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Norton Park in Dartmouth is an intriguing destination that, like many chalet parks, is very much for those in the know. However, more and more people who want to visit the historic town of Dartmouth and the beautiful South Hams are opting for this little-known idyllic destination that delivers outstanding value for money. The chalets can be hit and miss but this complete guide to Norton Park will provide everything you need to know about this great holiday and short-stay destination for Dartmouth!
About Norton Park, Dartmouth
Norton Park is Dartmouth’s leading holiday park, located just minutes by car or bus from the sailing and marinas of the ancient estuary town. It offers comfortable, classic chalet accommodation, in well-maintained parkland, provided by a variety of owners with the opportunity for short and longer-term stays all year round. Here are the key details for Norton Park:
- Privately enclosed estate with hedges and trees for privacy
- Concrete paths and steps for access to chalets
- 4 areas for parking
- 267 one and two-bedroom chalets
- Pound-coin operated metered electricity
- 7.6 hectares (18 acres)
- Rural setting
- No onsite entertainment
- No onsite shop
- Views towards Old Mill Creek and Start Bay
- Minutes from the River Dart
The history of Norton Park
The Norton Park chalets were built in the 1970s on the remains of a country estate. A statue from the original estate remains in the main car park. In 1969 the owners of Norton Park caused local intrigue with the erection of a controversial large wooden arch on the main road, which eventually blew down a year later.
Where is Norton Park?
It all depends where you are heading in from, but Norton Park is very easy to get to. It is on the Norton Bends of the A3122, the main road into Dartmouth. To orient yourself, Norton Park is about 30 miles east of Plymouth and 40 miles southwest of Exeter. If you are localish, Totnes is a mere 10 miles away.
Norton Park, Dartmouth address
For your SatNav: Norton Park, Dartmouth TQ6 0NH
Norton Park, Devon map
Getting into Norton Park
By car: Norton Park is on your left-hand side as you drive on the A3122 westward towards Dartmouth Town Centre.
On foot/public transport: Don’t be put off from visiting Norton Park if you aren’t driving as it is one of the most accessible and well-connected chalet parks for public transport. Get the train to Totnes and hop onto the Number 92 bus that runs from Totnes to Dartmouth (amazing views on this journey). The Number 92 stops right outside the entrance of Norton Park. Here is the 92 bus timetable from Stagecoach (keep a copy).
Getting to Dartmouth Town Centre from Norton Park
Dartmouth is 1.5 miles away and easy to get to. Use Norton Park as your springboard to the glorious South Hams.
By car: Just continue down the A3122. There is a park and ride area before you enter the town and you can jump on a shuttle bus into the town centre. Like most coastal locations, parking is going to be dicey in town.
On foot: Chill at the entrance of the park and the 92 will come right to you. As I recall it turns up every one to two hours.
Norton Park is also:
- A mile west of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- 4.1 miles from Old Mill Creek
- 2.5 miles from the sandy beaches of Blackpool Sands
- 15 miles southwest of Dartmoor National Park
Easy shopping options for Norton Park Chalets
This place can feel like the middle of nowhere, but it is very well connected. Don’t bother stocking up on your self-catering bits and bobs and hauling them down with you, you have great supermarkets a few minutes drive or a couple of bus stops (No. 92 again) away:
- Sainsbury’s: Nelson Rd, Dartmouth TQ6 9AH – the 92 bus stops right outside, just ask the driver. If you are driving, you can get petrol here.
- Lidl: Townstal Rd, Dartmouth TQ6 9LW – it is almost directly across the road from Sainsbury’s.
Norton Park activities
If you like peace and quiet Norton Park is for you as you have no entertainment, mascots or restaurants on site. Explore the acres of peaceful parklands and play hide and seek among the rows of chalets. Other great activities that are perfect for the lawned areas of this site include:
- Golf games
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Water games
If you want to go for a swim, Dartmouth Leisure Centre is just next to Lidl. Here is a great family memoir of a Norton Park holiday!
Get post at Norton Park
If you need anything delivered, Norton Park does receive post so you can get your Amazon Prime goodies delivered to your chalet door!
Where to stay in Norton Park
I have stayed with my family in Norton Park and found it to be one of the best caravan/chalet parks in South Devon. It is the best value self-catering choice for Dartmouth and you won’t miss anything being just outside of town. Many of the chalets are privately owned for holiday use or long-term occupation, but you have a great selection of dog-free Dartmouth chalets or dog-friendly chalets in Dartmouth.
