Dartmouth Regatta 2026: Dates, Programme, Fireworks & Independent Visitor Guide

Dartmouth Regatta 2026 takes place from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 August 2026, following Community Day on Saturday 22 August. The programme includes rowing, sailing, river events and fireworks at 9 pm on Saturday 29 August. The Red Arrows will not appear at Dartmouth Regatta in 2026.

Officially known as the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, the event has been running for more than 200 years and is one of the biggest dates in Dartmouth’s calendar. Sailing and rowing begin before the main Regatta, so there is activity on and around the river from Saturday 22 August.

One important change for 2026 is that the Red Arrows will not be displaying at Dartmouth Regatta. Once among the most anticipated parts of the event, they are no longer included due to changes to the flying displays. Anyone hoping to see the team in Devon can instead read our guide to the Sidmouth Airshow 2026, where the Red Arrows are currently scheduled to appear on Friday 28 August.

There is still an enormous amount happening, including competitive rowing and sailing, the Opening Ceremony, River Parade, live music, family competitions, shoreside entertainment and the traditional Dartmouth Regatta fireworks at 9 pm on Saturday 29 August.

We know Dartmouth well and last visited in June 2026, travelling by train to Paignton, bus to Kingswear and then across the River Dart by passenger ferry. In this independent guide, we cover the Dartmouth Regatta 2026 dates and programme, Red Arrows, fireworks, parking, road closures, public transport, places to stay and practical advice for planning your visit.

For more ideas while you are there, see our complete guide to things to do in Dartmouth.

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Disclosure: Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites that we believe may be helpful to you.

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Map of Dartmouth

When is Dartmouth Regatta 2026?

The main Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta runs from Wednesday 26 August until Saturday 29 August 2026, although some sporting events begin earlier.

Rowing runs from Saturday 22 to Saturday 29 August, while Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week extends from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 August.

The official Opening Ceremony takes place on Wednesday 26 August, with the main Regatta concluding with fireworks at 9 pm on Saturday 29 August.

Dartmouth will be noticeably busier throughout Regatta Week and the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Dartmouth Regatta 2026 Programme: What’s On?

The programme combines competitive events on the water with entertainment, competitions and activities throughout Dartmouth.

The official souvenir programme costs £7 and contains the complete schedule and event timings. Copies are available from the Regatta Information Hut, Dartmouth Visitor Centre, Townstal Filling Station and Kingswear Post Office. See the official programme information or order online through Yard Park Dartmouth.

Below are some of the main confirmed highlights. For the complete daily schedule, individual event timings and competition information, buy the official souvenir programme. You can also follow the organisers on the official Dartmouth Regatta Facebook page for the latest announcements and updates.

Saturday 22 to Tuesday 25 August

Regatta Week begins with a free Community Day in Royal Avenue Gardens on Saturday 22 August. Running from 11 am until 8 pm, it brings together local organisations, charities, environmental groups and community projects alongside family activities and entertainment. See the official Dartmouth Regatta Community Day information for further details.

Rowing and sailing also begin ahead of the main Regatta. Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week includes dinghy and junior sailing, with racing continuing throughout the opening part of the week.

The Regatta Information Hut opens on Saturday 22 August and remains available until Saturday 29 August.

Wednesday 26 August: Opening Day

Wednesday marks the official beginning of the main Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta.

The Dragon Boat Race returns after being introduced in 2025. It is provisionally scheduled for 10 am, with crews racing in pilot gigs on a course between the Ship in Dock Inn and Dartmouth Yacht Club.

The Dartmouth Regatta Dog Show begins at 3 pm.

The Savills Passage Race brings yachts from Brixham towards Dartmouth ahead of the main yacht racing later in the week.

The Official Opening Ceremony takes place at the bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens at 7.30 pm.

A ceremonial Beat the Retreat and Sunset performance is also part of the Regatta tradition.

Thursday 27 August

Thursday brings some of the most important competitive action on the River Dart and in Start Bay.

