Kingswear

Kingswear is located on the opposite side of the river Dart to Dartmouth in the South Hams area of South Devon. Its most prominent feature is the privately owned Kingswear Castle a 15th Century artillery tower located in the village outskirts, built to defend Dartmouth harbour. The village itself is home to several attractive 19th century Villas that make use of the villages panoramic views of Dartmouth harbour and the river Dart which can be reached via Kingswear’s three ferries. Visitors may avail themselves of several pubs and inns serving fine locally sourced foods and real ales, taking in the scenic vistas of the river Dart as they eat and drink.

Kingswear is also the terminus for the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway and thus visitors may embark on a delightful journey to Paington via a steam train, which runs from Easter to October. In December a Santa Special is available that incorporates a three-legged trip: Boat to Totnes, bus to Paington and return to Kingswear on steam train. Other attractions include Coleton Fishacre - a National Trust maintained Arts and Crafts style house with a stylish art deco interior. Its beautiful gardens are situated amongst a dazzling coastal setting. It also boasts an award-winning tearoom and during the year hosts events ranging from guided walks to jazz concerts and plays.

Keen walkers are well provided for given that the South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest national trail running 630 miles from Minehead to Poole passes through Kingswear. Walkers can cross by Ferry to Dartmouth and follow the trail westwards or turn east towards Brixham and take in Forward Point, Greenway Gardens and Man Sands en-route. More modest yet just as scenic is the Dart Valley trail a 4 ½ half mile walk from Kingswear to Greenway.

The Royal Dart Yacht Club is based in Kinswear and during the yearly Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta you will find many splendid yachts and marine craft berthed at Kingswear.

During World War 2 the free French navy operated motor torpedo boats from and motor launches from Kingswear. In more recent times the French connection was resumed when Kingswear was used as a location for the film version of The French Lieutenant’s Women.

There are three ferries between Kingswear and Dartmouth. A car and foot passenger ferry embarks from the slipway and there is also a passenger ferry running from a nearby pontoon. There is also another Car and Passenger ferry: the Higher Ferry, this is reached via a road that bypasses Kingswear village.