Category: Blog

The Dart and Totnes – Bridges and Bridgetown

Flowing from two sources on Dartmoor, down to the sea at Dartmouth, Totnes is an important stop along the River Dart situated between the moors and the river's mouth. The town offers an excellent jumping off point for exploration of the river whether by foot, boat or canoe, and is the point where it becomes tidal. Even for those who just want to admire the river without getting their feet wet there are many ways to enjoy the Dart, and many things Totnes has to thank the river for – and the two bridges crossing it. Bridges and Bridgetown Totnes Bridge has the honour of being the last bridge to cross the Dart before it reaches open sea, as plans to build a railway bridge across the river mouth from Kingswear to Dartmouth in the late 1900s never came to fruition. There have been multiple bridges across the river in Totnes beginning with a river ford and evolving to the familiar stone bridge today. It was once a toll bridge that separated Bridgetown from Totnes until it was opened up on October 31st 1881 for everyone to cross. A second bridge was built in 1982 and although less picturesque than the older bridge was necessary for the increasing amounts of traffic passing through Totnes and across the Dart. It is named the Brutus Bridge after the legendary founder of the town. Whichever side of the bridge you're on there are many places to enjoy the river from. Vire Island is worth a visit for anyone looking for a nice spot to enjoy a picnic. Although not a proper island the 400m peninsula is named after the French town Totnes is twinned with (not Narnia) and is the perfect spot for contemplating the river from in the summer. And there are plenty of restaurants  and cafes to eat or enjoy a drink in, high tide or low, rain or shine.

Creating memories that last a lifetime

For a fun and memorable experience that you can take away with you, China Blue’s Ceramic Studio has been designed with you in mind. The largest of its kind in the South West, Paint Your Own offers a fantastic range of pottery for the whole family to decorate. Simply pop in, choose your ceramic, and get painting!

There are three children, one boy and two girls. She raises her hand.


The wide range of activities that we offer include:

Pottery painting – Simply pop in, choose your ceramic and get painting! We will then glaze your masterpiece ready for collection in person or to be sent straight to your address.
Paint & Go – Don’t want to wait to have your finished piece? Decorate your chosen ceramic with poster paints and you can take it away with you  the very same day! (Please note: these ceramics arenot food safe or waterproof).
Hand and foot casts – Looking for a special memento of your little one? We can help you create a unique hand or foot cast to treasure forever.
• Pot throwing – If you like the idea of making something from scratch, our friendly and helpful staff offer pot throwing sessions, which are also available as a gift voucher.
• Parties and events – we can accommodate birthday parties, hen/stag do’s, school visits, creative workshops and team building events with a private studio and WiFi.

To find out more or to book an event, call us on 01803 860908 or email [email protected]


The fun doesn’t end once you’ve finished your masterpiece. Browse China Blue’s lifestyle store for a great selection of fun and contemporary gifts from exclusive brands, including:
• Tableware and decorations
• Lights and lamps
• Vases and glassware
• Soft furnishing
• Beauty and toiletries
• Food and drink

All that creativity and shopping can be tiring, so why not take a break in China Blue’s tempting café? Delicious savouries and sweets are freshly made daily, perfect with a cup of tea or freshly brewed bespoke coffee. Relax indoors or outside in our lavish patio area, perfect for those warm summer days.

Just some of the treats available include:
• Cooked breakfasts
• Brunches
• Croissants, cakes and cream teas
• Jacket potatoes
• Ciabattas and sandwiches
• Soups and salads
• Pastries, quiches and pies

We also have a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options available.

