Mayflower Heritage Trail

Dartmouth’s Mayflower Heritage Trail tells a local story, and the town’s relationship with the voyage undertaken by the Pilgrims. The Town Trail paints a picture of 17thC Dartmouth, as it was when the Pilgrims sailed into the harbour in 1620. Dartmouth’s Trail is linked to the National Mayflower Trail that charts the story of the Pilgrims from their birthplaces to their settlement in the New World.

You can download the Mayflower Self-Guided Tours app, an innovative and informative free app that provides users with free, easy to follow self-guided tours of the UK towns, cities and villages connected to the Mayflower, including the Dartmouth’s Mayflower Heritage Trail.

Some fun for our younger visitors: download our Children’s Quiz and Activity Booklet

Dartmouth’s Mayflower Heritage Trail consists of three linking sections; leaflets are available from the Visitor Centre and Museum, as well as other outlets in the town.

1) The Town Trail Download Map HERE

The trail paints a colourful picture of 17thC Dartmouth, and leads visitors around the town’s historic streets and points of interest: The Museum, Pillory Square, The Butterwalk (1635), St. Saviours Church (1372), Bayards Cove Inn (14^th century), Bayards Cove Fort (1510) and Bayards Cove (1539), one of the old quays with some ancient buildings. By tradition, the Mayflower and Speedwell were moored in the river near here in 1620.

Interpretation panels at key points along the trail refer to events in Dartmouth’s rich history. These include, in addition to the Mayflower Story, the departure of ships for the 2nd and 3rd Crusades, the wine trade with Bordeaux, the Triangular Cod Trade with Newfoundland, the Armada, the Civil War, the Flavel non-conformists, and Thomas Newcomen’s invention of the steam engine.

2) The Packhorse Trail links Townstal – the original settlement – with the port, beginning at the Park and Ride, the first point of interest is Deadman’s Cross. Visit St Clements Church (14^th century & the ‘Mother Church’), and walk down one of the ancient packhorse routes – with many interesting historic buildings along the route.

Download Map HERE

3) The Castle Trail takes visitors from Bayards Cove to Dartmouth Castle (1488), St Petrox Church (1641) and the Civil War fieldworks on Gallant’s Bower (1642).

It is also possible to explore the River Dart on one of the river boats to take in the historic seafaring locations and the Raleigh and Gilbert estates.

Download Map HERE