Retire to Dartmouth

The view from Kingswear showing a variety of boats in the water

Retirement living in Dartmouth

The delightful Devon town of Dartmouth, on the banks of the River Dart, boasts a rich maritime heritage, quaint cobbled streets, historic architecture and plenty to do. It’s a picturesque yet lively spot, perfect for a happy and active retirement. 

Locals enjoy:

  • Abundant amenities like supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as a community centre, post office, library and a leisure centre with pool.  
  • A strong community spirit with a number of clubs for all retirement hobbies and interests, plus numerous events, like the annual Regatta, food festival and book festival.
  • An idyllic location offering glorious Devonshire countryside, water sports in the River Dart, sandy beaches and the spectacular South West coastal path on the doorstep. 

Retirement developments in Dartmouth

Explore retirement property for sale or rent in Dartmouth, and find your ideal home for senior living.

The harbour in Dartmouth with a range of shops and cafes in the background

Amenities in Dartmouth

Our retirement homes in Dartmouth are located within easy distance of amenities and transport connections. The town’s historic streets are lined with a blend of cafes, art galleries, museums, boutiques and independent shops. 

  • Groceries 
    Dartmouth has a large Sainsbury’s and Lidl as well as an M&S Food and several convenience stores. There are also bakeries, a butcher and a delicatessen.  
  • Shops
    Dartmouth has a variety of independent shops selling books, gifts, clothing and more.
  • Healthcare 
    Dartmouth Medical Services or Dartmouth Clinic offer GP services. Brixham Community hospital is around 5 miles away while Torbay General Hospital is around 20 miles away. There are several dentists, opticians and pharmacies within the town. 
Retirees enjoying the views at Burgh Island

Things for retirees to do in Dartmouth

You won’t be short of activities close to our retirement apartments in Dartmouth. These include:

  • Fantastic food options, from fish and chips to fine dining, pub grub to Devonshire cream teas.  
  • Clubs and associations are plentiful in the town. The Dart U3A offer everything from archery to wine tasting, but you’ll also find groups for gardeners, history buffs and more.  
  • Arts, culture and history - attractions include Dartmouth Castle and Dartmouth Museum as well as several stately homes and gardens in the surrounding area.
  • Watersports and outdoor pursuits, whether that’s at the yacht club or Dartmouth Angling and Boating Association in the River Dart, relaxing on one of the local sandy beaches, walking the South West Coastal Path or golf at The Dartmouth.
The house and gardens at Coleton Fishacre House in Dartmouth

Explore the surrounding areas

Our properties for sale in Dartmouth are perfectly placed to make the most of many natural wonders including the wilds of Dartmoor National Park, Little Dartmouth, a National Trust nature reserve, and Slapton Ley Nature Reserve which contains the largest natural lake in south-west England. Entirely freshwater, it is separated from the sea by a narrow shingle strip and is a spectacular sight. Then there’s the stunning South West Coastal Path which has 35 scenic walks within 10 miles of Dartmouth.

Dartmouth is also the perfect spot from which to explore the delightful towns, villages and world-class beaches along the south Devon coastline - including Salcombe, Bigbury, Hope Cove, Topsham, Totnes and Torbay - and picturesque Kingswear just across the water.

The beach at Bigbury-on-Sea

Transport and connections

Travel from our retirement homes in Dartmouth across the wider South West of England is relatively easy despite the rural setting.

  • By car 
    South Devon is linked to the M5 by the A38, which runs through the centre of the county.
  • By bus 
    There are regular bus services around the town including a Park and Ride service which takes you into the centre and surrounding towns as well as Exeter and Plymouth.
  • By rail
    The nearest train station is Totnes - about 12 miles away - which has regular trains to London and Birmingham. 
  • By air
    At roughly 45 miles away, Exeter International Airport is your closest option for trips to Europe. It takes about an hour by car.

Popular places to retire in and nearby Dartmouth

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Browse by Retirement Living services

Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.

Retirement living in Dartmouth FAQs

Dartmouth, Devon, is a rewarding place to retire, with pretty cobbled streets, historic architecture, a strong community, a low crime rate, lots of shops and restaurants and plenty to do and see.

Dartmouth is primarily served by the Stagecoach South West bus services, offering convenient connections to nearby towns and cities such as Totnes, Kingsbridge, and onward routes to Exeter and Plymouth.

Healthcare in Dartmouth, Devon, is centred around the Dartmouth Health and Wellbeing Centre, which opened in May 2023. The centre brings together a wide range of NHS, community, and voluntary services to provide integrated care for locals.

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