For more information, call us on 01803 860906 or email [email protected]


Five Brilliant Bookshops You’ll Love In Totnes

We celebrate Independent Bookshop Week (17-24 June 2023) with our guide to Totnes’ FIVE brilliant independent bookshops.  From the thrill of brand new, never-opened pages to that familiar scent of a pre-loved classic, come to browse the shelves. You'll find your next literary love with our pick of bookshops in Totnes Devon. 

shop image
The Eastgate Bookshop drawn by local illustrator Hennie Haworth

The East Gate Bookshop

Wander up Fore Street towards the iconic East Gate Arch to find the award-winning East Gate Bookshop.  The husband-and-wife team behind this fully independent literary emporium have over thirty years’ experience in the book trade between them.  Catering to all readers, you can find everything from best sellers (including signed copies) to books by local authors. There’s a strong focus on books regarding the natural world. From nature writing to identification guides and books concerning environmental issues.

Owner Nigel adds: “Recently we have expanded our children’s range and expanded our fiction section by moving it upstairs into our lovely mezzanine. We aim to create an inviting space, where people feel welcome and comfortable spending quality time browsing our comprehensive range of books.”


dart
Dartington Trust Books

Dartington Trust Books

On the corner of the Market Square, you’ll find Dartington Trust Books with its fabulous choice of books for all ages as well as other beautifully curated gifts. 

You’ll find a strong emphasis on the arts, ecology and social justice within the pages on the shelves. Manager Graeme Estry explains: “We aim to reflect and articulate the ethos of the Trust, which is a progressive and practical synthesis of arts, ecology, social justice and learning. In line with the history of Dartington, we champion committed, independent and experimental thought, with a focus ranging from the local to the international.”


ArcturusBookshop
World-renowned Arcturus Books

Arcturus Books

Arcturus Books has been a consistent and inspiring presence in Totnes for over 30 years. Nicknamed ‘Self-Help Central’, Arcturus Books aims to be ‘deliberately different’, specialising in books that support the soul.  Owner Meg Sims explains: “Although we do stock the bestsellers, we aim to cater for the reader who is looking for something that little bit different. At Arcturus, you will find an ever-changing collection of books on all genres. From psychology to self-development, spirituality to health and nutrition, the environment to history and many more in between.  We also hold an extensive range of books on Wicca, Pagan and Magic, as well as a stock of sage and incense. Beyond books, we also offer a unique selection of tarot and oracle cards. These vary from beginner’s sets to those seeking more variety and inspiration for your readings.”

Run by Meg and Will, you’ll find Arcturus at the junction between Fore Street and Station Road.


Castle Bookshop
Castle Bookshop

Castle Bookshop

Take a step away from the High Street to find the delightful Castle Books. Located on Castle Street in the shadow of Totnes’ fabulous Norman motte and bailey castle, this gem of a second-hand bookshop is the place to head if you love old books.  Inside, you will find a wonderful selection of everything from children’s books and classics to rare and out-of-print books. Volunteer Gill added: "Castle Books is a community bookshop. Run by volunteers with a love of all things literary, the shop sells (and buys) pre-loved books. The window is always a delight and highly topical, and the shop itself is full of surprises. Don’t miss it!"


Oxfam
Oxfam Books

Oxfam Books

Finally, in your hunt for the best bookshops in Totnes Devon, don't miss Oxfam Books and Music. You'll find this dedicated store located on The Narrows, towards the top end of the town. The books on offer range from current-day Top 10 bestsellers to the rare and antiquarian. You never quite know what you’ll find!  What you can be sure of is that you’ll get a great deal, make a sustainable choice, and help support charity in one go with every purchase.

Melinda from Oxfam Bookshop added: "The Oxfam Book Shop is a treasure trove for books on almost any topic. Opened in 2005, the shop is supplied with donations from the local community, and supported by a team of book loving volunteers. It's a great place to pick up a good novel, or search for something unusual or antiquarian. Most popular with customers are the Literature, Arts and Mind, Body Spirit sections, but we stock everything from plays to politics, cooking to crafts and much much more."


