To get a slice of the Greek Isles without having to leave the UK, you don’t have to look further than Devon. The coastal town Dartmouth has been lauded as the UK's finest, drawing comparisons to the scenic beauty of the Mediterranean.
Renowned for its stunning holiday spots, Devon sees a flood of tourists each year, but Dartmouth stands out with its spectacular scenery and offer, reports Travel blogger Sarah Hagan, known online as sarahkhagan, shared her experiences of the town on TikTok, describing it the 'most beautiful town in the UK' in a video that quickly went viral.
The comments section of her TikTok post was inundated with praise for Dartmouth's exceptional charm. One said: "Most beautiful place in the UK I've ever been to." Another said: "Favourite view ever!"
Some were so taken aback by Dartmouth's allure that they questioned its location, one person said: "THAT'S DEVON?! It looks like Greece in my opinion."
Dartmouth marries together coastal beauty with a rich history, as well as boasting an incredibly picturesque harbour, a hub for activities, with a mix of fishing and sailing yachts.
Widow brings pillow with late husband's face on it to pub every New Year's EveThings to do
If you’re heading to the coast, you automatically think beach, right? A little bit out of the way of Dartmouth you’ll find Blackpool Sands, a private corner of the coast.
But this isn’t just your average beach, offering visitors the chance to really chill out in its Alternate between the fresh salt water and the calming retreat from the hustle and bustle of outside. For activity lovers, can hire paddle boards or kayaks, or even take one out on a guided tour around the coast.
Combining historical buildings with scenic river locations and the South Devon countryside, you’re transported to a whole different world. One of the first stops which should be on your list is Dartmouth Castle.
Towering over the entrance to the harbour, Dartmouth Castle just might have the most picturesque setting of any fortress in the UK. Dartmouth Castle saw action during the Civil War and continued its service all the way up until the WWII.
If maritime and naval history is more your thing, you can find the town’s where navy officers have been trained since 1863, as well as taking a peek at HMS Britannia that’s moored in the River Dart.
Wandering around the town will mean you’ll just have to visit Dartmouth Harbour, the heart of the South Devon town, where up to 3,000 moorings can be present during the autumn months. It’s also the perfect spot to stop and get your fish and chips fix.
Food & Drink
Right in the heart of the harbour, you’ll find , serving up fresh, local seafood. Perch on the harbourside and eat your lunch overlooking Bayard's Cove. Its takeaways have been raved about by customers on TripAdvisor, calling the fish and chips nothing short of outstanding. Foodies can tuck into its seasonal offering of MSC Haddock & Chips for £11.95.
Or if you’re looking for a place where you can sit in, Rockfish also has a seafood restaurant that looks out over the River Dart. You may have noticed Rockfish’s big boss Mitch Tonks on Celebrity Masterchef previously, helping to judge the contestants’ attempts at recreating some of his classic seafood dishes.
Standout dishes include a Platter of “Fruits de Mer” with Lyme Bay mussels, Portland oysters, dressed Dartmouth crab, Leigh-on-Sea cockles, Norwegian prawns and king prawns (for two people at 37.50 per person); Grilled Brixham Cuttlefish (£19.95); and Rockfish Tacos.
For a fine dining experience, the brains over at the Michelin Guide suggests a modern British haunt, Fronted by Elly Wentworth, who you may’ve seen on the likes of BBC’s Great British Menu, serves up food with a plethora of global influences.
Man fined £165 after outraging the internet by dying puppy to look like PikachuDishes include Brixham Crab Risotto (£18), Devonshire Lamb with asparagus, spring pea and lamb jus (£37), and Clotted Cream Parfait (£9.50).
And if you’re looking for a tipple, Dartmouth’s most popular is again found at the heart of the harbour. For a relaxing time overlooking the town while enjoying a cocktail or two, divert your journey here.
Bar 1620 offers a great selection of cocktails (the classics, hot cocktails and some creative 1620 concoctions), as well as a draft master keg system dispenses the freshest, coldest pints around.