The West of England Amateur Rowing Association (WEARA) Regatta takes place on a six-lane, 1,000-metre course between the Higher and Lower Ferries. Racing includes single and double sculls, coxed fours, quadruple sculls and eights, with open, women’s, masters, junior and mixed crews. The Embankment provides an excellent place to watch because the course passes directly in front of the town.

Dartmouth Sailing Week also gathers pace in Start Bay. The 2026 event is particularly significant because Dartmouth is hosting both the GBR IRC National Championship and the J109 National Championship. Racing takes place from Thursday to Sunday alongside the Yacht and Dayboat Series. See the official Dartmouth Sailing Week website for further information.

Friday 28 August

Friday brings more rowing and sailing alongside some of the Regatta’s most popular family events.

The Junior Crabbing Competition takes place on South Embankment, with registration from 9 am and lines in the water between 10 am and 11 am. Entry costs £1, with children competing in three age groups. Entrants are encouraged to use plastic-free crabbing lines to help reduce discarded plastic in the River Dart.

Another family favourite is the free Pavement Artist Competition, with registration at the bandstand from midday ahead of a 1 pm start.

Entertainment continues around town and along the waterfront into the evening. Professional flyboarder James Prestwood is scheduled to perform on the River Dart beside South Embankment at 5.30 pm and 8.45 pm, while a model boat display begins at 5.30 pm.

Saturday 29 August: Regatta Saturday

Saturday is the final day of the main Regatta and one of the busiest.

The Kon-Tiki Raft Race gets Saturday off to a lively start, with final assembly of the rafts on Boat Float Bridge from 8.30 am and launching from the Boat Float Slipway at 10 am. The event includes children’s, family and adult categories.

Further sporting events include Bungee Rowing and paddleboarding, while the Dartmouth Regatta Road Race starts at 3 pm. The 5.5-mile race returns to the original Redlap loop for 2026, starting and finishing at the Boat Float and heading through Dartmouth before climbing Weeke Hill and returning via Redlap Lane.

Sailing and rowing continue throughout the day, while the traditional River Parade brings a colourful variety of local boats, working vessels, yachts and visiting craft onto the Dart. The parade also incorporates the Regatta’s Steam Boat Rally and best-dressed vessel competition.

Other highlights include an RNLI search-and-rescue demonstration, the arrival of Paddle Steamer Waverley, sporting events, live music and family entertainment throughout the town.

The Regatta reaches its finale at 9 pm, when the Dartmouth Regatta fireworks illuminate the River Dart.

Sunday 30 August

Although the main Regatta finishes on Saturday night, Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week continues on Sunday 30 August, with further racing on the water.

Other Dartmouth Regatta Events

There is considerably more happening than we can sensibly include here.

The wider Regatta includes live music, family entertainment, crabbing, waiter races, barrel rolling, the trolley grand prix and numerous sporting and community events.

There is also a Regatta fair in Mayor’s Avenue, adding traditional fairground attractions to the shoreside entertainment. Mayor’s Avenue Car Park will be closed from 4 pm on Tuesday 25 August until midday on Sunday 30 August to accommodate the fair.

The Regatta Shopping Village runs along North Embankment from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 August. It brings together local and regional traders alongside food and drink stalls, opening daily from 10 am. Further details are available on the official Regatta onshore events page.

Regatta Family Film Festival

The Flavel Arts Centre hosts a free Regatta Family Film Festival from Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 August.

Screenings include Swallows and Amazons, Ocean with David Attenborough and Finding Nemo. Booking is recommended through The Flavel website, where you can also check screening times.

Are the Red Arrows at Dartmouth Regatta in 2026?

No. The Red Arrows are not displaying at Dartmouth Regatta in 2026.

The Red Arrows were associated with the Dartmouth Royal Regatta for many years, but there will be no display in 2026. The organisers say they are “no longer part of Regatta due to changes in legislation.”

Flying display requirements tightened after the Shoreham Airshow accident in 2015. Dartmouth’s steep terrain and the large numbers of people and boats around the River Dart make safely positioning an air display particularly challenging. Sadly, the Red Arrows remain much missed by many visitors and local people.