Find out more

To find out more about getting to Totnes and other nearby places to visit and where to eat, go to www.visittotnes.co.uk

Dartington Book
Dartington Trust Books is next to the Market Square

Local Heroes of Totnes

In addition to inspiring a few modern musicians Totnes has had its fair share of historic success stories. Whether it's the early exploration of Australia, or a connection to the inventor of the computer, the town has been home to important pioneers in their field. Below are four famous local heroes who have either lived in or were born in Totnes. William John Wills Visitors to the town may notice the Monolith that stands at the bottom of Fore Street. This is a monument to the explorer William John Wills, born in Totnes, the son of a local doctor. In 1861 he was part of an expedition that became the first to reach the Gulf of Carpentaria and cross Australia from North to South. Mary Wesley Although she wasn't born in Totnes the famous novelist Mary Wesley did call it her home, and while living in Totnes wrote ten bestsellers. During her lifetime she sold over three million copies of her books in total. Charles Babbage Although it's debatable whether Babbage was born in Totnes the farther of modern computing is definitely linked to the town. Not only was his Grandfather Benjamin Babbage the mayor of Totnes in 1754 but Babbage attended the King Edward VI Grammar school as well. Dorothy Elmhirst Last but not least Dorothy Elmhirst will be remembered for co-founding the Dartington Hall project with her husband Leonard. After buying the hall in 1925 the Elmhirsts set about restoring the place and turned it into a project that promoted progressive education and rural reconstruction. As Totnes continues to be an inspiring place for artists, musicians, and innovators who knows what the future might hold for those born or living in the town today. Visitors can find out more about these local heroes by visiting Totnes museum, taking a stroll out to Dartington Hall or just walking around town.

Enjoying Dartmoor without a car

Car(e) free Dartmoor

Visitors to south Devon, particularly those from Europe, are frequently taken aback at the lack of public transport into and around the beautiful Dartmoor National Park. Even if you’re staying in one of the so-called “gateway” towns like Ashburton or Bovey Tracey, it’s not possible to get up to the moor without hiring a taxi or walking for miles on roads before you get to proper moorland scenery. But there are ways for visitors to Totnes to enjoy Dartmoor without a car. Here’s a few of them:

From Totnes you can get the excellent Stagecoach Gold bus to Ivybridge or South Brent (runs every half hour and even hourly on a Sunday). From both of these towns the walks onto the moor are on footpaths -- and if you’re a confident walker able to read a map and compass you can walk from one to the other via some fabulous Dartmoor scenery.

Ivybridge lies on the lovely river Erme and you can follow the river upstream from the town centre through beautiful woodland, then cut across to the picturesque hamlet of Harford and onto the open moor at Harford Moor Gate. The energetic can walk from here all the way to Piles Copse, one of the three areas of ancient woodland on Dartmoor and an idyllic spot for a picnic. The Two Moors Way runs along the ridge above, and you can follow it back into town passing prehistoric stone rows and with magnificent moorland views.

In South Brent you can follow footpaths up the equally lovely river Avon valley, via Lutton and Didworthy, then walk up the bridlepath to Corringdon Ball and the Glazebrook valley where there are many prehistoric remains and great high moor scenery. Return on footpaths via Aishridge and Aish.

On Saturdays between May and September, you can take advantage of the Haytor Hoppa which drives across the moor taking in sights such as Hay Tor, Widecombe and Hound Tor. Take the train to Newton Abbot and pick the bus up there. You can hop off at one place and hop on again at another, thus enjoying a linear walk or two, and eventually returning to Newton Abbot train station. There are four buses and day and the timetable can be found here.

If you’re used to camping and carrying your own equipment, you can take advantage of the fact that Dartmoor is the only national park in the country that allows wild camping. Take a small tent and pitch it at least 100m from a road or house and the moor is your oyster (with the exception of a few areas – see link below). You can walk from Ivybridge to Okehampton or follow the Two Moors Way from Ivybridge on a more easterly route, finishing somewhere like Chagford. It goes without saying that you need a compass, a map and the ability to navigate before you venture out onto these high moorland routes! Information on wild camping can be found here. Buses can take you from Okehampton or Chagford back to Exeter and from there by train back to Totnes.

