What to do with 48 hours in Dartmouth, Devon

Last weekend I had a flying visit to Dartmouth with my daughter.  We left after lunch on Friday in the hope of avoiding the worst of the traffic but that wasn't to be and it took us 6 hours to get there!  Not good at all, I had wanted to get the train but as it was a fairly late decision to go, the tickets were too expensive (top tip - book 12 weeks in advance).

We stayed at Just B who provide the bed without the breakfast!  Good name!  The room was so central that we were literally just off the main shopping street and two minutes from the harbour and River Dart.  We were lucky to get a last minute reservation with it being summer and such fabulous weather, the room was quite small but we literally needed a bed and shower room so it didn't really matter.

Friday evening we had a very enjoyable dinner at Bayards Cove Inn and this is another good place to stay - they didn't have any rooms for our dates but my husband and his sister stayed there a few weeks ago and really liked it.

We started with breakfast on Saturday morning at Cafe Alf Resco because we could sit outside and watch the world go by!  And they are dog friendly and provide a little portion of sausage for their furry customers!

With it only be a flying visit we then decided to visit our favourite place nearby, Coleton Fishacre, a beautiful National Trust house and stunning gardens on the Kingswear side going towards Brixham.  We have been before when the children were younger and loved it so much, it was a treat to go back.  The gardens are full of colour and flowers, lots of interesting paths and secret corners to explore, and they lead down to the sea and the views are spectacular - a word of warning though, it is quite steep coming back up!  But it is worth it and do try and get to the second viewing point as well, you will be rewarded with the best view of the Devon coastline.

It is fairly easy to get to from Dartmouth, you can take the lower ferry over and drive but it will get busier in the summer holidays (expect queues for the ferry), you can get a bus but then it is a 30 minute walk down the lane to get to the house (not so good with children or in the heat) or we decided to get a taxi to take us door to door.  Parking spaces are a premium in Dartmouth during the high season and we didn't want to risk losing ours!

Dartmouth from the lower ferry

Dartmouth river front

​Seriously how wonderful is this weather!  I wore shorts or a dress all weekend and din't need a jumper at all.  These are the Richmond shorts from Boden and I picked up this pair in the sale recently.  My blouse is from Hobbs last year, my bag is Accessorize and my trainers are from Vionic - take a look at my review here.

The gardens at Coleton Fishacre, a 1920's art deco house originally owned by the D'Oyly Carte family

One of the gorgeous views of the Devon coastline from Coleton Fishacre

Posing! Me?! Coleton Fishacre

We then headed back into Dartmouth for a wander around the shops, there are many of the big chains like Jack Wills, Joules, White Stuff etc but also lots of individual shops which are worth a wander around, I loved Escape to the Coast and enjoyed chatting to the owner who had relocated from near us to Dartmouth and was loving it.

Dinner Saturday night was at Bushell's Upper Deck - my only requirement was that we eat somewhere with a view and wow what a view!  And the food and service didn't disappoint either, we asked for a window table and look what we got!

View from our table at dinner

​Sunday was extremely hot and we thought a river trip would mean a cool breeze, it didn't!  But anyway, we took the ferry to Greenway to visit Agatha Christie's house.  As time was limited due to our drive home we didn't go into the house this time, we just walked through the gardens, we then got the little ferry across to Dittisham - very quaint, you ring the bell when you want to summon the ferry and it arrives to take you on the quick trip across the river.  There is a cafe at Dittisham, The Anchorstone Cafe, which has wonderful views but best to book if you can, it was too busy and we were unable to get a table, we will save that for another visit.  They do run their own water taxi though so worth considering as an alternative to the busy ferries in Dartmouth (call to book).

Greenway, Agatha Christie's House, Dartmouth

I love the steep steps and alleyways in Dartmouth

​On Sunday I wore a previous season beach maxi dress from Accessorize, with my silver bag from Accessorize (similar here) and my men's trilby from Marks & Spencer.
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Then sadly it was time to go home, we had a late lunch at Beth's Bistro - another absolute gem to recommend!

I am in love with Dartmouth, we have been visiting for many years as we have family that live nearby but this is the first time I have actually stayed in the town which was extra special.  There are so many gorgeous walks and places to visit - a walk to Dartmouth Castle is a must!  And the views along the coastline near Dartmouth are breathtaking.

Dartmouth is ideal for families and children, romantic weekend getaways, girls weekends, as well as a longer holiday to explore the whole area.  I want to stay at the Dart Marina Hotel if I get a chance another time!

Love from 
Michelle xx

PS Quick outfit post below - this top is from Hush and is so soft, cool, flattering, and floaty, it is cotton and I love it!  I wore it with jeans (below) but also denim shorts.  It isn't the cheapest at £65 but I think it will be a wardrobe staple for years to come - Hush Finsbury top.

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I love this new top from Hush

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