Dartmouth
50°21.1'N 003°34.6'W · Dartmouth (Harbour) (0nm)
3–7m
Depth
Excellent
Holding
75m
Alarm radius
Busy
Crowd level
Dartmouth is one of England's finest harbour towns — a steeply terraced medieval port on the west bank of the River Dart, surrounded by rolling South Devon hills. The harbour has been used since the Crusades — the Second and Third Crusades both assembled here. Dartmouth Castle guards the river mouth (open to visitors). The Britannia Royal Naval College (training college for RN officers since 1905) dominates the hillside above the town. The River Dart is one of England's most beautiful — winding 12nm inland through ancient oak woodland to Totnes. Dartmouth town has excellent restaurants (the Seahorse is Michelin-starred), a good market and full marine services.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
River Dart — anchorage abreast Dartmouth Castle
Excellent3–7m · Alarm: 75m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the lower River Dart just above Dartmouth Castle and Bayard's Cove, on the Dartmouth (west) shore. Mud throughout — outstanding holding. Virtually complete all-round shelter in the river. Tidal range approximately 4.5m springs. Strong tidal stream on springs (2–3 kt in the narrows) — ensure anchor is well set before the tide turns. Dartmouth Harbour Authority collects dues.
River Dart — anchorage off Dittisham
Excellent2–5m · Alarm: 65m
Quieter anchorage 4nm up the river off the village of Dittisham. Mud throughout — outstanding holding. Very sheltered. Access the Anchor Stone (prominent rock at the river bend) carefully. The Dittisham plum orchard comes down to the river — a remarkable sight in season.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
75m radius for the lower river anchorage. Tidal range 4.5m springs means actual depths at HW reach 7.5–11.5m — ensure sufficient rode. The tidal stream at springs is strong (up to 3 kt) — scope must be sufficient to hold through the full range of stream reversal. The mud holding is reliable throughout.
Recommended radius: 75m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Strong tidal stream (up to 3 kt springs) — set anchor on the strongest part of the tide and check it holds through the stream reversal
- !Ferry crossings — the Dartmouth–Kingswear chain ferry operates continuously; do not anchor in the ferry lane
- !BRNC training vessels — RN vessels from the Naval College have operational priority; monitor VHF Ch 11
- !Tidal range 4.5m springs — plan scope; drying areas in the upper river are extensive at LW
- !Harbour dues are actively collected; anchor with the expectation of paying
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Anchor above the chain ferry in the quieter reach — less ferry traffic and a beautiful view up the river towards Dittisham
- ✓The Seahorse restaurant is one of the best in Devon (Michelin-starred) — book well in advance; worth an overnight stop for the meal alone
- ✓The Greenway House (Agatha Christie's holiday home) is 3nm up the river on the west bank — accessible by ferry from Dartmouth; NT property, extraordinary gardens
- ✓Dittisham (4nm up river) offers a quieter anchorage and a wonderful village pub (the Ferry Boat Inn, accessible by dinghy at HW)
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Harbour dues approx. £14–20/night (2025). Dartmouth Harbour Authority patrol boat collects. VHF Ch 11.
- Restrictions:
- Harbour Authority by-laws apply. Keep clear of the fairway and commercial/naval traffic. RN vessels from BRNC (Britannia Royal Naval College) have priority. Speed limit 6 knots. Ferries operate across the river — keep clear of their crossings. No anchoring in the Kingswear (east) side fairway.
Sleep Safely at Dartmouth
Set your anchor alarm to 75m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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