If you’re not comfortable with negotiating your own route or you’d like the benefit of a guide who can introduce you to the hidden delights and history of Dartmoor, contact Dartmoor Walks and Rides This Way. Based in Ashburton, which is served by the regular 88 bus from Totnes, I can meet you at the bus stop and take you for a half-day or full-day exploration of the moor either on foot or on an electric bike. But I’m afraid the 88 bus doesn’t run on Sundays…..

4 people on bicycles

Discover the Dart

The River Dart is a stunning waterway winding for 47 miles from the heart of Dartmoor to its magnificent estuary in Dartmouth. This gem of South Devon offers a choice of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and the chance to have fun, making it the ideal destination for a couple of days or more. Set halfway between moor and sea, you'll find the thriving town of Totnes. Whether you want to enjoy River Dart walks, get out on the water, enjoy the best local food, or discover how the river has given Totnes a rich history, read on to find out more about Totnes, nearby Dartmouth, and to truly Discover the Dart.

Discover the Dart Illustrated Map PNG 700x587 2
Discover the Dart

River Dart walks in Totnes

Amble by riverside meadows and salt marshes to enjoy beautiful views of wildlife and the countryside as you discover the Dart. The paths to Dartington and at Longmarsh are accessible for all. You'll have a choice of cafes back in Totnes to treat yourself to coffee and cake afterwards!

walking view of River Dart
View of the River Dart from the path at Sharpham

Find maps and directions for a choice of walks along the River Dart in Totnes here.

Discover Dartmouth

Quaint Dartmouth is situated on the banks of the picturesque River Dart. It’s the perfect year round destination for a day visit. You can easily get to Dartmouth from Totnes by the Stagecoach number 92 bus, which runs regularly and takes around 30 minutes.  Check timetables here.

Alternatively, enjoy the 45-minute boat trip along the beautiful River Dart when you catch the River Boat that leaves from Steamer Quay, Totnes.  Boat times vary depending on the tides, so check and book first.  Along the way you may be lucky to spot wildlife and will get a wonderful view of Agatha Christie's Greenway House and the Royal Britannia Naval College from the water.  It’s also possible to buy a ‘Round Robin’ ticket for a circular trip by boat, train and bus.

DEx river boat at Totnes 5
The Dart Explorer in Totnes

With numerous festivals and events taking place in Dartmouth throughout the year and a rich maritime heritage, there is always something happening in this vibrant harbour town. Find out more about Dartmouth.

Paddleboard or kayak on the River Dart

Do you want to paddleboard or kayak on the River Dart in Totnes? With fabulous wildlife to spot and stunning views, getting out on the water is a truly memorable experience.

USE paddle boarding no leash
Paddle boarding on the River Dart near Totnes

Discover the Dart: Totnes to Stoke Gabriel Paddle Trail

The River Dart in Totnes is a beautiful spot to paddleboard or kayak. However, because of the tidal pull, exploring the River Dart below the weir in Totnes does require a little pre-planning.

For advice on where to launch and how to enjoy the river safely, take a look at Dart Harbour Authority’s Paddle Trail from Totnes to Stoke Gabriel.
One of the best places to launch is at Longmarsh, Totnes. There’s a car park here and an easy to access slipway. Find Longmarsh car park at the bottom left corner of the town map.

Bring your own SUP or kayak or hire one from Totnes Kayaks or Paddle DevonCanoe Adventures also runs adventure canoe trips (often incorporating a paddle to a pub). These are suitable for everyone, including family groups.

If you’re looking for a coastal kayak adventure, get out on the water with Sea Kayak Devon. Join them to explore rocky coves and hidden spots along South Devon’s stunning shoreline where the River Dart meets the sea.

Kayak Sharpham Boathouse
Kayaking near Sharpham Boathouse

Historic Totnes

Meander along the streets to admire the town’s historic buildings in the shadow of the town’s majestic Norman motte and bailey castle. At the free to visit Totnes Guildhall you can see the original cells where, until 1887, prisoners awaited trial and punishment. Totnes Museum is a treasure trove that’s not to be missed. The medieval Dartington Hall and Gardens is a pleasant walk from the town centre. 

