Dittisham on the River Dart

On the River Dart, Dittisham offers options for different kinds of trips: riverside scenery, paths through the village, history and activities on the water. When choosing a destination, it can help to distinguish short village walks from longer hiking routes and a visit timed to a specific event. This can help you decide whether the quay, a walk through the countryside or the area’s historic heritage is your main focus.

Riverside, water taxi and Greenway

The Ham is a tree-lined green space by the river, with views of the Dart. There are 18 visitor buoys off Dittisham. As availability can change, it is best to check before making specific plans.

The Greenway water taxi runs from Dittisham daily on demand, after the ferry bell has been rung. Operating arrangements may change seasonally, so check the current details in advance. The crossing between Dittisham and Greenway has been used for over a thousand years—a long history of travel between the two places.

Walking through Dittisham and along the Dart

The Dart Valley Trail is one way to get started on longer walks. The eight-mile route begins at Dittisham Ham car park. The section of the trail from Dittisham to Totnes is a linear walk upriver along the Dart. Check the route details before setting out; surface conditions may change.

You can also use signposted public footpaths, minor roads and green lanes to explore the local countryside. Short walks within the village follow roads to the quieter parts of Old Dittisham, as well as to the quay and riverside. For planning your day, the options differ mainly in their scope: the trail has a specified length and starting point, while the short village walks lead to places within the village.

Another route leads to Fire Beacon. From there, panoramic views take in Torbay, the English Channel, Dartmoor and the lower reaches of the River Dart. There are also opportunities for kayaking on the River Dart at Dittisham. Conditions and providers may vary.

Church, beacon and regatta

The Church of St George in Dittisham is a Grade I listed building, the highest level of protection. Another chapter in the village’s history leads to Fire Beacon Hill at Bozomzeal, near Dittisham. In 1588, the hill was part of a chain of beacons intended to warn of the approaching Spanish Armada. The local themes thus bring together a protected church building and a specific episode in the history of signal beacons.

The Dittisham Regatta takes place at the quay in August: an all-day, family-oriented event. Dates and programme vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around the regatta, check the event dates for the relevant year.

Plum variety and seasonal dining

The plum variety known in Dittisham as “Plowman” is thought to be unique to the village and resembles the “Victoria” variety. This local speciality is distinct from a specific place to visit: the Anchorstone Café is on the banks of the River Dart in the village of Dittisham and is open seasonally. It specialises in seafood lunches, including crab, lobster and mussels. The seasonal offering may change; check the latest opening information and menu before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Seaton, Rackenford, Staverton, North Bovey, Princetown, Starcross, South Pool, Abbotskerswell

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