Chalets typically consist of:
- One or two bedrooms
- A toilet/shower
- Kitchenette
- Windowed open-plan living area
Everything inside is electric and runs off a £1 meter. You will need to get yourself a bag or two of pound coins. If it’s warm and you are out and about a £10 should see you through the week. The only downside is the lack of laundry facilities – you will have to trek to Dartmouth for a launderette. A chalet with a washing machine is great for young families.
The chalets vary in standard and many are becoming “luxury” accommodations. Having stayed in a newly renovated chalet run by Norton Park Chalets, I can attest to the quality of accommodation cleanliness, and comfort provided.
Book recommended chalets at Norton Park for your next holiday!
Norton Park is an amazing escape for singles, couples, and families with rambunctious pets! A stay at this beautiful Devon chalet park is perfect for exploring the very best of South Devon. There are multiple chalet formats including single, twin terraced, and detached chalets in Norton Park you can choose from with extremely competitive pricing for its prime Dartmouth location.
Here are some recommended chalets that are available for booking today:
Get latest prices for Beachcomber, Norton Park Chalets, Dartmouth Devon
Beachcomber is a quiet retreat, Wi-Fi free, and nestled in a more private end-of-terrace location. Ideal for couples, or older guests, the chalet is beautifully appointed and has all the modern appliances including a washing machine.
If you have a large party, you can book this chalet and the partner chalet The Sail Loft together for extra capacity! This makes Beachcomber perfect for sailing or diving trips off the South Devon coast.
| Property type | End of terrace chalet |
| Average price per night | £50 to £110 |
| Bond | £100 |
| Check-in | 4 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Number of guests allowed | 4 |
| Children welcome? | Yes |
| Pets welcome? | Yes – one well-behaved dog |
| Wheelchair access | No. Step to entrance |
| Number of bedrooms | 2 – 1 double bed and a twin |
| Number of bathrooms | 1 – shower |
| Number of floors | Ground floor |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | No |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Heating and hot water | Electric central heating and hot water Panel heaters in bedrooms |
| Tumble dryer | No |
| Hair dryer | ? |
| TV | Yes (3) |
| Games/puzzles | ? |
| Hospitality basket? | ? |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Cot | No |
| Garden | Park grounds |
| BBQ | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | On-site car park with allocated place |
| Distance from ferry landing | 2.8 miles |
| Nearest beach | Blackpool Sands (4 miles) |
| Nearest supermarket | Sainsburys Townstal Rd |
| Nearest takeaway | Tsangs Chinese Restaurant |
| Winter lets / Short lets? | ? |
Get latest prices for Dartview, Norton Park Chalets, Dartmouth Devon
Dartview is a delightful terraced chalet that has quiet countryside views. Great if you want a stay on a quieter side of the park. You’ll enjoy the comfortable sofa and bedding, staying warm with electric central heating inclusive of your rate. One of the best things about this chalet is the washing machine which will come in handy if you book a longer stay!
| Property type | Terraced chalet |
| Average price per night | £50 to £110 |
| Bond | £250 |
| Check-in | 4 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Number of guests allowed | 4 |
| Children welcome? | Yes |
| Pets welcome? | No |
| Wheelchair access | ? |
| Number of bedrooms | 2 – 1 double bed and 1 twin (2 beds) |
| Number of bathrooms | 1 – shower |
| Number of floors | Ground floor |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | No |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Heating and hot water | Electric central heating and hot water Panel heaters in bedrooms |
| Tumble dryer | No |
| Hair dryer | ? |
| TV | Yes (3) |
| Games/puzzles | ? |
| Hospitality basket? | ? |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Garden | Small patio and seating outside chalet |
| BBQ | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | On-site car park with allocated place |
| Distance from ferry landing | 2.8 miles |
| Nearest beach | Blackpool Sands (4 miles) |
| Nearest supermarket | Lidl Townstal Rd |
| Nearest takeaway | Tsangs Chinese Restaurant |
| Winter lets / Short lets? | ? |
Get latest prices for 201 Norton Park Chalets, Dartmouth Devon
This detached chalet comes with cozy gas central heating, making it an ideal choice for any time of year. After a slap-up meal cooked in the fitted kitchen, you can slam everything in the dishwasher. Utilities are included, so you won’t need to hunt around for £1 coins.
