Located on the river Dart on the south coast Dartmouth is picturesque town is a very unique and special place. The villages and towns in the South Hams region are amongst some of the most attractive in the country. The main road does not reach Dartmouth centre and this ensures that the distinctive character of the narrow streets and historic buildings is retained. Here an array of boutiques, specialist shops, restaurants and bistros all line up to greet you. As early as the 14th century, this was a busy trading port and today the estuary can be admired from the embankment where many visitors can take a stroll or be tempted by the many boat journeys on offer along the estuary. Now National Trust owned, the gardens, farm and woodland were opened to the public for the first time in 2002. These gardens, rumoured to be amongst the prettiest in the country, are open from March to September and offer a range of beautiful flower displays - especially in spring when the bluebells are in flower. If you want more maritime treats, don’t miss the annual Royal Regatta in the summer time with yacht races and fireworks. Alternatively join the festive celebrations at the end of the year when people take to the narrow streets and embankment in fancy dress and see in the New Year with style. Many of the half-timbered houses date from Elizabethan times - the Cherub pub in Higher Street and Agincourt House at Lower Ferry are both examples of some of the oldest buildings in Dartmouth, dating around the 14th century. One place worth a visit is the town’s museum, an old Merchant’s house which has a comprehensive collection displaying the long history of this naval town. Dartmouth Castle, the first castle in the country to be built for artillery purposes and Kingswear castle, on the opposite side of the embankment, both nestle at the mouth of the river Dart. During times of war they offered great protection to the anchored ships and the merchant community by having a heavy linked chain between them. The town was further safeguarded when Dartmouth castle owned a Palmerston Gun Battery in Victorian times which could hit a target at a distance of two miles! Dartmouth castle is accessible by a 1-mile walk from the town centre and Kingswear via the car ferry. Also worth mentioning is the world famous and historic Britannia Royal Naval College which is located high above the Town and has trained officers since 1905. Dartmouth is bound to leave a lasting impression on everyone.