Bayard's Cove Fort

This Tudor fort, built by the borough of Dartmouth between 1522 and 1536, contained heavy guns to protect the prosperous harbour town from attack. It was the last line of defence against enemy ships that had eluded Dartmouth and Kingswear castles and the iron chain stretched across the Dart estuary between them.

Occupying a terrace cut from the rocky river bank, Bayard’s Cove Fort is picturesquely sited at the entrance to Dartmouth harbour.

Access: The fort is approximately 50 metres from the road via the South-West coast path, either down steps from Southtown (B3205) or Bayard's Cove Road. It can only be reached on foot.

Opening times: Open daily all year round during day light hours.