If seeing the Red Arrows is part of your August Bank Holiday plans, they are scheduled to headline the Sidmouth Regatta Airshow in Devon on Friday 28 August 2026. See our complete Sidmouth Airshow 2026 guide for the confirmed line-up, viewing locations, parking and travel advice.

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Royal Navy Guardships at Dartmouth Regatta 2026

The Royal Navy is scheduled to send three vessels to the 2026 Dartmouth Regatta.

HMS Brocklesby, a Hunt-class minehunter, will be joined by two Archer-class P2000 patrol boats. Together, they are expected to act as the Regatta guardships and provide a prominent Royal Navy presence on the River Dart.

Guardships are a longstanding Dartmouth Regatta tradition, reflecting the town’s close relationship with the Royal Navy and the presence of Britannia Royal Naval College above the river.

The attendance of naval vessels is always subject to operational commitments. We have not yet seen confirmation of public boarding arrangements, so check the official Dartmouth Regatta Facebook page for updates during Regatta Week.

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Dartmouth Regatta Fireworks 2026

The Dartmouth Regatta fireworks take place at 9 pm on Saturday 29 August 2026.

They are the traditional finale to the main Regatta and one of the biggest spectator events of the week.

The setting is difficult to beat. Dartmouth rises steeply from one side of the River Dart, with Kingswear opposite and boats filling the river between them.

The waterfront is likely to become extremely busy well before 9 pm, so choose your viewing area early rather than arriving immediately before the display.

As with any outdoor fireworks display, arrangements can be affected by weather and safety considerations.

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Watching Dartmouth Regatta From the Water

Dartmouth Regatta is fundamentally a maritime event, so one of the most interesting ways to experience it is from the River Dart itself.

Regular passenger boats and sightseeing cruises operate from Dartmouth during the summer, providing a different perspective on the town, harbour and Regatta activity. Our first-hand River Dart boat trip from Dartmouth to Totnes explains the full route and what you can see along the way.

Private cruises and charters are another possibility if you are visiting as a family or group.

Can You Watch the Dartmouth Regatta Fireworks From a Boat?

Yes. The Regatta organisers specifically mention spectators watching the Saturday night fireworks from boats on the River Dart.

At the time of writing, we haven’t found a scheduled public Dartmouth Regatta fireworks cruise for 2026, so check directly with local River Dart operators rather than assuming a dedicated cruise will be available.

• Dartmouth River Boats, part of Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company, operates scheduled River Dart cruises, including services towards Totnes. This is the main option for a conventional sightseeing cruise.
• Greenway & Dittisham Ferry Service, operated by Greenway Ferry, runs river cruises and seasonal services linking Dartmouth with Dittisham and Greenway.
• The Fizz Boat offers skippered private cruises on the River Dart and is worth contacting directly about availability for the Regatta evening.
• The Banquet Boat offers private cruises and dining trips from Dartmouth and is another operator worth asking about Regatta Saturday.
• Dartmouth Boat Hire provides self-drive boat hire from the North Embankment. This is a different proposition from a skippered fireworks cruise, and anyone considering being afloat during Regatta should check Dart Harbour restrictions and safety information first.
• Dartmouth Castle Ferry operates the short trip between Dartmouth and Dartmouth Castle. It is not a Regatta cruise, but it is an inexpensive way to get onto the river and see Dartmouth from the water.

Visiting Dartmouth Regatta by Boat

If you have your own boat, check the latest Dart Harbour Local Notices to Mariners before arriving. Dartmouth Regatta brings exceptionally heavy river traffic, and temporary navigational restrictions can be in place around individual events.

Marinas are also likely to be extremely busy during Regatta Week, with visitor berths and moorings in high demand. If you are planning to stay overnight, contact your preferred marina or check visitor mooring availability well in advance rather than relying on finding space when you arrive.

