Kingswear

Key Information

Kingswear, UK

ABOUT

Set opposite the town of Dartmouth, on the banks of the River Dart, Kingswear is a charming characterful village that has some of the most beautiful views across the Dart. The village is the perfect place to stay for a relaxed break with the more lively town of Dartmouth just a short ferry ride away.

History

Kingswear is not mentioned in the Domesday Book but is believed that the nearby settlement Kingston dates all the way back to Anglo-Saxon times with evidence of Stone Age settlers. The Church of St Thomas of Canterbury dates back to around the 12th century and was dedicated to St Thomas following the murder of Thomas Beckett. It is Grade II listed and was rebuilt between 1845 and 1847 with everything but the 12th century tower being demolished at the time.

Things to Do

There’s a great selection of things to do in Kingswear. It is the end point for the Paignton to Dartmouth steam railway which is part of the popular Round Robin excursion. You could visit the National Trust property Coleton Fishacre, an Arts and Crafts style house or enjoy a walk to The Daymark, an 80ft landmark built in 1864 to help those at sea find their way to Dartmouth Harbour.

Across the water Dartmouth Castle is a popular attraction and Kingswear boasts its own castle too. Kingswear Castle is an artillery fort built between 1491 and 1502 and it is believed to be one of the first purpose built artillery forts constructed in Britain. Nowadays it’s not open to the public but it is used as a holiday let so you could even stay there! Or, why not hire a boat or kayak and view it from the water.

There’s a great range of accommodation on offer in Kingswear as well as a village store and a couple of pubs to enjoy a refreshing drink.

LOCATION

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