Castle sunset
Totnes Castle sunset

Food, drink, and shopping in Totnes

If you like to shop, you’ll love the treasures on offer in the independent stores lining Totnes’ thriving high street. There’s a strong emphasis on local and handmade goods, with everything from fashion to fudge ready to tempt you. On Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, the market square buzzes with over 50 stalls. These sell an eclectic mix of vintage collectibles, food, and crafts.

street food at market
Street food at Totnes Market

As you'd expect, Totnes' cafes and restaurants, including the award-winning, organic, The Bull Inn , make full use of fresh, local, seasonally available food.

DSC 7134
You can enjoy tastings and vineyard walks at Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, on the banks of the River Dart. There's also a special vineyard trail for children so the whole family can enjoy a visit.

Discover wellness and mindfulness beside the River Dart

01 Sharpham Estate view Visit Totnes pix April 2022 770 x 500

The Sharpham Trust is an internationally-renowned centre for mindfulness. It sits on the edge of Totnes overlooking the River Dart. There are several retreat venues on the Estate, where participants stay and learn mindful meditation techniques amid breathtaking natural scenery. The whole Estate is certified organic, run using sustainable and organic practices. It is home to rich flora and fauna – including the endangered Cirl Bunting – and parts of the land are being rewilded.

Enjoy a train ride alongside the River Dart

winter steam gala SDR
Steaming alongside the River Dart

Sit back and enjoy the river views as you let South Devon Railway transport you along their riverside route from Buckfastleigh to Totnes.

Stay in Totnes

Ready to start exploring? From luxury, organic stays and cosy B+Bs to family-friendly self-catering options, check out where to stay in Totnes.

The River Dart and Totnes – Trade and the Town

As well as being a key feature of the town's picturesque landscape the River Dart has been an important part of trade in Totnes for hundreds of years. Today Totnes is a tourist hotspot but up until the late 20th century it was an important trading post on a busy river. Wool and Wealth Totnes owes much of its Elizabethan charm to the River Dart, the trade it enabled making many merchants rich and allowing them to build luxurious houses that still stand to this day. In the 16th century Wool and tin were the main exports, and helped Totnes to become the second wealthiest community in the country. As Totnes failed to respond to new trends in cloth manufacturing, and tin production in Ashburton declined, the boom failed to last and trade on the river diminished. However, as of 1636 it was still rated the country's fifth wealthiest community. As debris from the last of the tin mines made it difficult to navigate the river, traders started to go to Dartmouth instead. Plains Sailing It may not have recaptured the town's Elizabethan heyday but the area of Totnes now known as The Plains was once a thriving district of factories exporting the goods they produced via The Dart. Notable businesses included cider makers Bentall, Lloyd and Co, and Symons and Co. Today upmarket residences can now be found where the factories once stood. Although the coming of the railway reduced the demand for traders on the river the Dart remains an important part of the town's economy as a tourist attraction. Anyone visiting Totnes can make the most of the beautiful river, whether it's by hiring a canoe, walking along its banks, or taking a cruise down to Dartmouth.

48 hours in Totnes

Set in the heart of South Devon, between the wilds of Dartmoor and the sparkling waters of Start Bay, lies the bohemian market town of Totnes.

Easily accessible by train in under three hours from London, and with no need for a car while you’re there, Totnes is the perfect spot for a weekend break spent exploring the town’s independent shops and restaurants, fascinating markets and vibrant culture and music scene.

What’s more, a self-catering holiday property in Totnes with Toad Hall Cottages gives you the freedom to discover the town at your own pace, and after a long day exploring, you can relax and unwind in your very own home from home.


Day one
Having arrived and settled into your holiday cottage the night before, it’s time to start exploring!

