A mesh of narrow lanes, stairways and corridors, with plenty of medieval and Elizabethan streetscapes, make Dartmouth a must-see for anyone visiting this part of south Devon.

The town has a reputation for good food - The New Angel, owned by celebrity chef John Burton Race, and voted AA Best Restaurant of the Year 2006, is one of many fine restaurants, and there's arts, antiques and crafts just about everywhere in the quayside area of town.

The natural deep water harbour here has been the driving force behind the town's history as a port and military centre. The port grew to prominence exporting cloth from Totnes, and importing wine from France and Spain.

Dartmouth's fortunes took a dive in the 15th century but revived again in the 16th and 17th from which period some of the oldest surviving buildings remain, including the Butterwalk - although the Cherub Inn, Dartmouth's oldest building, dates back to around 1380.

Dartmouth's development as a port ground to a halt again in the 18th century, when Plymouth was preferred as the base for a western naval defence force. Dartmouth got the consolation prize though, when the navy "returned" in 1863 to train officers first of all on ships moored in the estuary, and later in the magnificent red brick Britannia Royal Naval College (now open to the public) which opened in 1905.

Allow half a day at least for a basic tour of the town which should include Bayards Cove - a cobbled medieval quay and 16th century coastal defence tower, The Butterwalk (1640), Dartmouth Castle (1488) and Gallants Bower - a civil war redoubt - above the castle.

Pleasure boat trips are a favourite pastime, either upstream to medieval Totnes, to Agatha Christie's former summer house at Greenway, or along the coast to watch grey seals. Don't miss a visit to Dartmouth Museum and the Newcomen Engine House, which is also home to the Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre.

If you want a more boisterous diversion, then head west a few miles on the B3122 to Woodlands Leisure Park which has enough thrills and spills to exhaust the most active of families.

Each year, the town has a number of popular events, including a food and drink festival, a regatta, and a fishing festival.

Dartmouth offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Catering from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, if you are visiting Dartmouth you are sure to find accommodation to suite your stay.

The town is also very close to the small and picturesque villages of Dittisham, Blackawton, East Allington, Stoke Fleming, Strete, Kingswear, Beesands, Torcross and Slapton.

The information in this article has been provided by the South Devon Guide 2007, a glossy brochure produced by Teignbridge District Council and South Hams District Council. Visit www.southdevon.org.uk for more information about Dartmouth and the surrounding area.

Key facts:
Population: 5,512
District: South Hams
County: Devon
Top restaurants: The New Angel, River Restaurant, Floating Bridge, Tsang's Chinese Restaurant, Khrua Thai Restaurant, Nu Restaurant and Kendrick's Restaurant.
Top hotels: The Royal Castle Hotel, Seale Arms, Bayards Cove Hotel, Dart Marina Hotel and The Ship in Dock.
Local attractions: Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth Museum, Newcomen Engine House, Woodlands Leisure Park, Start Point Lighthouse, Britannia Royal Naval College and Blackpool Sands and Gardens.