Autumn
& Winter
2022
Newsletter
The Latest News from Visit Dartmouth
Autumn & Winter 2022 Newsletter
The Latest News from Visit Dartmouth
Welcome
Welcome to our Autumn and Winter Edition of Visit Dartmouth News.
The Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
We would like to say our own heartfelt special thank you to our late Queen Elizabeth II for everything she did for our nation as the longest-reigning monarch in history. Her dedication to duty, kindness, and example remain an inspiration to us all. Dartmouth was very close to her heart, as it was here at Britannia Royal Naval College, in 1939, that she first met her husband-to-be, HRH Prince Phillip.
We welcome our new King, His Majesty King Charles III, and Dartmouth’s Town Crier Les Ellis performed a Proclamation of this momentous event in Royal Avenue Gardens on 12th September.
A Hot Summer!
Indeed it was, with the Met Office recording average temperatures of 39.1 degrees and the very first Red Extreme Heat Warning was issued. Dartmouth’s local beaches enjoyed some record numbers.
The Visitor Centre
Our Visitor Centre is one of the town’s best assets. Run by a manager and a team of volunteers; it has served over 60,000 visitors so far this year, answering a wide range of enquiries from local directions, and train times, to suggestions for wedding venues.
Together with our marketing team, we have loved supporting all the Festivals throughout the year, selling programmes and boosting awareness.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us with, donations, grants and advertising as we are not fully funded, we rely upon this additional support to ensure we can continue our vital services to the town.
Our yearly tradition of stocking Charity Christmas cards and locally sourced gifts has started again where we stock an amazing variety of gift ideas.
Congratulations to Calancombe Estate!
The hot summer weather was particularly liked by our local vineyards. At Calancombe Estate, one of the South West’s most extensive vineyards. Owners Caroline and Lance Whitehead said: “It’s been a fantastic year for high-quality grapes and we’re looking forward to making some stunning and hopefully award-winning wines”.
This year, Calancombe has also won three Gold Awards in Food & Drink Devon and two Silvers in the Wine GB Awards. Many congratulations to Caroline, Lance, and the Calancombe team. Look out for the amazing events happening too at Calancombe.
Welcoming Dart Valley Cottages
We would like to extend a huge welcome to Dart Valley Cottages and their team, who join us with a wonderful portfolio of accommodation in Dartmouth, Dittisham, Cornworthy, Tuckenhay, East Prawle, and Totnes. They may be viewed on our Where to Stay directory.
2 De Courcey House
Dartmouth - Sleeps 4 - Self Catering
Subject to Availability
Port Side
Kingswear - Sleeps 5 - Self Catering
Subject to Availability
Alpha Cottage
Dittisham - Sleeps 4 - Self Catering
Subject to Availability
Gulls Rest
Dartmouth - Sleeps 5 - Self Catering
Subject to Availability
Curlew Cottage
Dittisham - Sleeps 4 - Self Catering
Subject to Availability
Duck Cottage
Tuckenhay - Sleeps 4 - Self Catering
Subject to Availability
Blackness Barn
Dittisham - Sleeps 8 - Self Catering
Subject to Availability
What’s On at the Flavel
Now Available on our Website & Explore Guide
We are delighted to be supporting our local Flavel Arts Centre with a Brand New ‘Live Display’ of the entire What’s On Calendar for films, live performances, exhibitions, screened shows, events, and more!
You can now view What’s On at the Flavel on our website and in our Visit Dartmouth Explore Guide, specially created for smartphones, allowing you to review all the great things to do in and around the local area!
Christmas in Dartmouth
Christmas in Dartmouth is a magical time of year, with the Christmas tree at the entrance to Royal Avenue Gardens and the whole town dressed with decorative lights, with many restaurants serving traditional seasonal fare.
Watch out for the Train of Lights as is travels along the iconic track from Paignton to Kingswear, such an amazing sight which delights all, especially those taking a trip on this extremely popular steam train service.