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Where to Watch Dartmouth Regatta From Shore

Dartmouth Embankment

The Embankment is the obvious place to start, particularly as many of the rowing races take place between the Lower and Higher Ferries. It runs directly beside the River Dart and offers excellent views of the action, although it is also one of the busiest parts of town.

Royal Avenue Gardens

Close by, Royal Avenue Gardens sits between the town centre and the waterfront. Its bandstand is a key focus for entertainment and the Opening Ceremony, with shops, cafés, the Boat Float and the river all within a short walk.

South Embankment and Bayard’s Cove

Walking south along the Embankment gives you a different perspective on the Dart and takes you towards historic Bayard’s Cove.

Bayard’s Cove is a good place to watch river activity, but we would also recommend continuing towards Warfleet. The route between Bayard’s Cove and Warfleet has several places where you can stop and look across the Dart, including benches overlooking the water. We particularly enjoyed this stretch when we walked it on our last visit.

Warfleet and Dartmouth Castle

Continue beyond Warfleet towards Dartmouth Castle for another excellent area from which to watch activity on the lower Dart.

There are several viewpoints as you approach the castle, with increasingly open views towards Kingswear and the mouth of the river. Dartmouth Castle itself occupies a particularly impressive position at the entrance to the Dart and is worth considering if you want to get away from the busiest parts of the town centre.

Kingswear

Don’t overlook Kingswear, which offers excellent views across the Dart towards Dartmouth. The South West Coast Path climbs towards Kingswear Castle and the river mouth, while an easier riverside path runs between the Lower and Higher Ferries alongside the railway. This mile-long path is narrow in places but provides another good viewpoint for rowing and river events.

We approached Dartmouth through Kingswear on our most recent visit and particularly enjoyed the five-minute passenger ferry crossing and views of the town.

Kingswear is also practical for visitors staying in Torbay. Buses connect it with Paignton and Brixham, while the Dartmouth Steam Railway provides an enjoyable alternative to Paignton.

Dartmouth Regatta Parking

Parking is something we would consider before travelling to the Dartmouth Regatta.

Dartmouth is compact, with steep surrounding hills and limited town-centre parking, even during an ordinary summer visit.

The official Dartmouth Regatta car park is at Coronation Park, TQ6 9RR, and is scheduled to open from 8 am to 11 pm each day during Regatta Week. Booking is available and recommended. Booking is available and recommended.

Dartmouth Park and Ride is likely to be one of the easiest options if you are driving to the Regatta, avoiding the need to find a space or negotiate temporary traffic arrangements in the town centre.

The Park and Ride is on the outskirts of Dartmouth, close to the junction of the A3122 and A379 at Townstal, near Lidl and Sainsbury’s. Use TQ6 0JL for navigation.

The dedicated Stagecoach 91 links the Park and Ride with central Dartmouth. During the peak summer period covering Regatta Week, buses are scheduled to run every 10 minutes. South Hams District Council lists a specific Dartmouth Regatta service from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 August 2026.

Additional Park and Ride buses normally operate during the busiest periods of Regatta Week, but temporary road closures may affect stops and journey times.

The normal Park and Ride service finishes during the early evening, so check your return arrangements carefully if you intend to stay for the Saturday night fireworks.

For current prices, payment information and the latest timetable, see the official Dartmouth Park and Ride information from South Hams District Council.

Personally, we would not take a car into Dartmouth during Regatta Week unless we had to. The organisers encourage visitors to arrive by public transport, ferry, or boat, and we certainly would not plan a visit around finding an ordinary town-centre parking space.

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Dartmouth Regatta Road Closures 2026

There are some important changes to the traffic arrangements for 2026.

There will be no traffic lights in Fairfax Place, while Mayor’s Avenue and The Quay remain two-way.

Vehicles will instead travel up Spithead on a temporarily reversed one-way system before continuing along South Embankment.

Smith Street and Raleigh Street remain open, while Hauley Road is unchanged.

Sections of North and South Embankment close to traffic for the Regatta shopping area, and Market Street closes from Wednesday to Saturday afternoons. Access to businesses remains available through traffic operatives.

