The glorious South Devon town of Dartmouth, which is home to our English Seated Titles and Lord of the Manor Titles, is celebrating fantastic news: it’s been named one of the top three UK coastal resorts. As part of a survey by Which?, over 3,700 British holidaymakers rated their recent trips to the seaside to enable the UK’s largest independent consumer body to identify the best destinations.
Dartmouth’s charms proved greater than those of more than 100 other holiday hotspots. The harbour town appears at number two (tied with Suffolk’s Southwold) in the Which? league table of UK seaside resorts. Dartmouth scored an impressive approval rating of 84% – just 1% less than the winner, St Mawes in Cornwall, another lovely part of England’s South West.
The survey indicates that Dartmouth is not only one of the finest British coastal resorts, but also the best destination of its kind in Devon, eclipsing Beer, Brixham, Plymouth, Salcombe, Torquay and other popular places in the county.
This South West Gem Boasts Five-Star Scenery
Which? takes an objective, unbiased approach to its work; this not-for-profit, charitable organisation strives to be ‘the most trusted voice in travel’. As a result, its seaside survey results carry real weight and paint an accurate picture of Dartmouth’s appeal.
Dartmouth received excellent, four-star ratings for the quality of its seafront, food and drink, visitor attractions and value for money, in addition to scoring well for shopping and peace and quiet. What’s more, the town was awarded the maximum five stars for its stunning scenery (which is so wonderful that Dartmouth even has its own calendar).
‘The historic former port town has a lot to offer, from its colourful houses [to its] annual Regatta that brings in the crowds with its illuminated river procession,’ Which? concludes.
A Famous UK Holiday Destination
Dartmouth’s success in the survey has attracted the attention of the national press. As the Daily Mail points out, the town is ‘arguably one of the most famous destinations in the top 10’, which also features such familiar names as St Andrews in Fife and St David’s in Pembrokeshire. The newspaper adds that Dartmouth’s holidaymakers ‘were impressed by the steam trains and delicious seafood’ in particular.
If you live in Dartmouth or have visited this vibrant resort, its popularity will come as no surprise. Distinguished by breathtaking landscapes, first-class facilities and charming architecture, Dartmouth has long been a firm favourite with discerning tourists, including members of the social elite.
This picture-postcard town has everything you could want from a coastal resort, such as:
- ‘The most beautiful beach in the UK’, in the words of the Visit South Devon guide. Blackpool Sands holds a Blue Flag award and is just a short drive from the town centre. It boasts crystal-clear waters and Mediterranean-style views.
- Awe-inspiring landscapes – don’t miss sunrise at Bayard’s Cove, the historic quay where America’s Pilgrim Fathers dropped anchor.
- Award-winning cuisine served at The Seahorse, The Angel and other superb restaurants.
- A wealth of activities to enjoy, from nostalgic journeys on the Dartmouth Steam Railway to exhilarating adventures with Sea Kayak Devon.
- Stylish shops, including Distinctly Living, Jack Wills and Starburst Boutique.
- Amazing accommodation – highlights include the impressive Royal Castle Hotel and tranquil Dart Marina Hotel, where guests can moor their luxury yachts.
The Growing Popularity of UK Staycations
The spotlight is shining on Dartmouth more brightly than ever this summer, thanks to the growing popularity of domestic tourism among the millions of British holidaymakers who wish to avoid pandemic-related international travel restrictions.
As the Telegraph newspaper predicted in the spring, ‘The UK’s tourism hotspots could enjoy a staycation boom in 2020 driven by homebound Britons heading for beaches in Devon and Cornwall rather than the Costa Brava.’
Become a Landowning Lord and Lady of Dartmouth
We’ve been singing Dartmouth’s praises for over 20 years, so the news that the town has been recognised as one of the best British coastal resorts is music to our ears.
Now is a perfect time to strengthen your connection to this Devon delight – or create a new one – by becoming a titled Dartmouth landowner. With our Seated Title package or Lord of the Manor Title package, you can legally upgrade your title to Lord or Lady (or another aristocratic-style title, if you wish, when you choose the former package) and become the proud owner of a small land parcel in Dartmouth.
Elite Titles makes it easy for you to celebrate Dartmouth and enhance your perceived status.