All Upcoming Events
As we near the end of the year, find many fabulous upcoming events over the festive period and into the new year!
Calancombe Estate
Beaujolais Nouveau
Thursday 17th November
About This Event
With the New Release of this year’s Beaujolais, we shall be offering a special French themed evening full of food and wine with even a possible taste of our very own newly fermented first release wine too!
Visit Event Website
Dartmouth
Train of Lights
25TH November – 30th December
About This Event
As tickets continue to sell well, we are raring to go for Christmas 2022 when we plan to be even bigger and better! Don’t forget, the show can only be viewed from the train as you travel the line from Paignton to Kingswear (and we have a surprise or two up our sleeves for 2022!).
Visit Event Website
Calancombe Estate
Italian Night
Thursday 8th December
About This Event
Immerse yourself in an Italian adventure filled with Italian cuisine and wine ahead of the festive season.
Visit Event Website
Dartmouth
Christmas Farmers Market
Saturday 10th December
About This Event
Don’t you just love browsing food markets? All that lovely fresh, local produce, sampling your way around the stalls and returning home with a bag brimming with goodies. Well here’s an opportunity to do just that in the gorgeous river side town of Dartmouth, and help support local businesses.
Each 2nd Saturday of the month we will be hosting a Farmers Market : a food and produce market with a selected number of hand picked local artisans. The market will take place in the Old Market Square, Dartmouth and will be open from 9.00-2.00pm.
A special Christmas Market to be a magical and festive day out!
Visit Event Website
Babbacombe Model Village
Christmas Illuminations
Saturday 10th December – Monday 2nd January
About This Event
Come join us for our evening illuminations with lots of Christmas sparkle and festive lighting. Enjoy some delightful miniature seasonal scenes as our little folk celebrate Christmas. A Christmas character spotter sheet will add some extra fun during daylight – will you be able to find miniature Santa?
Visit Event Website
Calancombe Estate
Carols & Canapes
Thursday 22nd December
About This Event
Come join us and jump into the festive mood with us all at Calancombe Estate. Sing, Eat, Drink and be Merry!
Visit Event Website
Calancombe Estate
Burns Night
Thursday 26th January
About This Event
Burns Night – Looking for somewhere to enjoy a traditional Burns night – music, traditional fare, poetic readings and a wee dram too!
Visit Event Website
Calancombe Estate
Valentines by the Vines
Thursday 16th February
About This Event
What could be more romantic than an evening on a vineyard estate. Come and enjoy a special occasion menu for you and your partner.
Visit Event Website
GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS available from the Visitor Centre!
Memories of Dartmouth – 2022 Edition
A Great Souvenir Gift of Dartmouth
This stunning video souvenir (available on DVD & Blu-Ray) features 10 chapters of all that’s best about Dartmouth, including:
The River Dart ~ World of Steam ~ Dartmouth Museum ~ Britannia Royal Naval College ~ Historic Churches ~ Dartmouth Castle ~ The Festivals ~ Scenic Dartmouth ~ Exploring the Local Area
Available from the visitor centre
Available from the Visitor Centre
Cards for Good Causes Charity Cards
Available from the Visitor Centre
Dartmouth Coasters by Grace Ellis
Available from the Visitor Centre
The Dartmouth Colouring Book for Kids
Available from the Visitor Centre
The Visit Dartmouth 2023 Photo Calendar
Available from the Visitor Centre
Britannia Royal Naval College Snow Globe
Available from the Visitor Centre
Dartmouth Magnet by Grace Ellis
Available from the Visitor Centre
The Dartmouth Candle Co. Candles
Available from the Visitor Centre
Albert Mouse Stories by James Hywel
Available from the Visitor Centre
Britannia Royal Naval College Bauble
Contact Us
If you have any questions or require any further information, please get in touch! We look forward to welcoming all visitors during the festive period.