Blue Badge parking has moved closer to the main event area and is provided on South Embankment between Spithead and Hauley Road.

The road closures also affect some bus stops. Once South Embankment closes on Monday evening, Service 90 starts and finishes at Victoria Road, near Spar. Services 91, 92, and 93 use Rue de Courcelles-sur-Mer instead.

The Marks & Spencer bus stop is not served during this period, while bus services on the Kingswear side of the Dart remain unaffected.

Check the latest arrangements before travelling and allow additional time, as temporary traffic measures may change during Regatta Week.

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Getting to Dartmouth Regatta Without a Car

Dartmouth is a particularly good destination to visit without a car, with regular bus, ferry and boat connections from the surrounding area.

There are two useful National Rail gateways: Totnes and Paignton. Both are served by Great Western Railway, while CrossCountry also provides longer-distance connections.

Totnes offers the most straightforward train and bus journey. Paignton offers a more scenic route via Kingswear, followed by a short passenger ferry crossing.

On our most recent trip in June 2026, we travelled by train to Paignton, by bus to Kingswear, and by passenger ferry into Dartmouth. We would be happy to use the same approach again during the Regatta.

Getting to Dartmouth Regatta via Totnes

Totnes is one of the most convenient National Rail stations for Dartmouth, with direct connections from Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol, as well as longer-distance services.

From Totnes, Stagecoach Services 7 and 92 provide direct buses to Dartmouth. Service 7 also provides through connections from Exeter and Newton Abbot. We travelled from Dartmouth to Totnes on Service 7 in August 2026, so it is worth checking both routes when planning your journey.

This avoids taking a car into Dartmouth and also makes Totnes worth considering as a base for accommodation during Regatta Week.

During the Regatta road closures, Service 92 uses the temporary stop at Rue de Courcelles sur Mer rather than the usual waterfront stops.

Getting to Dartmouth Regatta via Paignton and Kingswear

Paignton provides one of the most enjoyable approaches to Dartmouth.

Travel to Paignton by National Rail and continue to Kingswear on Stagecoach Service 120, or take the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton to Kingswear.

From Kingswear, cross the River Dart by passenger ferry. The crossing takes about five minutes and offers excellent views of Dartmouth as you approach.

The passenger ferry runs regularly throughout the day, with additional sailings often provided during busy Regatta periods.

During Regatta, the Dartmouth to Kingswear Passenger Ferry is scheduled to start from Dartmouth at 7.30 am Monday to Saturday and 9 am on Sunday, with advertised last crossings at 6.50 pm from Dartmouth and 6.55 pm from Kingswear. Additional passenger ferry crossings may operate later, depending on demand.

If you need to cross the Dart later in the evening, both the Higher Ferry and Lower Ferry also carry foot passengers as well as vehicles and operate much later. The Higher Ferry is scheduled to run until 10.45 pm from Dartmouth and 10.50 pm from Kingswear, while the Lower Ferry runs until 10.55 pm from Dartmouth and 10.45 pm from Kingswear.

Late Ferries Between Dartmouth and Kingswear

If you are staying for the Dartmouth Regatta fireworks, check the ferry times before deciding which side of the river to watch from.

For Dartmouth Regatta, the Higher Ferry’s published final crossings are at 10.45 pm from Dartmouth and 10.50 pm from Kingswear. The Lower Ferry runs until 10.55 pm from Dartmouth and 10.45 pm from Kingswear.

The Dartmouth to Kingswear Passenger Ferry normally finishes much earlier, with published last crossings at 6.50 pm from Dartmouth and 6.55 pm from Kingswear, although additional crossings may operate according to demand.

These later vehicle ferry times provide useful alternatives for pedestrians returning across the river after the 9 pm Saturday fireworks. However, services are likely to be exceptionally busy, and operating arrangements can change, so check the latest information directly with the ferry operators before travelling.

Staying for the Saturday Night Fireworks

Paignton is particularly worth considering if you want to remain in Dartmouth for the Saturday night fireworks.

