{"id":14944,"date":"2022-04-29T12:45:21","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T11:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/?p=14944"},"modified":"2023-08-15T10:13:36","modified_gmt":"2023-08-15T09:13:36","slug":"dartington-south-devon-village-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/dartington-south-devon-village-guide","title":{"rendered":"Dartington | South Devon Village Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #008080;\"><strong>Dartington, in <a style=\"color: #008080;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/south-devon.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">South Devon<\/a>, is a vibrant village that offers a wealth of eateries and abundance of things to do. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #008080;\"><strong>Boasting everything you would expect from an established village, Dartington is home to an award-winning pub, outdoor swimming pool, expansive play area, primary school, village hall, Post Office and stores, a bakery and even a community-owned brewery!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #008080;\"><strong>The historic Dartington Hall is one of the major factors that makes the village so unique. It is highly regarded amongst artists, academics and educators and is well worth a visit.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Situated west of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/river-dart-holiday-cottages.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">River Dart<\/a>, and about two miles north-west of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/totnes-holiday-cottages.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Totnes<\/a>, Dartington is perfectly placed to explore South Devon\u2019s coast and countryside.<\/p>\n<p>Should you want to venture a little further, Dartmoor National Park and the town of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/buckfastleigh-holiday-cottages.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buckfastleigh<\/a> is just a short drive away. Alternatively, there are an abundance of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/south-devon-beach-bible\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">South Devon beaches<\/a> to enjoy nearby.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Dartington | A South Devon village guide<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Looking for something in particular? Use our quick links below to navigate the content, or read on for our comprehensive guide to the village of Dartington&#8230;<\/p>\n<h3>Places to eat and drink in Dartington<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#The Cott Inn\">The Cott Inn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#The Almond Thief Caf\u00e9 and Bakery\">The Almond Thief Caf\u00e9 and Bakery<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#New Lion Brewery\">New Lion Brewery<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#The Green Table Dartington\">The Green Table Dartington<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#White Hart Dartington\">White Hart Dartington<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Dartington | Things to do<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Dartington Swimming Pool\">Dartington Swimming Pool<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Dartington Village Hall\">Village Hall<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Dartington Recreation Association\">Recreation Association<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Things to do near Dartington<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Dartington Hall\">Dartington Hall<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Dartington Hall Gardens\">Dartington Hall Gardens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Barn Cinema, Dartington\">Barn Cinema, Dartington<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Dartington Shops<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Dartington Crystal\">Dartington Crystal<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"Places to eat and drink in Dartington\">Places to eat and drink in Dartington<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s no secret that South Devon is a food lover\u2019s paradise and the region is peppered with pubs, restaurants and caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n<p>Dartington is no exception to the rule and is home to an award-winning pub, a thriving sourdough bakery, community-owned brewery and even a local garage that serves sumptuous homemade curry with all the trimmings. So, you will never be far from a good feed. What\u2019s more, Dartington Hall boasts several eateries too.<\/p>\n<p>For ultimate convenience, Dartington has a sizeable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nisalocally.co.uk\/stores\/devon\/totnes\/shinners-bridge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">village shop\/mini-supermarket<\/a>, so you don\u2019t have to jump in the car for convenience items if you don\u2019t want to.<\/p>\n<p>A few miles up the road (A384) you\u2019ll come to the home of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.riverford.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Riverford Organic Farm<\/a>. Hosting the popular <a href=\"https:\/\/fieldkitchen.riverford.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Riverford Field Kitchen<\/a> restaurant as well as a farm shop that\u2019s great for stocking up on fresh local produce.<\/p>\n<p>Just a few miles from Dartington lies the market town of Totnes. Totnes is famed for its food scene including its abundant markets.<\/p>\n<p>Here you will find various independent shops including a cheese store, fishmonger, butcher and several wine shops. As well as a large established supermarket.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"The Cott Inn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cottinn.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Cott Inn<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-32906\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/02\/The-Cott-Inn-Dartington.jpg\" alt=\"The Cott Inn, Dartington pub.