Set within the beautiful county of Devon and lying along the river Dart is the idyllic village of Dittisham.
Home to a shop, pub, café, and church, a stay in Dittisham is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all. Whilst still being within easy reach of South Devon’s most popular attractions.
Continue reading to discover all you need to know about Dittisham…
A Guide to Dittisham
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Where is Dittisham?
Known to the locals as ‘Ditsum’, this lovely village can be found in the South Hams area of Devon. The village consists of winding lanes lined with picture-perfect cottages and pretty gardens, leading to the water’s edge.
There is a village church, a shop, pub, and cafe. A pontoon stretches out into the river, lined with colourful boats that bob with the tide.
The town of Dartmouth is just a short drive, or ferry ride along the river from Dittisham. Further inland is the quirky market town of Totnes. Both of which offer a number of shops and places to eat, as well as interesting local history.
Things to do in Dittisham
1. Go crabbing on the pontoon
Pack up the buckets and crab lines and find a spot on Dittisham’s pontoon. The section of the River Dart is a great location for catching lots of little crabs.
Our top crabbing tips:
- Remember, not to use crab lines with hooks on the end.
- Avoid overfilling the bucket, instead put some stones and seaweed in the base to create a more natural environment, to avoid the crabs getting too stressed.
- Use bacon to bait the line (crabs LOVE bacon).
2. Explore Greenway
Take the ferry over to the beautiful Greenway Estate. So worth a visit it made our list of the top National Trust properties to visit in Devon guide!
Currently owned by the National Trust, the house and gardens have had several illustrious owners and guests, including Agatha Christie and Sir Walter Raleigh.
Take a seat in one of the deck chairs on the lawn, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, or follow the path through the gardens to Raleigh’s Boathouse and enjoy the views of the Dart.
For opening hours and more information, check the National Trust website.
3. Hire a boat, kayak or SUP
Dittisham Boats is situated on the pontoon by the Ferry Boat Inn. They offer a variety of self-drive motorboats to rent. Perfect for exploring the Dart!
They also offer single and double kayaks, as well as stand up paddleboards. A great way to spend an afternoon in Devon.
For prices, take a look at the Dittisham Boats website.
4. Take the ferry to Dartmouth
The historic town of Dartmouth lies half an hour’s ferry ride from Dittisham and offers plenty to do and see. Enjoy the views from the water, then take some time to explore Dartmouth.
Wander through the narrow streets, browsing independent boutiques and art galleries. Or check out the popular historic sites of Bayard’s Fort Cove and Dartmouth Museum.
Walk past the historic Warfleet Creek on your way to Dartmouth Castle, an artillery fort built in the 1380s. If you fancy exploring further, why not catch a boat over to Kingswear. Where you can hop aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway or tour the grounds of the charming National Trust site of Coleton Fishacre.
5. Visit Sharpham’s Vineyard
Part of the historic Sharpham Estate, Sharpham Vineyard lies 6 miles further inland from Dittisham, on the banks of the River Dart.
It is a working farm and vineyard that produces wine and their own delicious cheese. Tour the vineyard to learn all about the growing process and book a wine or cheese tasting session.
At Sharpham they also have a fantastic cafe with great views across the vines and of the river.
To book a tour or tasting, take a look at the Sharpham Vineyard website.
6. Enjoy a walk along the Dart Valley Trail
What better way to see the sites in and around Dittisham than with a stroll along the Dart Valley Trail? Stretching for 16 miles, the route welcomes walkers to wander along the river banks from Dartmouth to Totnes.
If you get peckish along the way, you’ll find a wonderful selection of pubs, waterside restaurants, and cafes to choose from. Ideal for refuelling or making a pit stop!
7. Explore Totnes
Totnes is often regarded as one of the most eccentric towns in Britain.
The main high street runs from the banks of the River Dart up to the ruined castle at the top of the hill. Along this street, you will find plenty of independent boutiques, galleries, and cafes. As well as shops selling quirky vintage, antiques, records, ethical products and new-age goods.
Wander along the picturesque riverside, explore the motte and bailey Totnes castle, visit the famous Brutus Stone, or meet sweet animals at the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.
Places to eat in Dittisham
The Ferry Boat Inn
Locally referred to as the FBI, the Ferry Boat Inn is easily distinguishable by its bright pink colour.
Be welcomed into its eclectic interior, where you can enjoy classic pub grub, real ales, and one of the best pub views in the South West.
Will you try one of the Ferry Boat Inn’s tasty pizzas with bases imported from Italy? One of which is named after beloved crime writer Agatha Christie! Or perhaps the chicken wings, seasoned with the FBI’s very own spice mix?
Be sure to stop by on a Thursday evening where you can take part in the beloved Ferry Boat Inn quiz.
The Anchorstone Cafe
Thanks to its incredible location, panoramic views and delicious menu, it’s no wonder that the Anchorstone Cafe is one of the most popular places to eat in the area!
Make a pit stop during your adventures or before you set off to enjoy fresh and delicious seafood. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the likes of locally caught spider crab, hand-dived scallops, and lobster salads available on the menu.
We definitely recommend booking, especially in peak seasons.
Places to stay in Dittisham, Devon
To help narrow down your holiday search, we have compiled a list of our top 4 cottages in Dittisham:
- Bedrooms: 4
- Sleeps: 8
- Bathrooms: 3
- Pets: No
- Bedrooms: 2
- Sleeps: 4
- Bathrooms: 1
- Pets: No
- Bedrooms: 3
- Sleeps: 5
- Bathrooms: 2
- Pets: Yes
Cottage Breaks in South Devon
At Helpful Holidays we have a fantastic range of holiday cottages in South Devon. Situated close to great attractions, beautiful beaches and the South West Coast Path.
Find your perfect holiday cottage for a getaway in South Devon or opt to stay in the idyllic Dittisham.
Feeling inspired to book a getaway to Devon? For things to do during your stay, check out our blog on 8 South West Coast Path walks in Devon and Devon’s best 10 wild swimming places.
If you’re travelling with your pooch, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best dog-friendly pubs in Devon with nearby walks.
So what are you waiting for? Begin your Dittisham adventure with Helpful Holidays today!
Images Courtesy of: David Hawgood, Derek Voller (CC BY-SA 2.0);
