Attractions and Places To See around Blackawton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Blackawton include a variety of landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. This rural village in South Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers a tranquil setting. Visitors can explore historical sites, coastal areas, and scenic viewpoints within the village and its immediate surroundings. The region provides opportunities to discover local heritage and natural landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Blackawton
- The most popular attractions is Dartmouth Inner Harbour, a river area that is separated from the main river by a passage under the road. This sheltered spot is available to small craft and features a small slipway.
- Another must-see spot is Dartmouth Castle, a historical site. Built in 1388 to protect the harbour, it was the first coastal artillery installation in the UK and is now managed by English Heritage.
- Visitors also love Froward Point Battery and Lookout Station, a man-made monument. This site, built in 1940, housed two ex-navy 6" guns and includes a still functioning coastguard lookout station.
- Blackawton is known for historical sites, coastal viewpoints, and natural features. These include ancient churches, scenic footpaths, and coastal fortifications, offering a variety of attractions to see and explore.
- The attractions around Blackawton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 upvotes and 50 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Dartmouth Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Today the castle is managed by English Heritage, it's open for visitors every day from 10:00 - 17:00. It's paid entry unless you're an English Heritage member.
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Froward Point Battery and Lookout Station
Highlight • Monument
At the top of the hill is the still functioning coastguard lookout station.
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Goodrington Sands North Beach
Highlight • Beach
Goodrington Sands has all the normal facilities like beach huts, deck chairs, sunloungers and pedalo hire and also has beach manager supervision during the main season.
Goodrington Sands is also famous for the steam railway which runs adjacent to the sea, and can be boarded here at Goodrington Station for a journey along the picturesque South Devonshire coast line to Kingswear, where you can cross the River Dart by ferry over to Dartmouth.
Goodrington Sands also has a park with boating lake, nature reserve, go-karts and crazy golf and has a history dating back to the sixteenth century. There is also the old navel hospital from the Napoleonic war which is now a family friendly eatery pub which is part of the Brewer´s Fayre chain with plenty of outside seating taking in the breathtaking views of the bay.
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Greenway House (Agatha Christie's Holiday Home)
Highlight • Historical Site
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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Dartmouth Inner Harbour
Highlight • River
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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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Make your Bakewell Slice last at the cafe. £3.80 and its a two-chomper :-)
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Just love the character that Dartmouth has to offer. The inner harbour is cute with shops and houses around it and a small park directly adjacent to it.
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Great little place to visit. It's an English Heritage Site so free entry for members.
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Dartmouth Castle was built in 1388 to protect the rich town's harbour against French raids. About a hundred years later the walls were strengthened, and the gun tower was added. This was the first coastal artillery installation in the UK. The castle was updated in the mid 1600s for the English civil war. It's been updated several times since then, and was used in the first and second world war. Today the castle is managed by English Heritage, it's open for visitors every day from 10:00 - 17:00. It's paid entry unless you're an English Heritage member.
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The Brownstone Battery at Froward Point was built in 1940 and housed two ex-navy 6" guns. The bases of which you can still explore. The terrain here is very steep and therefore the magazine where the shells were kept was higher than the guns and an incline plane with railway tracks was used to transport the ammunition to the guns. This along with the ammunition stores and living quarters are still visible, although most are gated. Further down the hill are the old searchlight houses and look out points. At the top of the hill is the still functioning coastguard lookout station.
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The Brownstone Battery at Froward Point was built in 1940 and housed two ex-navy 6" guns. The bases of which you can still explore. The terrain here is very steep and therefore the magazine where the shells where kept was higher than the guns and an incline plane with railway tracks was used to transport the ammunition to the guns. This along with the ammunition stores and living quarters are still visible although most are gated. Further down the hill are the old searchlight houses and look out points. At the top of the hill is the still functioning coastguard lookout station.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Blackawton?
Near Blackawton, you can visit several historical sites. Dartmouth Castle, a 14th-century fortress, was the UK's first coastal artillery installation. Another significant site is Froward Point Battery and Lookout Station, built in 1940, which still functions as a coastguard lookout. For a glimpse into literary history, explore Greenway House, Agatha Christie's former holiday home, with its beautiful gardens overlooking the River Dart.
Are there any significant cultural landmarks within Blackawton village itself?
Within Blackawton village, you can find the picturesque 14th-century Parish Church of St Michael, featuring a Norman baptismal font and a well-preserved rood screen. The atmospheric ruins of Oldstone, an 18th-century country house, also offer a glimpse into the area's past.
Where can I enjoy scenic views and natural landscapes around Blackawton?
Blackawton is nestled in South Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering numerous scenic spots. Public footpaths around the village provide sweeping views over Start Bay. For breathtaking coastal vistas, explore sections of the South West Coast Path. Further afield, Dartmoor National Park offers dramatic landscapes for hiking and wildlife spotting.
What kind of outdoor activities and walking trails are available near Blackawton?
The area around Blackawton is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous public footpaths directly from the village. For more structured routes, consider hiking trails like the 'South West Coast Path and Diamond Jubilee Way Loop' or the 'Blackpool Sands & Stoke Fleming loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking guide for Blackawton. There are also options for gravel biking and running, with routes like the 'Totnes Town Centre – Dittisham Ferry loop' for gravel biking and various running trails available in the running trails guide.
Which beaches are easily accessible from Blackawton?
The beautiful sandy stretches of Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands are easily accessible from Blackawton. Goodrington Sands North Beach is another popular option, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and facilities.
Are there family-friendly attractions suitable for children near Blackawton?
Yes, there are several family-friendly attractions. Goodrington Sands North Beach is a safe and popular choice with a gently sloping sandy beach and facilities. Woodlands Family Theme Park is a well-known attraction in the South West. Additionally, the historic harbour town of Dartmouth offers the Dartmouth Steam Railway, which is often a hit with families.
What is the best time of year to visit Blackawton for outdoor exploration?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor exploration around Blackawton, offering pleasant weather for walking, beach visits, and enjoying the natural beauty. However, the area's public footpaths and coastal views can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing vibrant foliage and winter offering crisp, quiet walks.
Does Blackawton host any unique annual events?
Blackawton is famously home to the unique and world-renowned International Festival of Wormcharming. The village also hosts a highly regarded Annual Bonfire Night Fireworks Display, which is a popular community event.
Are there options for dining or refreshments in Blackawton and the surrounding area?
Within Blackawton, The George Inn has historically been a central part of the community, known for local produce. For a unique experience nearby, Calancombe Estate offers vineyard tours and tastings of award-winning English wines. The nearby towns of Dartmouth and Totnes also provide a wider range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
What nearby towns are worth visiting for a day trip from Blackawton?
Several charming towns are perfect for a day trip. Dartmouth, just a few miles away, boasts attractions like Dartmouth Castle, the Dartmouth Steam Railway, and a bustling riverfront. Totnes is a vibrant market town with Totnes Castle and the Totnes Elizabethan House Museum. The riverside village of Dittisham offers activities like walking a stretch of The Dart Valley Trail and sailing.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known attractions worth exploring near Blackawton?
Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the atmospheric ruins of Oldstone within Blackawton village. For wine enthusiasts, a visit to Calancombe Estate offers a delightful experience. The quiet public footpaths surrounding Blackawton itself often lead to serene spots with unexpected views over Start Bay, providing a sense of discovery.
Most popular attractions around Blackawton
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