Salcombe Crabfest 2024: All You Need to Know
Salcombe’s crab fishing industry is coming out of its shell from 10am on Sunday 5th May to celebrate Crabfest...
by Justine King / Events
Arguably one of the biggest annual events in Dartmouth’s packed programme, Dartmouth Regatta draws an incredible crowd and atmosphere. Enjoy a packed three-day programme of sailing, sports, live music, street food, fireworks, and more.
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Our blog will tell you everything you need to know about the Port off Dartmouth Royal Regatta, including:
Since the first official event, Dartmouth Regatta has grown in popularity year after year. From its humble beginnings as a one-day event, the regatta has evolved into a magnificent three-day extravaganza, brimming with races and family-friendly activities.
In more recent years, Dartmouth Regatta has dedicated its annual theme to celebrate Royal events, such as the King’s coronation.
Dartmouth Regatta is packed full of events and things to do both off and on the water. Here’s the low down on what’s on during Dartmouth Regatta 2023:
10 AM | Saturday 26th August
The legendary Kon-Tiki Raft Race is a fun-filled event that’s always a hit with racers and spectators alike. Participants are required to draw on skill and ingenuity to create their ‘sea-faring’ crafts. The event will take place on the south embankment and boats will be launched at the Higher Ferry slipway. The finishing line is located at the Boat Float.
Join the Kontiki raft race for a good old belly laugh of an afternoon! Check out the Dartmouth Regatta website for terms and conditions and fill out their registration form.
6.30 PM (participation registration), 8pm (firewall) | Tuesday 22nd August
The firewalk is back! With glowing hot embers, are you brave enough to go barefoot for an experience like no other? Anyone over the age of 12 can participate in this event. Don’t worry though, you won’t just be told to walk, after registering you’ll have a small training session to prepare you for the firewalk.
Those who have participated before have described the sensation as similar to walking on broken eggshells or hot sand. With expert guidance, you’re unlikely to get hurt and it will definitely be something to tick off your bucket list.
From Saturday 19th August
The landscaped Royal Avenue Gardens provide the perfect backdrop for land and water-based activities. The gardens play host to live music, the opening ceremony, competitions, and more. Keep an eye on the Regatta website for more information.
Wednesday 23rd August
Dartmouth is a vibrant seaside town with a busy port. Whilst at the regatta, be sure to take some downtime with a spot of shopping. There are plenty of options out there. As well as the plethora of independent shops along the high street, you also have the Regatta shopping parade and the Regatta Craft Market.
Read our blog on the 14 best Dartmouth Cafes to find somewhere to eat.
The Regatta Shopping Parade is situated right on the riverfront and will feature a mixture of top-quality retail stands, selling anything from local produce and handmade jewellery to clothes and arts and crafts.
The Regatta Craft Market will be situated on Old Market Square in the centre of the town. Here, you’ll find an array of quirky crafts as well as various musical entertainment to keep you occupied.
One of the main highlights of Dartmouth Regatta is undoubtedly the epic fireworks display. This visual display of booming lights on the horizon of the River Dart is a spectacular feast for the eyes! Watched by thousands of people, it’s a fantastically popular event that’s not to be missed. So make sure you get to your viewing spot early for the best views of the Regatta finale.
Every year, there are plenty of activities for the children at Dartmouth Regatta including the annual crabbing competition (Friday 25th August). Previous activities have included fancy-dress and pavement art competitions, scavenger and treasure hunts, and more.
The designated family area in Coronation Park will provide you and your children with a day filled with fun. Best of all, many of the events are either free or charge a very small fee.
Finding parking at any event can often be tricky, so here’s the low down on parking at Dartmouth Regatta, so you can make an informed decision on what will be the best option for you.
From previous years, we have found that the best place to park during Dartmouth Regatta is at the Park and Ride car park at the top of town. Parking costs £5 per car per day, which includes the use of the bus for the car driver and all the passengers (provided they travel together).
The other option available is parking at the designated Dartmouth Regatta car park. Address for the car park:
Coronation Park,
Coombe Road,
Dartmouth,
Devon,
TQ6 9PQ
If you wish to park your vehicle overnight you’re vehicle must be in the car park by 11.30 pm. Please note that vehicles will not be allowed to leave the car park after 11 pm unless in the event of an emergency and keys must be surrendered to security.
Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week has been running for over 175 years and plays an integral part of the Regatta itself. The whole week is jam-packed with races and events, ranging from junior and senior dinghy races to Savills Passage Race, yacht races, and the white sail event. It’s a week of high-speed fun which is not to be missed.
For a full schedule, and to find out more information on the event itself, check out the Dartmouth Sailing Week website.
When planning your trip to Dartmouth Regatta, why not take a look at these other fun and exciting things to do?
Looking for places to eat when visiting Dartmouth? Check out these blogs:
At Coast & Country Cottages, we have a stunning selection of properties in Dartmouth and Kingswear, perfectly situated for enjoying the regatta. From family-friendly properties and romantic boltholes to dog-friendly cottages and sea and River view cottages, you’re bound to find the perfect property for you.
Don’t miss out on this year’s Dartmouth Regatta, book your holiday today!
Book your Dartmouth Regatta holiday!
by Justine King / Events
Hi, I'm Justine. Holidays and travelling have always been a favourite of mine from a young age. Having recently decided to travel...
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