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Cott Inn is a family run pub that\u2019s been welcoming customers since 1320 AD.<\/p>\n<p>A glorious thatched characterful property that has everything you would hope to find in a cosy traditional pub. Including an open fire in the winter, cob walls supported by uneven beams and a spacious beer garden for soaking up the summer sun.<\/p>\n<p>The menu is more restaurant-oriented than traditional pub grub, making it the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.<\/p>\n<p>Serving delicious, honestly prepared food using naturally reared meats and local line-caught fish, The Cott Inn is particularly famous for their delicious <a href=\"https:\/\/cottinn.co.uk\/sunday-lunch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sunday lunch.<\/a> We highly recommend booking in advance to guarantee a place.<\/p>\n<p>You can also enjoy al fresco dining and feast on fresh fish, pizza and tapas in the <a href=\"https:\/\/cottinn.co.uk\/alfresco-dining\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Garden Kitchen.<\/a> The outdoor seating is heated and completely weatherproof &#8211; perfect year-round!<\/p>\n<p>As if this wasn\u2019t enough, you will also find live music every Sunday and Wednesday evening, so be sure to check the <a href=\"https:\/\/cottinn.co.uk\/music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">music section<\/a>\u00a0on their website for the most up to date information.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"The Almond Thief Caf\u00e9 and Bakery\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thealmondthief.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Almond Thief Caf\u00e9 and Bakery<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>A craft sourdough bakery, The Almond Thief Bakery is one of the trendiest spots in Dartington village and boasts not just a bakery, but also a vibrant caf\u00e9. Testament to its produce, you will always find a hive of activity here and a queue that shamelessly trails out the door.<\/p>\n<p>Expect to choose from a menu of sprouted rye, pastel de nata, pain au chocolat and cheese and mustard swirls to name a few. And if you have a little time to spare, be sure to enjoy a barista coffee.<\/p>\n<p>Nothing beats a freshly baked, warm Almond Thief loaf, so it comes as no surprise that people visit from miles around.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"New Lion Brewery\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newlionbrewery.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New Lion Brewery<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>The New Lion Brewery is a 100% community-owned craft brewery based in Dartington village (opposite the Cider Press Centre).<\/p>\n<p>Sporting a taproom and bottle shop, it\u2019s a lively establishment, especially at the weekend, with many people enjoying a much-deserved tipple or two.<\/p>\n<p>At the heart of New Lion Brewery are three core beers &#8211; Pandit IPA, Mane Event and Totnes Stout. They also brew limited edition bottles and also cellar beers that you can lay down for the future, so it\u2019s worth having a chat to the team if you\u2019re after something a little different.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"The Green Table Dartington\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/visit\/food-drink\/the-green-table\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Green Table Dartington<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>A vibrant, welcoming and light-filled space that evokes Dartingtons craft legacy. The Green Table is a popular venue for a rendezvous, post walk refuel and people watching spot.<\/p>\n<p>With a menu that changes daily, they serve delicious and nourishing food that is locally sourced. The menu is varied and runs through from early breakfast to afternoon tea.<\/p>\n<p>Creative in its nature, striking artwork hangs from the wall and you will find a piano nestled in the corner alongside several guitars. Visitors are welcome to play a tune or two, should you fancy a public jamming session.<\/p>\n<p>Child friendly, there are various baskets of fancy dress outfits and classic stories, not forgetting the wooden train set.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"White Hart Dartington\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/visit\/food-drink\/white-hart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">White Hart Dartington<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Situated by the Great Hall, the White Hart is a surprisingly contemporary bar-restaurant. It&#8217;s well-known for its food that emphasises produce sourced from the estate and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n<p>The outside tables are especially enticing on a sunny day. You can enjoy views of the lawn and towards the towering trees. Just a few yards from the Dartington Hall Gardens, it is the perfect place to visit before or after exploring the magnificent gardens.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Dartington | Things to do<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the main things that makes the village of Dartington so attractive to those visiting is that it has such a variety of things to do.<\/p>\n<p>From endless outdoor pursuits including walking, swimming, cycling,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/kayaking-in-south-devon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">kayaking<\/a>\u00a0and even\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/stand-up-paddleboarding-in-south-devon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">paddleboarding.<\/a> To more cultural activities such as theatre, dance and niche workshops that focus on woodwork, jewellery and wild foraging, there really is a bounty of choice\u2026<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Dartington Swimming Pool\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dartingtonswimmingpool.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartington Swimming Pool<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Extremely popular amongst both local residents and visitors to the area, Dartington Pool is a 20 x 10 metre non-profit, community-run unheated swimming pool.