Retail Therapy
Shops and markets flourish in Totnes, which flies the flag for Fairtrade and ethical retail. You can easily lose a contented morning browsing the unique gift shops and galleries that line the steep high street, or exploring the regular Friday and Saturday markets in Civic Square for unusual gifts.

Café Scene
Having worked up an appetite you’ll be spoilt for choice for lunching spots in Totnes from its chic restaurants and bistros to its vibrant cafés and delicatessens, this really is a foodie’s heaven. Choose from authentic Italian at The Curator Café & Kitchen, inventive vegetarian dishes at Willow or Seeds 2, or a leisurely lunch overlooking the river at Waterside Bistro as well as many more fantastic independent cafés and eateries.

The High Street

Ghost Cats, Castles & Cromwell
A good place to start discovering the rich and colourful heritage of Totnes is at the Totnes Museum on Fore Street. Here you can take a tour around a medieval kitchen and climb the iconic spiral staircase carved from a ship’s mast. The museum is also said to be home to a feline ghost with visitors regularly reporting to have felt the tail of an invisible cat against their legs while viewing the exhibits here!

From the museum, head to the nearby Grade I listed 16th-century guildhall on Ramparts Walk, one of Totnes’ most historic buildings. Home of the town council for over 450 years, this Tudor building still houses the table where Oliver Cromwell sat in 1646 during the final throes of the English Civil War.
And what better way to end your afternoon of discovery than a visit to Totnes Castle.

Standing strategically at the top of town, with far-reaching views across the town and beautiful Dart Valley, Totnes Castle is an immaculately preserved example of a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress and well worth a visit.

Live Music
If you still have some energy left after your busy day exploring, Totnes has a thriving and varied live music scene. So if you’re partial to a live gig head out in the evening to The Barrel House, The Bay Horse Inn or The Dartmouth Inn which all hold regular music nights to suit all tastes.


Day two

Pygmy Goats, Eagle Owls and Steam Trains
After a lazy Sunday morning breakfast at your holiday property, head to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm; a family-owned attraction dedicated to the preservation of endangered farm animals. A very hands-on attraction, here you can cuddle a guinea pig, feed the goats or smooth the feathers of a huge eagle owl, and lots more!

Close by you’ll find the South Devon Steam Railway, where you can hop on a vintage steam train and take a trip along the beautiful River Dart valley.

Sunday Lunch – Decisions, Decisions
Back in town there are serious decisions to be made – which pub to choose for Sunday Lunch when there are so many great free houses to discover. The answer is they’re all pretty good but some favourites include The Steam Packet Inn with its riverside beer garden and the highly acclaimed gastro pub The Bull Inn, or why not break from tradition at Pie Street .

And then when you thought you’d made up your mind someone mentions the Totnes Good Food Sunday Market! Devon’s largest fine food farmers market held on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Here you can sample and buy a wide range of quality produce from local producers or grab a take away from one of the street food vendors to eat al fresco in the sunshine.

Boats at the edge of the pier

Messing about on the River
If working off lunch out on the water sounds like fun then Totnes is certainly the place.

Canoe Adventures offers adventure-filled experiences on the River Dart for all ages and abilities. But if that all sounds like too much effort, why not hop aboard the Totnes to Dartmouth river cruiser, and savour some of the region’s most enchanting waterways.

And just like that the weekend is all but over, but the beauty of Totnes is that there are always new things to discover, so on your journey home, you could spend the time planning your next visit to this unique and fascinating town.


Where to stay
Couples will love Riverside Loft, a romantic waterside apartment overlooking Vire Island and the River Dart. Wake up to views of Totnes’ Castle from 10 Castle Street tucked beneath the ancient castle walls or as a complete contrast take a look at The Sidings an ultra-modern eco-house in the centre of town. Or for dog owners, 2 North Castle Mews is a colourful and contemporary dog-friendly townhouse, just moments from Totnes’ high street

For further information on holiday properties in Totnes and beyond visit
www.toadhallcottages.co.uk or call 01548 202020

Totnes Christmas Markets and Late Night Shopping 2024

Make magical memories for Christmas 2024 at the Totnes Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping events on Tuesdays 3, 10 and 17 December 3pm-9pm. The whole town will be getting into the festive spirit with entertainment, good food and drink, artisan shopping and much more.