| Property type | Detached chalet |
| Average price per night | £45 to £90 |
| Bond | £200 |
| Check-in | 4 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Number of guests allowed | 5 |
| Children welcome? | Yes |
| Pets welcome? | Yes – 1 dog |
| Wheelchair access | ? |
| Number of bedrooms | 2 – 1 double bed and 1 triple bunk |
| Number of bathrooms | 1 – shower |
| Number of floors | Ground floor |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | No |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Washing machine | No |
| Heating and hot water | Electric central heating and hot water Panel heaters in bedrooms |
| Tumble dryer | No |
| Hair dryer | ? |
| TV | Yes (3) |
| Games/puzzles | ? |
| Hospitality basket? | Yes – flowers, milk, cream, tea and coffee |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Garden | Small patio and seating |
| BBQ | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | On-site car park |
| Distance from ferry landing | 2.8 miles |
| Nearest beach | Blackpool Sands (4 miles) |
| Nearest supermarket | Sainsburys Townstal Rd |
| Nearest fish and chips | Rockfish Dartmouth |
| Winter lets / Short lets? | ? |
Get latest prices for The Hut, Norton Park Chalets, Dartmouth Devon
This tasetfully decorated chalet occupies a more secluded end-of-terrace sport in Norton Park. It offers comfortable open-plan living and has a washing machine so you won’t need to schlep to town if you need to refresh your wardrobe!
| Property type | Semi-detached chalet |
| Average price per night | £45 to £90 |
| Bond | £200 |
| Check-in | 4 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Number of guests allowed | 4 |
| Children welcome? | Yes |
| Pets welcome? | No |
| Wheelchair access | ? |
| Number of bedrooms | 2 – 1 double bed and 1 twin |
| Number of bathrooms | 1 – shower |
| Number of floors | Ground floor |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | No |
| Dishwasher | No |
| Washing machine | No |
| Heating and hot water | Electric |
| Tumble dryer | No |
| Hair dryer | ? |
| TV | Yes (3) |
| Games/puzzles | ? |
| Hospitality basket? | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Cot | No |
| Garden | Small patio and seating |
| BBQ | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | On-site car park |
| Distance from ferry landing | 2.8 miles |
| Nearest beach | Blackpool Sands (4 miles) |
| Nearest supermarket | Lidl Townstal Rd |
| Nearest Indian takeaway | Spice Merchant |
| Winter lets / Short lets? | ? |
Once you have arrived at your chalet, it’s well worth jotting down a few telephone numbers for chalets you like the look of when you’re on-site. Chalet owners often display the telephone numbers of chalets that are for hire in the windows of their properties.
Short lets in Norton Park, Dartmouth
Visitors to Dartmouth who need an extended stay for relocation, business, or work may be able to secure longer stays. Devon Chalet Holidays may be a good point of contact for enquires about corporate or contractor accommodation.
Buying and selling chalets at Norton Park
There is an on-the-ground agent Norton Park Property or a local estate agent, Freeborns also handles sales.
My 2023 review of Norton Park Chalets, Dartmouth, Devon
Slowly, slowly Norton Park is shaking off the cobwebs and becoming an important hub for seaside holidays in England’s Southwest, providing a decent alternative to Torbay for families. If you are looking for a relaxed Dartmouth location with great breaks and the parkland for the children to roam when you need a day to stay in, this is your destination.
Owners are exchanging contracts on the remaining tired, old chalets and upgrading them. Only the most unscrupulous owners (of which there is one) will have you searching the town for old £1 coins for the meter. I enjoy £1 meters as part of the holiday experience. Our family always remembers to bring £20 in coins, and the change get divvied up for coin machines in Paignton on the way home! If you are worried about your shower cutting out halfway through, book a chalet with electricity included in the cost.
On a serious note, my family has been stung by a rogue trader on site, who the management are in the process of taking action against. They often post on gumtree offering great deals. Always book with a reputable company like the ones mentioned in this article.
8 things we love about Norton Park, Devon
- The views of green and luscious rolling Devon Hills with a hint of the sea!
- Cream teas and barbecues on the patio outside our chalet
- Hide and Seek on site
- Climbing trees on site
- Friendly neighbours and locals
- Blackberries in the late summer
- Peace and quiet
- Lower prices (especially off-peak)
Dart Mart Devon 