Attractions and Places To See around Dartington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Dartington include a diverse range of historical sites, natural landscapes, and coastal features. This region in Devon offers a mix of cultural heritage, such as ancient abbeys and famous literary homes, alongside scenic beaches and natural monuments. Visitors can explore both man-made structures and picturesque natural settings. The area provides numerous opportunities for discovery, with many hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Best attractions and places to see around Dartington
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Paignton Pier
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Goodrington Sands North Beach
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Lydia Bridge Waterfall
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Greenway House (Agatha Christie's Holiday Home)
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Buckfast Abbey
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Tips from the Community
From here, you have beautiful views of the River Dart and the surrounding countryside. The park is a wonderful place to stroll and admire the beautiful plants and trees. It's a lovely place to relax.
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The Paignton Esplanade is a great place to stay. Classed as on-street car parking, you are able to stay over in a campervan (car parking charges apply); its a great way to enjoy the Esplanade and the Pier at day and night time.
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Very nice church and chapel. Very worthwhile. Free entrance
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Greenway has been a crossing point of the Dart for hundreds of years. There was a 16th century Tudor Mansion here called Greenway Court. In 1700 the then owners moved to nearby Crompton Castle and sold Greenway. It passed through several generations until it was re-built in the current Georgian style in the late 1700's. In the early 1800's the Elton family developed the garden and added two wings to the house and paid for a new road and ferry to Dittisham. Over the next few years, the house and estate were further expanded and improved. Then in 1938 some of the estate was sold off and the house with 36 acres of garden and surrounding land was bought by Agatha Christie. They lived there until their deaths in 1976 and 1978. Their daughter lived there until 2004 but the National Trust acquired the house and collections in 2000. Today you can visit the house and gardens much as they were in Agatha Christies time. It's a beautiful place with a long stretch of river frontage. National Trust members are free but non-NT members must pay to visit the house and gardens.
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Road bridge over River Avon. C17 or C18 packhorse bridge with hump back and widened on upstream side. Stone rubble. single round arch. Large stone slabs forming string with parapets above with large granite coping stones. In 1669 Lydia Bridge was in decay and the existing bridge appears to be either the restored earlier bridge or an entire rebuilding of late C17 or C18 https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101307206-lydia-bridge-south-brent#.Y_SY0SaZO3A
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The Romanesque Revival style church is constructed of gray limestone and yellow Ham Hill stone. The interior is of white Bath stone and the vault rises 15m above the nave. The main altar is decorated with gold, enamel jewelry and the sacrament chapel (1966) has beautiful stained glass windows.
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Since Karl Kehrle (aka Brother Adam) has modernized beekeeping here (with the Buckfast bee) and keeping it over the decades and thus revolutionized it in many areas, it has become a kind of place of pilgrimage for beekeepers.
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A classic English holiday destination, Paignton's pier is brimming with activities for the whole family. It was opened to the public in 1879 and saw theatrical performances and other entertainment. Today, it's as popular as ever, with arcades, fairground rides, food outlets and bumper cars.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What family-friendly attractions are available around Dartington?
The area offers several family-friendly options. Paignton Pier is a classic English holiday destination with arcades, fairground rides, and food outlets. Goodrington Sands North Beach is a safe, sandy beach with facilities like beach huts, pedalo hire, and a park with a boating lake and crazy golf. Greenway House, Agatha Christie's former holiday home, offers a glimpse into her life and features beautiful gardens, including an allotment cared for by local schoolchildren.
Where can I find historical sites near Dartington?
Dartington is rich in history. You can visit Greenway House, the Georgian-style home of Agatha Christie, which has a history dating back to a 16th-century Tudor Mansion. Buckfast Abbey is a working Benedictine monastery with roots from 1018, featuring impressive buildings and lovely grounds. Additionally, Lydia Bridge Waterfall includes a Grade II listed stone packhorse bridge from the 17th or 18th century.
Are there any natural beauty spots or waterfalls to visit?
Yes, Lydia Bridge Waterfall is a picturesque spot with a Grade II listed stone packhorse bridge and an adjacent waterfall running over mossy boulders. It offers great views of the River Avon and is suitable for walks or picnics. The area also boasts scenic coastal views from places like Goodrington Sands North Beach.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Dartington?
The Dartington area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find easy hiking trails, such as those around Dartington Hall and Gardens, or routes like the Totnes Town Centre loop from Dartington. For more adventurous cycling, there are gravel biking routes, including a moderate loop from Abbotskerswell, and various mountain biking trails. You can explore more options on the Easy hikes around Dartington, Gravel biking around Dartington, and MTB Trails around Dartington guide pages.
Are there easy walking trails suitable for beginners around Dartington?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For instance, you can enjoy a 4.1 km easy loop from Littlehempston starting at The Green Table, or a 6.9 km easy loop from Dartington that takes you from Totnes Town Centre to a view of the River Dart. Another option is a 7.1 km easy loop around Dartington Hall and Gardens. Find more details on the Easy hikes around Dartington guide page.
Where can I go for wild swimming near Dartington?
Goodrington Sands North Beach is a designated swim spot, offering a safe, gently sloping sandy beach in the heart of the English Riviera. While Lydia Bridge Waterfall is picturesque, local tips mention teenagers jumping in the water when warm, but it's primarily a scenic spot rather than a formal swimming area.
What facilities are available at the attractions?
Paignton Pier offers arcades, fairground rides, and various food outlets. Goodrington Sands North Beach provides beach huts, deck chairs, sunloungers, pedalo hire, and has a family-friendly eatery pub nearby. Buckfast Abbey has a shop and is a self-sufficient working monastery.
Is there parking available at the main attractions?
Parking information varies by attraction. Paignton Pier is near the Paignton Esplanade, where on-street car parking is available (charges apply). For Greenway House, there is a parking charge of £3 per session for non-National Trust members.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Dartington?
Visitors appreciate the diverse appeal of the region. They enjoy the classic seaside fun at Paignton Pier and the safe, family-friendly environment of Goodrington Sands North Beach. The picturesque setting of Lydia Bridge Waterfall is often highlighted for its quaint beauty and views. The historical significance and beautiful grounds of Greenway House and Buckfast Abbey are also highly valued.
Can I combine a visit to an attraction with a scenic train ride?
Yes, Goodrington Sands North Beach is famous for the steam railway that runs adjacent to the sea. You can board the train at Goodrington Station for a picturesque journey along the South Devonshire coastline to Kingswear, where you can then cross the River Dart by ferry to Dartmouth.
Are there any unique or hidden gems to discover?
While not explicitly 'hidden,' Lydia Bridge Waterfall is a charming, less-commercialized spot that offers a tranquil experience with its historic bridge and natural waterfall. Buckfast Abbey, a self-sufficient Benedictine monastery, also offers a unique insight into monastic life and history, including being the home of Buckfast Tonic Wine.
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