<\/p>\n<p>Nestled in the grassy knoll and play area of Meadbrook, it has been active since 1976 and the pool itself was dug out by local residents.<\/p>\n<p>As you can imagine, it is very much an active part of the community. And you can pre-book your session or rent the entire pool by the hour should you want it to yourselves.<\/p>\n<p>Adjacent to other community facilities that include a bar, pizzeria, play area, river, woodland and sports grounds, it\u2019s the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy a fun and active day out. Check their website for updates, or alternatively, engage with them on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dartingtonswimmingpool\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Dartington Recreation Association\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartingtonra.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Recreation Association<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Also run by community volunteers, the Dartington Recreation Association incorporates an expansive playing field, play area, woodland area and also manages the swimming pool.<\/p>\n<p>They are busy working hard on a refresh with exciting plans in the pipeline. Most notably an Adventure bike track!<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Dartington Village Hall\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dartington-pc.gov.uk\/the-parish\/village-hall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Village Hall<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Run by the village hall committee, Dartington Village Hall is a much-loved and spacious venue that is available to hire should you want a large venue for a family party or special occasion. Make sure you call and book in advance to secure your date.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"Things to do near Dartington\">Things to do near Dartington<\/h2>\n<p>Being near the A38 and just a few miles from Totnes, the village is well-located for a range of attractions, with something to suit everyone. There\u2019s plenty of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/things-to-do-in-totnes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">things to do in Totnes<\/a>, a medieval market town with a host of individual shops, caf\u00e9s, pubs, restaurants and much more.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.english-heritage.org.uk\/visit\/places\/totnes-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Totnes Castle<\/a>\u00a0is worth a visit and takes in incredible panoramic views, and from the Totnes \/ Littlehempston station you can take the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.southdevonrailway.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">South Devon Railway<\/a>\u00a0steam train to Buckfastleigh, where you\u2019ll find the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Buckfast Butterfly Sanctuary<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In Totnes, there\u2019s also the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.totnesrarebreeds.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Totnes Rare Breeds Farm<\/a>\u00a0and a picturesque harbour where you can take a passenger ferry down the river on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk\/tickets\/dartmouth-river-cruise\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartmouth River Cruise<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For outdoor enthusiasts, a little further afield is Dartmoor. Boasting plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/dartmoor-walks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartmoor walks<\/a> to enjoy and other outdoor adventures such as climbing, kayaking and cycling.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, you will find a wealth of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/south-devon-beach-bible\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">South Devon beaches<\/a> to explore. Spend your day walking the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">South West Coast Path<\/a>, sailing,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/surfing-south-devon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">surfing<\/a>\u00a0or simply indulging in a little rest and relaxation.<\/p>\n<p>When visiting South Devon you will find an abundance of things to do, so be sure to read our full guide on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/things-to-do-south-devon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">things to do in South Devon<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Dartington Hall\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartington Hall<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-32907\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/02\/Dartington-Hall.jpg\" alt=\"Dartington Hall estate - the great hall with lawns and blue sky.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The 1,200-acre Dartington Hall estate is an award-winning destination nestled between Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon coast. From woodland walks and riverside trails to caf\u00e9s, restaurants and shops, there is plenty to explore.<\/p>\n<p>They also host a year-round programme of art and craft activities, theatre, music and dance events at the Dartington Great Hall. As well as a wide selection of films showcased in the Barn Cinema.<\/p>\n<p>Dartington Hall has been a centre for learning for almost a century. Attracting a variety of leading artists and thinkers, including potter Bernard Leach, composer Igor Stravinsky, cellist Jacqueline du Pre, musician Ravi Shankar, playwright Bernard Shaw and environmental activist Vandana Shiva.<\/p>\n<p>The estate is home to the Dartington Hall Trust, an educational charity that supports learning in ecology, the arts, social enterprise and within the wider community. The estate remains a fascinating place to visit.