Dartmouth Steam Railway has announced additional trains for Regatta Saturday, including a late return from Kingswear intended to give visitors time to watch the 9 pm fireworks and cross back by ferry before returning to Paignton.

If you plan to take the late steam train back to Paignton after the fireworks, we would recommend watching from the Kingswear side of the Dart. You avoid joining the large number of people trying to cross the river immediately after the display and are already on the correct side for Kingswear station.

If you watch the fireworks from Dartmouth and need to return to Kingswear afterwards, the Higher and Lower Ferries both carry foot passengers and operate late into the evening. The Higher Ferry is scheduled to leave Dartmouth until 10.45 pm, while the Lower Ferry runs from Dartmouth until 10.55 pm. The dedicated Passenger Ferry normally finishes much earlier, although additional crossings may operate according to demand. Queues are likely after the fireworks, so allow plenty of time and check the latest ferry and onward travel arrangements before setting out.

If you need to continue beyond Paignton by National Rail, check your final connection separately. The special steam railway service gets you back to Paignton, but this does not guarantee a late onward train to Torquay, Newton Abbot or elsewhere.

Where to Stay for Dartmouth Regatta

Dartmouth would be our first choice for accommodation during Regatta Week, placing you close to the waterfront, rowing and evening entertainment. Kingswear is a close second, with attractive views and a short passenger ferry journey into Dartmouth.

Hotels in Dartmouth and Kingswear can book well ahead, so compare availability and prices on Booking.com and check recent guest reviews on Tripadvisor before reserving.

Totnes

Totnes is our next choice and one of the most practical places to stay for Dartmouth Regatta. It has hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and direct trains from Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol. Regular buses continue to Dartmouth, although anyone staying for the Saturday fireworks should check the final return service.

Torbay

Paignton and Brixham offer a wider choice of accommodation and potentially better value. Both connect with Kingswear, where the passenger ferry crosses to Dartmouth.

Paignton is particularly convenient for visitors arriving by train. You can continue by bus or Dartmouth Steam Railway, with additional late railway services planned after the Saturday fireworks. See our Things to Do in Paignton guide.

Brixham combines useful bus connections with the atmosphere of a traditional fishing town. See our Things to Do in Brixham guide.

Torquay has the greatest choice of hotels and holiday accommodation in Torbay but involves a longer journey. Our Things to Do in Torbay guide covers the wider area.

For us, the choice is Dartmouth or Kingswear for the full Regatta atmosphere, Totnes for rail and bus convenience, or Paignton and Brixham for more accommodation options and potentially lower prices.

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Is Dartmouth Regatta Free?

Yes. Dartmouth Regatta itself is free to attend, although some individual competitions and activities have entry charges.

There is no conventional showground entrance. Sailing, rowing and much of the river activity can be watched from public areas, while entertainment takes place throughout the town.

The official souvenir programme costs £7 and includes the complete schedule and event timings. See the official programme information or order online through Yard Park Dartmouth.

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Make a Day of Your Dartmouth Regatta Visit

You don’t need to spend the entire visit following the Regatta programme. Alongside Brixham and Salcombe, Dartmouth is one of our favourite Devon harbour towns and easily justifies a full day.

Dartmouth occupies the steep sides of the River Dart, with Kingswear opposite and Britannia Royal Naval College overlooking the town. Ferries, boats, historic streets and waterfront walks all add to its appeal.

It isn’t the cheapest place to visit and will be exceptionally busy during Regatta, but enjoying Dartmouth need not cost a fortune. The passenger ferry to Kingswear and Dartmouth Castle Ferry are inexpensive ways to get onto the water, while plenty of places offer picnic views across the Dart.

Explore the harbour and independent shops before walking through Bayard’s Cove towards Warfleet and Dartmouth Castle. On our last visit, we took the ferry to Dartmouth Castle and walked back through Warfleet and Bayard’s Cove, a combination we would happily recommend.

Longer cruises are available, but walking, using the ferries and watching river activity can easily fill several hours.

