Category: Blog
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!
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.
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.”
- Winners of the Muddy Stilettos Best Bookshop in Devon 2023 and Best Bookshop in Devon 2022
- Regional Finalist for the British Book Awards, Best Independent Bookshop, Southwest region 2023 and 2022
- East Gate Bookshop runs Wild Book Talks in association with The Bull Inn and The Albatross in Totnes
- Founders of the Restoring Nature Festival at Lower Sharpham Farm, now planning for its third year in 2024.
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.”
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
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 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
Local Heroes of Totnes
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…..
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 Devon. Canoe 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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover wellness and mindfulness beside the River Dart
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Wild animals caught on camera at rewilding site Sharpham
Thrilling images of animals and birds have been caught on camera on the Sharpham Estate, near Totnes, South Devon.
Foxes, a tawny owl and a hedgehog are amongst the creatures caught unawares by hidden cameras on the Estate, around the site of the Sharpham Trust’s rewilding project which began earlier this year.
The Trust was awarded £177,400 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to make more space for wildlife and take action for nature in a three-year project called Sharpham Wild for People. The grant will help in turning the Sharpham Estate organic, re-wilding parts of its historic landscape and helping more people engage with the nature there – from members of the public to students of conservation learning to use camera traps.
“These first pictures of hedgehogs are amazing because as far as we know this is the first record of them being this far into the estate for over 20 years.” said Simon Roper, from Ambios Ltd, the nature conservation & education organisation which deployed the cameras via its trainees.
“Although our rewilding project has only just begun it is so encouraging to get this image of an animal likely to benefit from our future work in restoring nature. Sharing these pictures is a step towards connecting people with nature,” he added.
Camera Trapping
The day- and night-time images show a variety of feathered and furred animals, from a Tawny Owl in a tree to a Blackcap by a pool.
There’s a fox, believed to be a nursing mum, a song thrush bathed in the sun’s rays, a crow close-up and a variety of songbirds beside a pond.
One of the happiest sights is a hedgehog, caught in a night-sight shot, snuffling in undergrowth.
“Hedgehogs have been in decline for many years,” said Jack Skuse, Director of Ambios Ltd, the nature conservation training organisation helping Sharpham Trust to deliver The National Lottery Heritage Fund project. “It was exciting to catch one on camera. This is the mating season, so perhaps this one was looking for a mate.”
The images were collected by students on an Ambios course in camera trapping. The hedgehog pictures were gathered by student whose place is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
Organic conversion for Sharpham farmland
An important aspect of the project Sharpham Wild for People is the exploration of organic farming techniques such as less-intensive grazing, in order to support biodiversity.
Ambios Ltd already operates Lower Sharpham Farm, an organic farm on the Sharpham Estate, and has just signed a tenancy to take over a further 50 acres of Sharpham parkland, which will be restored to parkland and wood pasture (a habitat with trees that would have characterised Sharpham parkland at the time of its design, in 1762). An additional 137 acres of land has been leased to farmer David Camp for organic conversion.
“A key mission for Sharpham is to care for wildlife and enable people to connect with our natural world,” said Trust Director Julian Carnell.
“Because of this project, almost all the estate land will be managed organically which has proven benefits for wildlife,” he said.
The effects of Covid-19
The project was to include school visits, public events, volunteering & training opportunities this summer and autumn, in order to enable a wider range of people to engage with and understand the land’s natural heritage.
The Coronavirus pandemic has meant that these have been postponed. However, the Trust hopes to start some of these in September, and is pressing ahead with other project goals such as introducing livestock, fencing and surveying wildlife.