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Dartmouth and Kingswear Countryside
DevonRugged and captivating stretch of coast with secluded beaches, historical monuments' and coastal walks
Dartmouth and Kinsgwear, Devon, TQ6 0JN
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 22 April 2026
Asset Opening time Dartmouth and Kingswear Countryside Dawn - Dusk - Car park
National Trust car parks around Dartmouth and Kingswear countryside use a digital payment system via the JustPark app. Option to pay or verify membership by using the car park machine or the app. We recommend downloading and setting up the app before you visit.
- Dogs allowed
Please pick up after your dog. Keep dogs under close control around cattle and on leads around sheep. Dogs on leads allowed on beaches (please follow local signage).
- Family friendly
Undulating and uneven ground, steep in places. No designated Blue Badge parking. All-ability trail from Brownstone car park for 1 mile. No toilets on site.
- Accessible route and/or map
There is a multi-user trail at Brownstone leading to the Day Mark, suitable for most mobility vehicles.
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By road
- From Paignton/Brixham, take the A379 and then follow the B3205 towards Kingswear. From here follow signs towards Coleton Fishacre and car parks. From Dartmouth, take B3205 to Stoke Fleming and follow signs at cross-roads to Little Dartmouth Farm. From Plymouth, head east along A38, then A385 to Totnes. From Totnes, take A381 heading south and turn right onto Green Lane. Continue to Ashprington, within walking distance of Crownley Woods.Parking: Near Kingswear, park at Brownstone car park (for Froward Point and Brownstone Battery), Coleton Camp and Mansands (for Woodhuish and Man Sands). Near Dartmouth, park at Little Dartmouth car park (SX874492).
- On foot
- The South West Coast Path runs from Kingswear to Sharkham Point. There is also a network of footpaths and bridleways from Brixham to Woodhuish and Hillhead to Woodhuish, linking to the South West Coast Path. The Dart Valley Trail is some 16 miles long, running alongside both sides of the River Dart. The Kingswear to Greenway section is 4½ miles long and follows the river and goes through ancient woodland.
- By ferry
- There are two ferries running between Dartmouth and Kingswear, operating all year round. Dartmouth Lower Ferry, run by South Hams council, and Dartmouth Higher Ferry. Both provide passenger and vehicle transport. Please see the website for operating times and prices.
- By bus
- Stagecoach 120, Paignton (close to train station)-Brixham-Kingswear, daily. Stagecoach 112, Totnes-Dartmouth, daily. Visit the Stagecoach website for more information.
- Cycling
- See local cycle routes on the
Planning your visit
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Parking in Dartmouth and Kingswear countryside
There are a number of car parks in Dartmouth and Kingswear countryside. To help plan your next day out, find out where they are.
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Visiting Dartmouth and Kingswear countryside with your dog
Dogs are welcome in the countryside and coastline of Dartmouth and Kingswear all year round, and there are plenty of places to take your four-legged friend while you’re here. Please help keep this area enjoyable for everyone by keeping your dog under close control, cleaning up after them and following the guidance below.
Highlights
Coast
Stretch of coast around the Dart Estuary. South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs, into coves and Dartmouth.
Froward Point
Military road leading from Brownstone car park to Froward Point, one of the few remaining Second World War gun batteries.
Civil War hillfort
Perched high above Dartmouth is an old Civil War hillfort with 360-degree views of the town.
Beaches
Two secluded beaches, Man Sands and Scabbacombe, reached by walks through countryside and coastal paths. Dogs welcome.
Cider press
Victorian cider press in the barn of a working farm. Great place for seeing cirl buntings, barn owls and bats.
Things to see and do
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Things to do at Brownstone and Coleton Camp
Walk and explore quiet dog-friendly beaches with great coastal views. Spot a variety of wildlife, birdlife and flora that flourishes in the area.
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Explore Little Dartmouth and Gallants Bower
Discover the ruins of an English Civil War fort at Gallants Bower, Little Dartmouth, or enjoy a gentle walk through Crownley Woods. Enjoy views for miles and historic monuments along the way.
Top trails
Trail
Brownstone to Froward Point circular walk
Spectacular coastal views, historical features and wildlife spotting, as well as the option to extend your walk to a hidden cove and another National Trust place.
Trail
Coastal circular walk from Woodhuish
Including rugged coastline and a wetland area, this circular walk near Coleton Fishacre leads from Woodhuish Farm to Man Sands Beach and back via the South West Coast Path.
Trail
Circular walk from Little Dartmouth
Take in coastal and countryside views on this circular walk from Little Dartmouth, Devon, following the scenic coast path and passing a Civil War fort.
Outdoor activities
Trail
Coleton Fishacre Ranger Run
Coleton Fishacre Ranger Run takes in dramatic coastal scenery, some tough terrain and interesting built cultural history. This 9km trail run follows the edge of Coleton Fishacre estate along the South West Coast Path.
Places to stay
Higher Brownstone Farm
A recently refurbished former farmhouse, set within the grounds of Coleton Fishacre.
Compass Cottage
A cosy, quiet cottage in the woodland just behind Dartmouth Castle with glorious views of the River Dart, perfect for a peaceful, relaxing break.
Crockers Cottage
A quiet Devon countryside stay with the gardens of Coleton Fishacre close by.
The Chauffeur's Flat
A getaway for two in the gardens of Coleton Fishacre on the South Devon coast.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Dartmouth and Kingswear Countryside
Stretch of coastline that borders the Dart Estuary, complete with cliffs, beaches, historical monuments and traditional farmland. From Coleton Camp car park a moderate walk leads to the South West Coast Path, with access to Scabbacombe beach. Close to Brownstone car park, at Froward Point, is one of the few remaining Second World War gun batteries. Follow the coast path towards Dartmouth and you’ll find the remains of a Royalist encampment and panoramic views over Dartmouth, with Little Dartmouth car park.
Our work
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Our work on the coast at Brownstone and Coleton Camp
From battling bracken to restoring marshland habitat, our team of countryside rangers work constantly on the land around Brownstone and Coleton Camp. Find out more about our efforts.
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South West Coast Path: creating a year-round economic asset in Devon
Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, places in Devon have started improvements to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience. Find out where has benefited.
History
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The history of Brownstone Battery
Brownstone Battery is one of the country's few remaining WWII coastal defence positions, complete with gun and searchlight stations. Find out more about its military history.