If you're interested in having a stall, please contact Miss Ivy Events

Festive Fun in Totnes

Meet family and friends to enjoy free music and entertainment as you sip on a mulled cider and savour the special Christmas atmosphere.

Find unique gifts for loved ones from local makers in over 70+ local artisan stalls in the Christmas Markets as well as in Totnes’ independent stores.

christmas market 59
Meet local makers

Feast on food from a choice of curated street food stalls and Totnes’ fabulous choice of cafes and restaurants. This year we have two special food court areas. One in the Civic Hall carpark behind the Market Square and one at The Mansion, Fore Street - from churros to world food, there's something for every taste.


Discover something special throughout the town

The Mansion will be a family-friendly venue for food and drink, entertainment and much more. Don't miss their mulled wine!


Totnes Elizabethan Museum will be joining in the festivities.


Listen to your favourite carols with performances from local schools and community choirs outside St Mary's Church.

christmas market 42
Carol singing

You can browse the indoor covered gift market in the Civic Hall where you'll find a selection of crafts and special goodies.


70+ artisan market stalls and street food vendors will be located throughout the town.


Enjoy free music and street entertainment throughout the town including a magical illuminated lantern parade organised by Totnes Carnival date tbc.

Totnes Lantern parade
Totnes Lantern Parade

Getting to Totnes Christmas Market

For information on getting to the Totnes Christmas Market by train or bus, please click here.

For parking information, including EV parking in Totnes, please click here. Totnes town centre car parks are run by South Hams District Council and there is no charge to park after 6pm. Find out more here.

There will be a Park and Ride operating from Follaton House, Plymouth Road on the Christmas Market evenings. 5pm until 10pm (Plymouth Rd, Totnes, TQ9 5RS)

Follaton - Rotherfold - Station - opp Seven Stars (Seven Stars stop/pick up after 6.30pm only) running every 10/15 mins*

No ticket fee, donations only accepted.

Our visit to Totnes by Conversant Traveller

It had been a day of dappled light and dragonflies. A day of strolling beside sun drenched vineyards, lazy meandering rivers and fragrant herb gardens alive with butterflies. As Hubbie and I sipped chilled glasses of sparkling wine and tucked into tranches of local cheese, we could be forgiven for thinking we were in the south of France, rather than southern England. We’d been exploring Devon, a county famous for it’s mysterious moors, sandy beaches, and national parks, yet it was a medieval market town that had our full attention today. It turns out there are plenty of fun things to do in Totnes, without a moor, beach or park in sight! Totnes has a colourful and legendary history, packed full of mythical kings, lords and rebels, and merchants and soldiers. Today it’s known more for its cultural scene, independent local shops and a rather unique cosmopolitan countryside vibe. The town sits on the picturesque River Dart, the sort of tranquil pastoral scene where you’d expect to encounter characters from Wind in the Willows. There are lots of things to do in Totnes, from castles and museums to steam trains and boat trips, but we had our eye on something a little different. Vineyards, ghosts and lettuce! Saxon in origin, Totnes has been known for both craft and industry, and was once an important and prosperous centre for trade. Although it is still a thriving market town, the Totnes of today is more popular with the artistic community and attracts visitors from near and far to enjoy the buzzing cultural scene and picturesque countryside. The focal point is Totnes castle, commanding a dominant position overlooking the town, and the intriguing range of independent shops, cafes and galleries are all within easy walking distance. There is also plenty to do in the surrounding area, so we spent a fun filled day checking out the best things to do in and around Totnes. Read more about Conversant Traveller
en_GBEnglish (UK)
Skip to content