Features
If I had to pick just one place to go crabbing in Devon with the kids, Dittisham might just be the one. Tucked away on the River Dart, it’s peaceful, properly beautiful, and absolutely perfect for a few hours of crabbing with a bucket and a bacon-loaded line. It’s got a lot more liad back vibe than some of the peirs and more popualr spots across the Devon & Cornwall coasts.
The crabbing at Dittisham
The crabbing here is all about the big pontoon that juts out into the Dart. It’s sturdy, easy to access (though there is a slope), and offers deep water where the crabs seem to love hanging out. We’ve had some of our best hauls here — loads of energetic little crabs that kept the kids busy for ages.
What I love most is that it’s quieter than some of the more touristy spots. There’s plenty of space to set up and enjoy the river views while waiting for a nibble. It’s crabbing at its most relaxing.
Where to get bait and gear
There’s no dedicated crabbing shop here, but the Anchorstone Café and Ferry Boat Inn are right by the water and sometimes stock bait or basic gear — worth asking if you’re caught short. Otherwise, we usually bring our own: simple hand lines, a bucket, and some smelly bait (raw bacon or fish heads always do the trick!).
Parking
Parking at Dittisham is easy enough — you’ll want to use The Ham Car Park, which is right next to the quay. It’s pay-and-display and just a short flat walk to the crabbing pontoon. On a sunny day it can get busy, but it’s usually not too hectic. (GOOGLE MAPS CAR PARK LINK – Here )
Nearby food & facilities
There’s a small toilet block at The Ham, which is super handy for families. Right nearby are two cracking places to eat:
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The Anchorstone Café is great for seafood or a riverside coffee.
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The Ferry Boat Inn is a classic pub grub and a nice beer garden – you cannot miss it as you can see below!
You could easily turn a short crabbing trip into a half-day visit with lunch and a stroll.
Safety & vibe
The pontoon has a low rail on one side and a gentle slope down to the water. It’s fine for older kids, but I always keep a close eye on my youngest — it’s deep water and crabs can be distracting! This is the case with most spots other than on piers. Usually the kids all sit on the edge with their feet dangling over – I’ve never seen anyone fall in!
Not ideal for pushchairs or wheelchairs due to the ramp, but it’s manageable if you’re steady on your feet.
Final thoughts
Dittisham has that “secret spot” feel, even though it’s not far from Dartmouth. The setting is peaceful, the crabbing is brilliant, and there’s just enough nearby to keep everyone happy. We always leave with a few crabby friends (released safely!) and a couple of ice cream-sticky smiles.
Definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring the River Dart area.