<\/p>\n<p>On arrival head to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/visit\/visitor-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Visitor Centre<\/a>. Here you\u2019ll be able to learn more about points of interest, historical curiosities and pick up a map to navigate your way around the estate.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Dartington Hall Gardens\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/visit\/the-gardens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartington Hall Gardens<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-32908\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/02\/Dartington-Hall-gardens.jpg\" alt=\"Dartington hall gardens - tiered lawns with trees and blue sky.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s worth making the trip to Dartington village purely to see the landscaped Dartington Hall Gardens. They are simply magical. Steeped in history, they are free to explore and are open year-round.<\/p>\n<p>The gardens are punctuated by many points of interest, most famously the artworks on the estate.<\/p>\n<p>Especially the Henry Moore sculpture, which occupies pride of place overlooking the Great Hall from the far end of the tiltyard. The bridge, designed by British sculptor Peter Randall-Page is also quite a feature. As is the yew tree, which is the oldest living resident of the gardens and is believed to be 1500 &#8211; 2000 years old.<\/p>\n<p>Visitors are discouraged from leaving the paths and dogs are not permitted within the sculpted gardens.<\/p>\n<p>If the children or four-legged friends need to burn off steam, then not to worry, because there is a play area and separate grassy fields where dogs can be let off their lead. You\u2019ll find this about a hundred yards downhill from the main estate car park.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/whats-on\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>The Barn Dartington<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>This 15th century converted barn, which is part of the grand Dartington Hall courtyard, makes for an unusually atmospheric cinema and occasional performance venue.<\/p>\n<p>The film programme mixes independent and international cinema. Including blockbusters and streams of live broadcasts from the National Theatre and similar organisations.<\/p>\n<p>The Roundhouse Caf\u00e9 downstairs offers a range of drinks and tasty homemade cakes to enjoy before, after or during the show.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"Dynamic Adventures Dartington\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dynamicadventurescic.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dynamic Adventures Dartington<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Based in the Dartington Estate, Dynamic Adventures is a small, family run, community interest company that has been operating for over 20 years.<\/p>\n<p>Within that time, the Dynamic Adventures team have been on an uncountable number of adventures, and have a deep-rooted passion in the importance of the outdoors.<\/p>\n<p>Their mission is clear &#8211; to \u2018create opportunities for adventure that challenge and develop people, no matter who they are, or where they\u2019ve come from.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>There is a huge range of activities to choose from, including kayaking, bushcraft, ziplining, archery, abseiling, rock climbing and if you\u2019re feeling brave, why not navigate the high ropes.<\/p>\n<p>From equipment hire to half and full day activity programmes, there is something for all ages and abilities.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/visit\/shopping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Dartington Shops<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-32909\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/02\/Dartington-shops.jpg\" alt=\"Dartington Shops in the estate.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Formerly known as the Cider Press Centre, the Shops at Dartington have their own car park situated just off Shinners Bridge. After leaving Totnes, take a right at the first roundabout you come to and another at the second. The car park will be on your right.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a straightforward walk from Dartington Hall but it does involve tackling a sizeable hill. So perhaps not ideal if you\u2019re planning to come back with lots of shopping bags!<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll find a range of gift shops selling goods from stationery to kitchenware, an excellent deli and wine shop. Plus <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bayardskitchen.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bayard\u2019s Kitchen<\/a>\u00a0restaurant and a Venus Caf\u00e9 should your retail therapy work an appetite.<\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"Dartington Crystal\"><\/a>Dartington Crystal<\/h3>\n<p>Dartington glass, as it was known until the 1980\u2019s, was first born in 1967 as one of the Dartington Hall Trust social enterprises.<\/p>\n<p>Situated in Torrington, North Devon, it quickly became one of the most recognised manufacturers of simple yet functional glassware in the country and is still thriving to this day.<\/p>\n<p>The vision of Dartington Glass was simple. To build a simple yet functional product style that was rooted in Scandinavian design.<\/p>\n<p>Today, Dartington Crystal is not just the lead UK glass manufacturer, but it\u2019s also an award winning visitor attraction. Should you choose to visit, expect to take a full factory tour. And spend your time behind the scenes learning of how the skilled makers turn molten glass into beautiful products.<\/p>\n<p>This really is a great day out, perfect for all the family to enjoy and well worth the visit. For more information, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartington Crystal<\/a>\u00a0website. As you would expect, you can both purchase and view Dartington crystal products from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/visit\/shops\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Shops at Dartington<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>The history of the Dartington Estate<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Great Hall that towers over the 1200 acre Dartington Hall Estate was built in the late 14th century for John Holland, Earl of Huntington. Half-brother to Richard II, John lost the estate (along with his head) following a failed uprising against Henry IV in 1400, and as such, the Crown took ownership of Dartington Hall.