Activities and Outings
Sailing, boating, fishing, diving and riding can all be arranged, and Kingswear is a perfect base for some wonderful coast walks, eastwards along the coast paths towards Brixham and Torbay, and from Dartmouth west to Slapton Sands. Wonderful hiking is to be found on Dartmoor, only a short drive away; and there is a wide variety of attractions and excursions within easy reach, such as Paignton Zoo, Quay West water park, Dartmouth Castle and various National Trust properties and gardens.
A good day out is the triangular trip by steam train along the river bank and over the hill to Paignton, a topless bus to the picturesque market town of Totnes and then back down to Dartmouth by riverboat - and a wonderful way to see the upper reaches of the Dart and hear about its history and wildlife.
For American visitors, Slapton Sands and this part of the South Hams offer
an especially poignant interest and several memorials. The area was used
by the US Army in 1944 to rehearse their assault on Omaha Beach. The people and animals
of this bit of the South Hams were all evacuated from their homes and farms
in 1943, some never to return; and the people of Dartmouth
and Kingswear welcomed thousands of American soldiers with all their vehicles
and logistics. Nearly a thousand American servicemen lost their lives in
the rehearsals alone, both on Slapton Sands and in a night attack by E-boats
in the Channel. But 485 ships sailed from Dartmouth on 3 June 1944, and
the rest is history.
Useful and Local Links
Dartmouth and Kingswear
Dartmouth is a historic port and a lively local metropolis.
It is bulging with shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs - and people. Kingswear
on the other hand is more of a village, quieter and less crowded. With the Dart Haven Marina and the Royal Dart Yacht Club, it is very much part
of the River Dart's Mecca for yachtsmen. But all the other commercial boating,
such as fishing, diving and sightseeing trips, happens over at Dartmouth.
Kingswear therefore has a different atmosphere and perhaps greater appeal for those who are happy to have the buzz, the bright lights, the sights and the retail opportunities of Dartmouth a short ferry ride away, but prefer to escape to the peace and quiet of Kingswear on a summer evening. Much of Dartmouth loses the sun in the early evening, so Kingswear is the place to be!
From Knocklayd and its lovely garden, you can enjoy the spectacular sea and river views, and watch the hustle and bustle of Dartmouth at a comfortable distance. But there is always something going on - yachts, boats, fishermen, and occasionally bigger ships or even a small cruise liner, moored off Dartmouth.
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