When
arriving at Dartmouth which can be reached via the ferry at Kingswear,
any number of boats are for hire from the quayside. Whether you wish
to take a cruise, hire and drive yourself,or charter. The choice is
yours.
Most
of the pleasure boat cruises and trips down the River Dart from Dartmouth
to Totnes can be taken from March to November with spectacular views
of scenic countryside and wildlife.
There
are many ways of enjoying your trip,just a few are described here.
If
your choice is to take a relaxing cruise and enjoy the countryside
then you couldn’t have come to a more beautiful place to do
just that. The Dart valley is a haven for wildlife where if you are
lucky you may be able to catch a glimpse of a fox, badger, or deer.
Butterflies
and dragonflies flit around the flowers and shrubs that grow by the
river side in many places.
Birds are attracted to the woodlands that surround this beautiful
valley. On a warm summers day if you look to the skies it is possible
to see buzzards and sparrow hawks gliding in the warm thermals.
There
are many picturesque creeks on the river. Stops can be made on many
of the boat trips. One of which could be to Sharpham Vineyard where
there is a beautiful walk through the vineyard, and picturesque woodland
the proprietors have provided picnic tables in order that a picnic
or a barbecue can be enjoyed. And to finish your visit take in the
wine sampling for adults and soft drinks for children, and tasting
the wonderful cheeses from their cheese dairy.
If
your pleasure is to stop off for a cool glass of beer on your river
trip, then there are many little Traditional Inns to be visited.The
Maltsters at Bow Creek is the furthermost with the Watermans Arms
The Church House Inn at Stoke Gabriel and on the way back finally
the Steam Packet Inn at the Dart Estuary.
Another
of the many trips to be taken is a boat which can be hired from a
qualified lady skipper who will give you a choice of different themes
for a trip. The trips can be taken from Dartmouth, Kingswear, Dittisham,
Greenway( where Agatha Christies family home was), or Totnes ( depending
on the tide ). The boat has to be prior booked. There are family fun
days out, Sunset Cruise, a Romantic trip for two, with Champagne &
Smoked Salmon, river pub tours, Bird watching & Fishing. There
is also a wonderful Pirates Picnic which is for children and adults,
which includes fancy dress as pirates, sailors, or mermaids, going
crabbing, and picnic of course, and story telling. It is necessary
to book : www.thepicnicboat.co.uk
The
Trip to “Greenway” the once home of Agatha Christie is
a wonderful way to spend an afternoon if one is keen on gardens. The
National Trust were given the riverfrontage, gardens, woodlands, and
farm. In 2002 the gardens were opened to the public . There are beautiful
walled gardens, fernery, arboretum, and woodland walks overlooking
the River Dart. The bluebells in particular are a real spectre, so
too the Rhododendrons,Camelias,
Magnolias & Azaleas.
The
River Dart can be a very busy place especially in August when the
Regatta is on. Everything from Rowing events to Aerobatics, Firework
displays, fun fair and craft fairs can be seen. Naval ships
Sometimes lay anchor in the river, and high above the town of Dartmouth
one can see the Renowned Britannia Naval College, which trains officers
for the Royal Navy.
The
longest trip up the river takes you to the Ancient and historical
town of Totnes with its medieval and Tudor architecture. A bustling
little town not to be missed. With delightful arts & craft shops,
and places for unusual gifts, street entertainers, and an Elizabethan
Market each Tuesday morning, where the traders dress in Elizabethan
costume plying their wares. To the Ancient Castle, dating back to
Norman times, ‘The Costume Museum’ open from Spring Bank
Holiday to October. The ancient Leechwells- a part of the town which
has very narrow streets, where passages lead you to 3 ancient wells,
where it is believed the waters are medicinal. It was a place where
Pilgrimages were made by lepers to take waters, believing that the
water would make them get rid of their affliction.
Why
not take an alternative therapy whilst here, or have a pair of handmade
shoes made. There are many fascinating places such as the ‘
Guildhall with its Olde’ Gaol.