<\/p>\n<p>It was purchased in 1559 by Sir Arthur Champernowne, whose family owned and lived in the hall until 1925. This is when the modern story of Dartington Hall began.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Elmhirsts at Dartington<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Great Hall was mostly derelict by the time Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst purchased it and began transforming the estate.<\/p>\n<p>Dorothy, one of the richest women in America, was a social activist and patron of the arts. She met her second husband, Leonard, in 1920 when he was studying agriculture at Cornell University.<\/p>\n<p>They dreamt of creating a new kind of rural community, defined by progressive education, transformative arts and a modern approach to agriculture. Unlike many, they had the means to turn their utopian dream into a reality.<\/p>\n<p>And so, the Elmhirsts took ownership of the Dartington Hall Estate. They formed a charitable trust, and began a unique experiment in rural living that was as inspiring as it was controversial, to both local residents and global onlookers alike.<\/p>\n<p>The Elmhirsts restored the buildings including the magnificent Great Hall. Introducing a swathe of farming, forestry and educational projects. Dartington Hall School, Dartington Tweed Mill and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartington Crystal<\/a>\u00a0are all well-known examples.<\/p>\n<h3>Dartington College of Arts<\/h3>\n<p>The College of Arts arrived in 1961 and continued for over four decades. Producing illustrious alumni including comedian and actor Josie Lawrence.<\/p>\n<p>Other educational institutions are still going strong to this day, which is testament to its strength. These include <a href=\"http:\/\/www.parkschoolonline.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Park School<\/a>\u00a0(a progressive primary school), the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.schumachercollege.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Schumacher College<\/a>\u00a0and some regular events such as the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dartington.org\/whats-on\/programme\/summer-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dartington International Summer School<\/a> as well as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wayswithwords.co.uk\/festivals\/ways-with-words-festival-of-words-and-ideas-at-dartington-hall-24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ways with Words<\/a>\u00a0literature festival.<\/p>\n<p>Soon after the Elmhirsts arrived, international artists and thinkers followed them to South Devon from around the world. This trend has continued to this day. The famously \u2018alternative\u2019 feel of the nearby town of Totnes owes much to the Dartington experiment.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"Self catering holiday cottages near Dartington\">Self catering holiday cottages near Dartington<\/h2>\n<p>Dartington is one of many picturesque villages in South Devon known for a wealth of things to do. Enjoy traditional pubs, beautiful surroundings and relaxed pace of life.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of whether you\u2019d like to stay in a traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/coastal-cottages.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">coastal cottage<\/a>\u00a0by the sea or a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/country-escapes.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">country escape<\/a>\u00a0deep in the heart of the South Hams countryside, we have a range of properties to suit your holiday requirements.<\/p>\n<p>From\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/luxury-devon-holiday-cottages.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">luxury properties<\/a>\u00a0ideal for both\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/couples-breaks-devon.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">romantic getaways<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/family-holidays.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">family breaks<\/a>, including holiday homes at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/gitcombe-estate.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gitcombe Estate<\/a>. You can enjoy finding your perfect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/south-devon.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">South Devon holiday cottage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"in-copy-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/south-devon.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Book a holiday cottage<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dartington, in South Devon, is a vibrant village that offers a wealth of eateries and abundance of things to do. Boasting everything you would expect from an established village, Dartington is home to an award-winning pub, outdoor swimming pool, expansive play area, primary school, village hall, Post Office and stores, a bakery and even a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":32913,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1732],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-area-guides","location-south-devon"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Dartington | South Devon Village Guide | Coast &amp; Country Cottages<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dartington in\u00a0South Devon\u00a0is a rich, vibrant and tight-knit village that is situated on the outskirts of Totnes and to the west of the River Dart.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coastandcountry.co.uk\/blog\/dartington-south-devon-village-guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Dartington | South Devon Village Guide | Coast &amp; 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