Premier Marinas has expanded its network with the acquisition of the Dart Marina Group in Devon, England. The group adds a marina, hotel and ferry service as the company continues to grow along the South Coast, supported by its long-term owner, Wellcome.

Based in Dartmouth, the business operates on a waterfront site along the River Dart. The marina offers over 100 berths for vessels between five and 20 metres, with walk-ashore access and full services. The site also includes a restaurant, a fitness centre and an event space. 

Pete Bradshaw, chief executive of Premier Marinas, said: “The Dart Marina Group is an already successful and highly respected collection of businesses, with a fantastic team and a strong identity of its own. Our intention is not to change what makes it special, but to support and build on it for the long term. We are particularly pleased to be welcoming the Dart Marina Group team into the wider Premier Marinas group, and we look forward to working together to continue delivering the high standards customers expect.”

The site was used as a shipyard in the late 19th century under the ownership of George Philip, with operations also based at the Noss site. In 1958, shipbuilding activities moved to Noss, and the area was redeveloped as a marina under a separate company.

A hotel opened at the site three years later with 19 rooms and expanded under new ownership. In 1994, Richard Seton acquired the business and invested £1.5 million (then worth around $2.3 million USD) to refurbish and expand it to 50 bedrooms. Further development in the early 2000s added new homes and updated the marina and leisure facilities.

Bradshaw added: “We would like to recognise the significant contribution made by the previous owner, Richard Seton, and his team in building Dart Marina into the successful business it is today. Their work has created a strong foundation, and we are committed to respecting that as we look to the future.”

Premier Marinas said its immediate focus is to maintain operations for customers and stakeholders while reviewing opportunities for the site over time.

The acquisition follows Premier Marinas’ purchase of boatfolk in September 2025, which expanded its network to 22 locations across the United Kingdom.

Since then, Haslar Marina in Gosport, East Cowes Marina on the Isle of Wight, and Weymouth and Portland marinas in Dorset have all transitioned into the Premier Marinas network.

Images from Premier Marinas.