A Guide to Salcombe Town Regatta 2025
Salcombe Regatta is a full week that’s jam-packed with activities on land and sea for all ages, from sailing...
by Justine King / Events
Arguably one of the biggest annual events in Dartmouth’s packed programme, Dartmouth Regatta draws an incredible crowd and atmosphere. Celebrating its 180th year in 2025, Dartmouth Regatta is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Enjoy a jam-packed, three-day programme of sailing, sports, live music, street food, fireworks, and so much more. As proud partners of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, we at Coast & Country Cottages have created a quick guide to the events, what they entail, and when they’re happening.
Our blog will tell you everything you need to know about the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, including:
Dartmouth Regatta is set to take place between Thursday 28th and Saturday 30th August 2025.
However, there is plenty more to get stuck into, including the Family Fun Weekend, starting on 23rd August, and the Regatta’s opening ceremony on 27th August.
Read on to learn more about what’s on at the Royal Regatta and when!
Dartmouth Regatta is packed with events and things to do both on and off the water. We’ve listed a few key events below, but if you’d like a full list, be sure to preorder one online or buy one in Dartmouth from 11th August.
Here’s the low down on what’s on during Dartmouth Regatta 2025:
The legendary Kontiki 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.
The parade continues to attract people from all around to watch as beautiful boats sail up the River Dart. With plenty of prizes to be won, it’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss. This year’s fancy dress theme is ‘Best of British’, in honour of VE day, so come and find out who will win the prize for best salute and best dressed vessel and crew.
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. This year be sure to check out the Dog Show on Saturday 23rd August as part of the Family Fun Weekend.
The fire walk is a favourite amongst locals and visitors and is sure to draw a crowd. This year, the fire walk will take place in the Market Square Car Park. Training for the walk will take place at 7.30 and you can find out more info and sign up here.
Are you a golfer? Fancy getting some friends together for a bit of friendly fun? Then why not participate in the Dartmouth Regatta Golf Tournament? Entry costs £43 per visitor and £20 per member. Find out what the entry fee includes and how to register via the Dartmouth Hotel, Golf, and Spa website.
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 29th 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.
Read our blog on the best Dartmouth Cafes to find somewhere to eat during Dartmouth Regatta.
Finding parking at any event can often be tricky, so here’s the lowdown on parking at Dartmouth Regatta, so you can make an informed decision on what will be the best option for you.
For detailed parking information and to book your parking space, go to the Dartmouth Royal Regatta website.
Official parking is available at the designated Dartmouth Regatta car park. Address for the car park:
Coronation Park,
Coombe Road,
Dartmouth,
Devon,
TQ6 9PQ
Or use what3words – ///tastes.rather.nest
From previous years, we have found that a great place to park during Dartmouth Regatta is at the Park and Ride car park at the top of town. Parking costs £10 per car per day or £20 per motorhome per day (if using two spaces), which includes the use of the bus for the car driver and all the passengers (provided they travel together).
Check out the Dartmouth Park and Ride website for more information.
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.
1822: Dartmouth’s first recorded regatta took place featuring three sailing races, a six-oared gig race, and a ball with 120 attendees.
1834: Dartmouth Regatta was officially formed
1856: Dartmouth Regatta gained ‘Royal’ status when Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and the Prince of Wales unexpectedly came to shore due to bad weather.
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 multi-day extravaganza, brimming with races and family-friendly activities.
In more recent years, Dartmouth Regatta has dedicated its annual theme to celebrating Royal events, such as the King’s coronation.
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 escapes to dog-friendly cottages and sea and river-view stays, 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
I’m Justine, a Freelance Travel Writer with over 4 years’ experience writing about UK travel. I’ve lived in the South West f...
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