Dartmouth is the loveliest of the South Hams towns, and well deserves its reputation as the jewel in Devon's crown. The mere mention of South Hams brings to mind images of beautiful countryside, woodland and river scenery, seascapes, superb beaches and pretty rural villages. The area's historic towns are bustling centres awash with individual shops in cobbled walkways and arcades; they are a Mecca for arts and crafts lovers, and a place to savour the finest of local produce.
Dartmouth Castle, about a mile out of town overlooking the Dart, is a fortress constructed specially for artillery and for six centuries protected the town and its wealthy merchants from marauders - gaze down from its walls and you can see why this is a superb natural harbour.