Handy things to know about moving to Dartmouth
We’ve now been living in Devon for five years. I can hardly believe it. It doesn’t feel five minutes ago since we decided we were moving to Dartmouth in the beautiful South Hams. But the amount our kids have grown quickly reminds me that it has been a while!
If you are thinking of relocating to Devon then I hope this post will help answer some of the questions you may have based on our own experience. If there’s something you’d like to know that I haven’t mentioned then drop me a line.
You can also find plenty of Devon family life on my @tinboxtraveller Instagram account and by searching #TinBoxDevon.
I orignally wrote this post back in 2015 before we made the move West from Hampshire. I wanted to share the news and what was in store. Half a decade on I feel I’m in the position to take the story one step further and share our experience of living in Dartmouth, England.
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Our decision to move to Dartmouth
Over the summer of 2015, Mr Tin Box was assigned a new job. In case you don’t know, Mr TB is in the Royal Navy, which means his job changes roughly every two years. Up until then we had lived in Hampshire.
When Mr TB had to work elsewhere I stayed put and he came home when he could. This included serving in abroad at military bases and onboard ships.
In the four years before we had the chance to move to Dartmouth his job was in Portsmouth – just down the road from where we lived. Funnily enough that’s when we started a family.
So when we were told his next job would be 160 miles away in Devon we had some serious thinking to do. Waving off your husband for weeks at a time is one thing but when there’s two small children involved you have to weigh up your priorities.
We have family in Hampshire, I had a job and so many of our friends lived locally.
But, let’s be honest; the kids seeing their daddy every day trumps it all.
It was a no brainier really.
We also had previous experience of Dartmouth over the previous 10 years. Mr TB started his military training at Britannia Royal Naval College and even proposed to me there – the smoothie. We’d also had lots of holidays in Devon.
Half a decade on we feel right at home. So where shall I start? Here’s some of the things you need to know about moving to Dartmouth.
The pros and cons of moving to Dartmouth
Let’s start with a few quick-fire pros and cons:
The pros
First, all the amazing things about living in Dartmouth:
- It’s beautiful, and I mean stunning!
- One of England’s best beaches, Blackpool Sands, is just down the road as well as plenty of other amazing South Devon beaches closely as well as the River Dart
- It’s a brilliant place to learn a water sport – we’ve become avid paddle boarders since moving to Devon
- There’s some fantastic, independent shops and restaurants in town
- There are some lovely places to visit in the area including family attractions in Dartmouth and close by.
The cons
Of course, everywhere has its downsides, although some people might see these as pros):
- Dartmouth is a holiday hot spot – get used to sharing it with a transient community
- Parking in town for doctors, dentist and other appointments can be a challenge because of the lack of spaces in the summer
- It can be difficult to find things to do with kids in the winter months (see below)
- If you live at the top of Dartmouth its a long steep walk up and down College Way or through the winding streets of old Townstal
- If you are a chain store shop-a-holic or love a takeaway delivery you’ll struggle to find these in Dartmouth. And as for Uber, you might have to wait a while
- It takes a long time to get to places like Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay using public transport and at least an hour by car.
- There are some narrow, winding roads on the way to Dartmouth. Get used to reversing!
Where to live in Dartmouth
Our first home in Dartmouth was a military married quarters on the edge of the Townstal estate above the town. After two years we had decided to stay and buy own own home.
But where? Here’s some of the options:
Dartmouth town
Dartmouth town is where you’ll find picturesque waterfront properties, townhouses overlooking the River Dart and terraced houses and flats set back from the market.
The location makes this one of the most expensive places to buy in Dartmouth. Lots of properties are holiday rentals and second homes.
Parking comes at a premium but you are close to the town’s shops and bus links to Totnes, Kingsbridge. You’ll also find the Dartmouth Higher and Lower ferries and the passenger ferry that connects Dartmouth with Kingswear.
You’ll have lots of opportunities to buy local with independent bakers, butchers, and veg shops. There’s also a couple of convenience shops and an M&S Food.
Dartmouth has a small theatre, The Flavel, which incorporates a cinema, art gallery, cafe and Dartmouth Library.
Townstal
Townstal stretches up behind the town and is a mix of older properties and more modern a housing estate that looks quite different to the pictures of Dartmouth you will see in the holiday brochures.
There’s a mix of houses, bungalows and flats.
Townstal is closest to Dartmouth Academy, which has a term-time pre-school, primary and secondary school. There’s also an independent nursery onsite that is open all year round and an outdoor swimming pool that’s open during the summer.
At the top of Townstal is where you’ll also find the town’s two supermarkets, Lidl and Sainsburys, as well as Dartmouth Leisure Centre, which has an indoor swimming pool.
Dartmouth’s new housing
A new housing estate is being built at Little Cotton Farm beyond Townstal. The developers, Baker Estates, are building 450 three, four and five bed-room houses here.
Villages around Dartmouth
There are a number of small villages in the countryside close to Dartmouth: Blackawton, Stoke Fleming, Strete and Dittisham. Each has its own village shop and pubs.
Stoke Fleming and Blackawton have primary schools. They feed into Dartmouth Academy, which can be reached by private car or public transport. Kingsbridge Community College and Churston Grammar School are also options for secondary school and college-aged children. However these take a while to reach using public transport.
Things to do in Dartmouth with kids
There is plenty to do in Dartmouth but don’t expect all of it to be open all year round. Thankfully there are things to do in winter a bit further afield.
Some of our favourite things to do in Dartmouth are to walk Little Dartmouth, visit the beaches and Woodlands Theme Park. I can recommend getting membership if you have kids. They usually offer a locals discount around February half term.
There are a small number of toddler groups in Dartmouth. My girls enjoyed the one at Flavel Church on Fridays.
