A Little History...
Dartmouth is a small town of about 5,000 people in the southwest of England on the coast of Devon at the mouth of the River Dart.
The town has a long, occasionally prominent history as a maritime centre and fishing port with an especially important role in the early wine trade between England and Bordeaux. The town's history dates back to the early 11th century when small fishing villages were established on the Dart. Dartmouth reached the height of its economic power and importance during the 13th & 14th centuries, rivalling the Cinque ports. The town was on the side of Parliament during the Civil War period and a fortification from that period survives today.
The town's architecture today reflects it various periods of growth with buildings from early in its history as well as several early and important churches. American visitors may take interest in the 1620 departure point of the Mayflower and the Speedwell in Bayard's Cove from which they had hoped to reach America.
The Victorians chose Dartmouth as a favourite seaside town with much growth taking place during the 19th century as a result. The Britannia Royal Naval College dates from that period and remains a feature of Dartmouth's landscape to this day.
Things to Do...
If you're going to be staying in Dartmouth for a few days around the wedding, there are quite a few things we would recommend. We've noted a few of these below and in addition to this it may also be worth checking the discoverdartmouth.com site for more ideas.
Coleton Fishacre is a beautiful house and garden with some very rare and exotic plants, and is a short drive from Dartmouth.
Greenway is the holiday home of the famous Agatha Christie and can be visited by ferry from Dartmouth.
Sharpham is our local vineyard and produces some of the best English wine available.
Dittisham - The Anchorstone Café and The Ferry Boat Inn - A lovely ferry ride up the river dart can be complemented by a little drinky or a spot of lunch, just across the river from Greenway (worth combining a trip if you're so inclined).
Britannia Royal Naval College offers tours around this glorious building and grounds, although best to check as tours do not take place every week.
Dartmouth Castle is a lovely little castle just a short walk out to the coast (from Dartmouth) and has wonderful views of the river and the bay.