Many a salty seafarer has passed through the historic port of Dartmouth. Thousands of visitors flock here every year (by water and land) to explore the town’s rich maritime history and its modern-day hustle and bustle.

Bright and early

Dartmouth’s deep-water harbour is a natural playground for those who enjoy messing about on the river (within the port and marina facility safety code, of course). Just sitting and watching the boats go by is a great way to start the day. Or else, join in the fun. Sea Kayak Devon offers guided trips and yoga sessions on paddleboards. seakayakdevon.co.uk

Time to tuck in

This town is famous for its foodie scene. Dartmouth Food Festival in October (23 to 25) attracts some of the brightest culinary talent around.

If you can’t wait that long, get stuck into the many and varied breakfast/lunch/brunch/afternoon tea options around the cobbled streets. Crab sarnies (a must) don’t come much better than the simple but glorious offering from The Crab Shell (Raleigh Street). Taylor’s, on the quay, is a longstanding fave. Sit at the chef’s table at Andria (Lower Street) for some delicious modern

European cuisine.

They sometimes queue down the street to bag a table at Café Alf Resco, a bit of a Dartmouth institution. Come to Alf’s, as it’s known, for a full breakfast, which includes their special recipe sausages.

Wander and wonder

So. Many. Pretty. Things. The Old Market Square is the historic setting for regular farmers’ and artisan markets, plus a diverse range of small, independent shops and studios full of one-off finds. Elsewhere in town, contemporary artist and designer Bert and Buoy (Bert Fowler) has a gallery and studio in Fairfax Place. There are lots of other creative types here exhibiting their work. Illustrator and former Dartmouth senior dockmaster Paul Barclay is based at his gallery and shop in Oxford Street. White Sails Gallery in St George’s Square has a range of original work and limited editions, as well as 3D fine art. Goldsmith Isabella Day makes her bespoke and artisan jewellery from her studio in Foss Street.

Golden hour

Hit Blackpool Sands before sundown for the ultimate beach fix. It’s so gorgeous here you could be in the Med, although the water is slightly chillier. That doesn’t put people off, however. The swimming is good (lifeguards are here in the summer months) and the watersports facilities here are plentiful, as is the decent food and drink at the beachside café, lounge and restaurant. There’s also a seaside sauna, infused with the soothing aroma of eucalyptus and lavender. .

Did you know?

If you’re out on the river (or catching the ferry to Dartmouth Castle), keep an eye out for Miranda, the beautiful mermaid who keeps watch over the harbour. The statue has been admired by thousands of people since she arrived at the bottom of a private garden in 2006.