Dartmouth Castle (Dorset)

14th Century Dartmouth Castle guards the narrow entry to the Dart Estuary

Summary 15th century buildings Gift shop Information provided Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Food and Drinks Picnic area

Introduction

Dartmouth Castle has stood as the guardian of the Dart estuary for over 600 years. The castle enjoyed a perfect position to protect the warehouses and homes of Dartmouth's medieval merchants and was one of the most advanced fortresses of its day.

Explore the 14th century ruins of the 'Fortalice', fortifications built by Hawley, one of Dartmouth's most colourful merchants who is often identified as the inspiration for The Shipman in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'. Discover the history of the castle from the Tudor period and the Civil War to World War II.

From the castle battlements there are magnificent views of the Dart estuary, where ships departed Dartmouth from the time of the Crusades to D-Day and beyond.

History to the present day

One of the most picturesquely- sited fortresses in England. For over six hundred years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth.

This fascinating complex of defences was begun in 1388 by John Hawley, privateering mayor of Dartmouth and the prototype of the flamboyant 'Shipman' in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. About a century later the townsmen added the imposing and well- preserved 'gun tower', probably the very first fortification in Britain purpose-built to mount 'ship-sinking' heavy cannon. Climb to the top for breathtaking views across the estuary and see how it could be blocked in wartime by a heavy chain.

Unusually incorporating the fine church of St Petrox, the castle saw action during the Civil War, and continued in service right up until World War II. Successive up-dating included the Victorian 'Old Battery' with its remounted heavy guns, guardrooms and maze of passages to explore. Here a dramatic film-sequence recreates a Victorian gun-firing, and throughout the fortress displays retell the six centuries of castle history.
 

Food and Drinks

Nearby tea room (not EH).

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Dartmouth Castle, Dorset, , United Kingdom

Opening Times: 2011/12

1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm daily

1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm daily

1-30 Sep 10am-5pm daily

1 -31 Oct 10am-4pm daily

1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Sat-Sun 

Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan

Admission Prices: 2011/12

Adult:£4.70

Children:£2.80 (5-15 years)

Concession:£4.20 

Photographs copyright of the English Heritage Photograph Library