christie fans can join a ‘Death On The River Dart’ cruise for an evening of murder, mystery and suspense with the Candlelight Theatre Company. If you think that this is tempting fate, then you may prefer a ‘Dixieland Jazz cruise’ instead.

Hill Stream

Alternatively, you could also take a coastal wildlife cruise where your tour boat sails along the immaculate Devon coast to catch breathtaking views of basking sharks, leathery turtles, falcons, bottlenosed dolphins, shearwaters, grey seals, and much more. This is a wonderful experience, although the tours only take place between May and July.

Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a thriving and prosperous harbour town and when you arrive here you get a sense that there’s a lot going on. Its lovely streets are lined with impressive listed buildings which are visible on arrival at the quayside in the centre of town. There are many shops in Dartmouth, ranging from the stylish and original to the practical and traditional ones. Art lovers will enjoy the many galleries displaying original works by established and upcoming Devon artists.

You can enjoy refreshments sitting by the harbour-side or floral river-front public gardens or dine in one of many cafes, inns, breakfast-bars or restaurants in town.

The Dartmouth market takes place every Tuesday and Friday, and there’s a farmers’ market on the second Saturday every month.  Both can be located at the Old Market Square.

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