See our Things to Do in Dartmouth guide for more first-hand recommendations.

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Dartmouth Regatta 2026 Weather Forecast

The latest Met Office forecast for Dartmouth, checked on Friday 28 August, suggests mixed conditions for the final two days of Dartmouth Regatta.

Friday should bring sunny intervals for much of the day, with temperatures reaching around 21°C. Showers become more likely during the afternoon, while winds will strengthen from around 7 to 10 mph during the morning to 15 to 17 mph during the afternoon. Gusts could reach around 34 mph at their strongest, before winds ease again during the evening.

Saturday looks more unsettled. Heavy rain is forecast during the morning, with a 95% or higher chance of rain from 5am to 7am. Showers are then likely to continue into the afternoon, although brighter intervals are forecast towards the evening.

Saturday will also be noticeably windy. Average wind speeds are forecast to increase from around 13 to 16 mph during the early morning to approximately 18 to 20 mph during the afternoon, with gusts potentially reaching around 40 mph. Winds should begin to ease during the evening, with average speeds falling to around 15 mph by the time of the 9pm fireworks. Temperatures should reach around 21°C.

Visitors should bring waterproof clothing as well as sun protection, as conditions may vary considerably through the day. An extra layer will also be useful for anyone staying beside the river for the Saturday evening entertainment and fireworks.

The stronger winds could be relevant to some of the Regatta’s activities on the water, so visitors should check for any late programme changes before travelling.

Check the BBC Weather forecast for Dartmouth or The Met Office Dartmouth forecast and ADMIRALTY EasyTide for predicted tide times.

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Is Dartmouth Regatta Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Dartmouth Regatta is steeped in tradition and remains one of the highlights of Devon’s summer calendar.

Its beautiful setting is a large part of its attraction. Events unfold on the River Dart, with the town rising from the water and Britannia Royal Naval College overlooking the scene. Rowers compete close to the waterfront, yachts fill the surrounding waters, and ferries weave between Dartmouth and Kingswear.

More than two centuries of tradition lie behind an event that still means a great deal to Dartmouth, its organisers, competitors and returning visitors.

The absence of the Red Arrows will disappoint some, but Dartmouth Regatta is fundamentally a maritime celebration rather than an airshow. Even without an interest in competitive sailing or rowing, there is plenty to enjoy around the town.

The trade-off is that Dartmouth becomes exceptionally busy. If you prefer the town at its quietest, this is not the week to visit. However, if you enjoy boats, maritime tradition and a lively atmosphere, we think the Regatta is well worth experiencing.

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Our Verdict

The Dartmouth Regatta 2026 programme is too extensive to see everything. Choose a few priorities, such as the Opening Ceremony, rowing, River Parade, Kon-Tiki Raft Race or Saturday fireworks, while leaving time to enjoy Dartmouth and the River Dart.

Our main practical recommendation is to decide how you are getting there before the day. Parking is limited, and Regatta Week brings road closures and thousands of additional visitors.

Fortunately, Dartmouth is easy to visit without a car. Totnes offers a straightforward train and bus journey, while Paignton provides the more scenic route via Kingswear by bus or Dartmouth Steam Railway, followed by the passenger ferry.

Additional late steam trains are planned from Kingswear after the Saturday fireworks. We would consider watching from the Kingswear side to avoid the rush to cross the river afterwards.

For accommodation, Dartmouth or Kingswear puts you closest to the celebrations. Totnes is a convenient alternative, while Paignton and Brixham offer more choice and potentially better value.

Whichever route you choose, allow plenty of time. During Regatta Week, the journey along the Dart can become part of the experience.

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Although we make every effort to keep this independent guide up to date, event timings, river activities, visiting vessels, road closures, parking and public transport arrangements may change at short notice. Events can also be affected by weather, tides and operational requirements. We recommend checking the official Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta website and social media pages before travelling.

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Helpful Links for the Dartmouth Regatta 2026

These trusted resources can help you plan and book your trip, from transport and accommodation to weather and local information.

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpacker connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars– to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, and ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

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