During your next golfing holiday at Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa, there will be plenty of time to practise your swing on our Championship and 9-hole Dartmouth courses. Both have been expertly designed to challenge, provide excitement, and offer golfing enjoyment in an exceptionally beautiful location. The courses are set within 225 acres of rolling countryside, located within a hotel, spa, and golf resort that offers much more than just the course. Think golf practice range, golf shop, spa, pool, gym, restaurant, and bar; we have them all.
Occasionally, even the most seasoned golfer can’t spend the ENTIRE time on the golf course or enjoying the resort facilities. In your downtime beyond the greens, Devon’s natural beauty and a wealth of activities in Dartmouth are waiting to be explored. Here is our round-up of the best things to do in Dartmouth during a golf holiday.
DISCOVER THE RIVER DART
First on our list of best things to do in Dartmouth during a golf holiday is a river adventure, as you try out stand-up paddleboarding. For something gentler, hop on a sightseeing cruise along the waterway, or take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Dart. The river undulates its way through a host of popular tourist towns and is undoubtedly one of the region’s most popular attractions.
Paddleboarding with The Paddle Shack offers sessions on calm, sheltered waters, which are ideal for both beginners and more experienced students. There’s no better way to explore.
Except perhaps hopping aboard a Dartmouth River Cruise to view the sights along the banks, which include historic castles, pretty coastal towns, and some of Devon’s finest countryside vistas.

GO WILD AT DARTMOOR ZOO
A unique charitable zoo with a big heart. The Dartmoor Zoological Society owns Dartmoor Zoo and is the subject of the Hollywood film starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson – ‘We Bought a Zoo’. After falling into disrepair, the zoo was lovingly restored, and the collections were developed to offer a wonderful experience. Explore 33 acres of woodland and an incredible family of animals, including African lions, Amur tigers, Capybara, Bearded Dragons, Chilean Rose Tarantula, and Laughing Kookaburra.
And if the zoo didn’t give you your fill of animal preservation, there’s also the nearby Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary, which is ideal for families, nature lovers, golfers, and conservationists.

GET OUTDOORS AND EXPLORE THE COASTAL PATH
Time on our picturesque golf courses will always be number one on your list of golf holiday activities, but if you still crave a little more of the outdoors, this is for you.
Along the Southwest coastline runs the longest National Trail in the country, which follows the entire south coast of Devon from Plymouth to Lyme Regis. If you’re looking to walk part of the coast path, then Dartmouth is a great place to base yourself, with over 35 walks of varying abilities within a 10-mile radius. Find adventure and hidden gems along the coastline, including dramatic cliff faces, small, secluded coves, and the Start Point Lighthouse.
STEP BACK IN TIME AT DARTMOUTH CASTLE
One of the best things to do in Dartmouth during a golf holiday is to take a step back in time. Explore the fortress that has watched over Dartmouth for centuries. With this Dartmouth holiday activity, you can learn all about the castle’s history from 1388, when it was built to protect Dartmouth from French raids in the Hundred Years War, right up to the present day.
Interactive displays bring the story to life, with hands-on installations, audio, and light displays. Explore the gun tower, learn about the harbour chain, investigate passageways and hidden entryways, and you can even take a boat trip out for a stellar view of the castle in all its glory. Find out more

INDULGE IN RUM TASTING AT SALCOMBE
The county of Devon is plentiful with artisanal wine, beer, cider, and spirit producers, and for those who want to uncover the art of crafting rum, the Devon Rum Co. is a must-visit.
With a mission to share the joy of artisan rum with the world, every bottle is crafted with a unique blend of Devon spring water, spices, and fresh ingredients. A tour includes complimentary welcome drinks, a brief history of rum-making, a tour of the blending house, and then a tasting session which uncovers flavour profiles and pairing options.
Finish with a chance to purchase from an award-winning range of Golden, Spiced, and Dark Rums, all of which are hand-crafted at the stunning waterside venue.

TRY YOUR HAND AT CLAY PIDGEON SHOOTING
For an exciting and memorable experience during your Dartmouth golf holiday, why not try your hand at clay pigeon shooting? Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa has a partnership with local provider Neil Halsey, who will take you through all the safety and skill instruction you need for this exhilarating sport.
Beyond the shooting itself, it’s a great social activity, perfect for groups looking for something a little different to do outdoors while sharing some laughs and friendly competition.
RELAX AND UNWIND
Your golf break in Dartmouth should include well-deserved R & R. If you are travelling in a family group or with other golfing buddies, you can enjoy added space and privacy by staying in one of our luxury holiday cottages. These sleep up to six people, with three en-suite double bedrooms, including a master bedroom. All the self-catering cottages offer spacious and sunny living spaces. These offer you contemporary, modern, and tastefully furnished living rooms featuring two double sofas, a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped, elegantly designed kitchen. Perfect when you want to unwind in the peace of your holiday cottage or need that extra flexibility during your stay. A bonus is that you can enjoy reduced green fees on both the golf courses, plus access to a private tennis court, and allocated free parking.
Still in need of more R & R?
Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa offers a tranquil spa with a range of luxury treatments, an indoor pool, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar, all of which holiday cottage guests can make maximum use of.

ROUND OFF THE DAY WITH TWILIGHT GOLFING
After a long day of exploring the best of Dartmouth and Devon, there’s still time to squeeze in a little more golf, with the Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa’s twilight offer. For just £25 per person, you can take a round of golf with a buggy, truly making the most of your golfing holiday in Dartmouth.
*2 balls and 4 balls only
CONTACT
If you have found the perfect inspiration with our suggestions of thebest things to do in Dartmouth during a golf holiday, here’s where you need to go to book your next golf break in Dartmouth: Visit: https://thedartmouthhotel.co.uk/ or:
General Enquiries
Call: 01803 712686
Email: reservations@thedartmouthhotel.co.uk
Cottages and Hotel Reservations
Call: 01803 712686
Email: reservations@thedartmouthhotel.co.uk
Golf Enquiries
Call: 01803 712011
Email: proshopoffice@thedartmouthhotel.co.uk