What would you like to know?
I could ramble on forever about the delights of Dartmouth and what it’s like living here. But what would you like to know? Get in touch!
You might also like to check out my other blog, Devon with Kids, for plenty of inspiration for visits and things to do in the county.
Are you considering moving to Dartmouth? Or do you already live in Devon. Do share what you love about it!
Hi .We are thinking of moving to Dartmouth next year .We have left it abit late we in our middle 70s.We have been to Dartmouth on holiday over the last 10years but have never had the courage to move .We live in Coventry where family are also Derbyshire but all grown up .We have friends in the Dartmouth area.What is it like in Dartmouth for the elderly, we are mobile and love walking .Hospital ,drs dentist s worry us can you help
Hi Ann, I can recommend asking these questions in a local Facebook group as we have lived away from Dartmouth for the past few years, so I can’t give you up-to-date answers. I do know that the doctors surgery is now based on Wessex Way rather than the town centre which makes parking easier. You’ll find other minor treatment centres and A&E facilities listed on the NHS website. I believe NHS dental treatment is almost impossible to get anywhere in the UK and Dartmouth is no different sadly.
Hi Claire
We are also planning to move near to the river Dart. Could you tell me if Waterpool Road is a busy little ‘cut through’ for traffic going to the school, swimming pool etc..? I lived in Dartmouth for a few years but I’m not familiar with this road..
Many thanks
Suzi
Hi Suzi, It’s a very steep and narrow road in places so is not a shortcut by any means. More people use College Way in and out of town. It may get busier during the summer season and around events, but that applies to the whole of Dartmouth. I hope that helps. Claire
Hey there!
I’m also planning on moving to Dartmouth, as my job gives me freedom to work from anywhere. However, I worry I’ll feel lonely-what is the best way for me to meet friends to brunch with or coffee etc?
Hi Hannah, I can recommend joining a few of the local Facebook groups to find out what’s going on. This is a good one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dartmouthnewssupportsharinguk/
Joining the Yacht Club, classes at the leisure centre and volunteering with local charities like Dartmouth Community Chest are also god ways to meet people.
I met all our local friends through our children’s school, so that is another good way to expand your network if you are bringing family with you.
I hope that helps.
Claire.
Thank you! Will do. Expect lots of Dartmouth and Devon blog spam very soon 🙂 x
Thank you so much Franca! X
We can't wait! X
It is a lovely part of the world. Well worth a visit if you're in the area x
Ha! It was Mr TB that suggested we come with him. He misses the girls when we're not together…even if he doesn't admit it 😉
Thank you! There is going to be so much to do 🙂 x
Very exciting Claire! I moved a lot with my job (nothing compared to Mr TB!) and its nice to finally feel completely settled after years of upheaval. I really hope it is as amazing as you hope it to be! And great that you can continue working for a company you so obviously love too-yay to them! Good luck 🙂 I am sure you will keep us informed! 🙂 #KCACOLS xx
What a fantastic news Claire!!! It is so exciting!!!! And being in Devon is even better!! I have heard great things about that area. It is always nice being near the sea! Now you will all be able to spend time together which is really important. How luck about your job. I think this move was meant to be!! I wish you all the luck with the movement, I hope it goes as smooth as it can be!! Thanks for sharing this great news at #KCACOLS. As I you already know I love having you here!! Also thanks for the commenting this week! 🙂 xxx
Oh exciting news and new adventures laying ahead of you. Thank you ever so much for linking up to Share With Me. I hope to see you again tomorrow for another great round! #sharewithme
Oh wow I wish you all the best with your exciting move. I totally agree it is way more important to get to spend time with their daddy. How lovely that it also holds some special memories already! It really looks lovely there . Xx #KCACOLS
Exciting times! it's so fun to be able to move around and see and experience new places and I completely agree about them needing to see their daddy, my husband wouldn't be able to cope :p Thanks for sharing and good luck with your move #KCACOLS
Weeeee!! THAT IS exciting!! What an awesome location to be moving to!!!! Aah — I LOVED relocating! When we moved up here it was SO exciting — new things to explore, people to meet, places to go! You're going to have SUCH a fab adventure!! 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up to #TwinklyTuesday xx
Thank you so much x
It's good to know it's possible for it to all come off well. I think the kids handle moves much better than adults. They are so adaptable. If only we could bottle their ability to settle and make new friends 🙂 x
Yes! You are my new neighbour. I'll be round for sugar 🙂
Thank you!
Thank you! Yes, exploring a new area is one of the things I'm looking forward to most x
I don't think it matters how far you move, you still need to sort out the same mountain of paperwork. Good luck with your move too!
Thanks Sophie. I feel like I've got a really great two-way relationship with work. I'm very lucky 🙂
SO exciting! 🙂 Wow what big decision but sounds perfect. We moved 160 miles 3 months ago from N Wales to Worcester due to work and whilst it was a little scary I love it here. Best move ever! Still trying to fond some new mates ( ha ha ) but the twins have settled so well. Good luck hun!! xx
How exciting, I hope all goes well with tor move during Christmas and New Years 🙂 X #twinklytuesdays
Dartmouth is a wondderful town to be basedin, it is so pretty and a lovely harbout front. You are going to love it there and only a hop skip and a jump from me! (OK and hour and a half) #TwinklyTuesday
wow you have been busy, good luck with the move #twinklytuesday
Ooh so exciting, I love moving and although it is quite a distance you will have so much fun exploring. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly x
How exciting!!You must be so well respected for them to be so accommodating! !Well done you!
Exciting – a big move! I'm just in the middle of moving house plans… but while we'll probably be within the same mile or so even I'm fretting about any changes. Good luck 🙂