Category: Blog
Totnes and surrounding area in the Spotlight . . .
Finding the perfect holiday cottage by the River Dart
Eat al fresco in and around Totnes
Experiencing the River Dart has never been easier…
To say that we’re raring to go is an understatement! Like everyone at the moment, we’re poised and ready to go just as soon as the government says we can: shiny clean SUPS, canoes and kayaks ready for hire; river sparkling; safety measures in place; and instructors shaven and shorn (OK, maybe not the last bit). We’re hoping to open up on March 29th and are taking bookings from now.
If you’re itching to get out onto the river after walking its banks for these long winter months, you’ll be pleased to know that the wait is over. Whether pootling off or powering away, wobbling or gliding on the SUP, you’re welcome to hire the boats and paddleboards, no experience necessary. A gorgeous family-friendly stretch of the Dart with enough space to feel like you have it to yourself.
Find us at the beach at the bottom of the concrete track on the meadows (Dartington Estate) every weekend + 7 days a week through school holidays* where you can turn up any time between 10-4pm and hire whatever craft you fancy for only £10pp/h (50% NHS discount on the first hour). If you’d prefer to let someone else do the work, book a half or full day with an instructor who’ll teach you some tricks and take you wherever you want, within reason! Book at: dynamicadventurescic.co.uk/activities
Leaning into local outdoor life.
If you prefer to stay dry, there’s plenty of options. Let us take you rock climbing, bouldering, weaselling, scrambling and abseiling on Dartmoor. Or build your own Half Day Adventure by combining any three of these fun activities: assault course, abseiling, ziplining, high ropes, archery and climbing on our 70ft crag.
Outdoors together again.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our CIC - we’re looking forward to seeing you as soon as is safe and whatever the weather! Hurrah!
*subject to river conditions – check Facebook/ Instragram/ website for update
For more information, see out page by clicking here.
The atmospheric town taken by the sea
It took 18 years from the start of the dredging to the final destruction of Hallsands village. It had been assumed that the removal of any shingle would be replaced naturally but we now know that the same shingle which protects the nearby villages of Beesands and Torcross was deposited thousands of years ago during the ice ages, and is not being replaced.
An inquiry was established in response to protests from villagers who feared the dredging might threaten their beach and village, but dredging continued after it was decided that the activity was not likely to pose a significant threat. However by 1900 the level of the beach had started to fall and in the autumn storms that year, part of the sea wall was washed away. In November 1900, villagers petitioned their Member of Parliament, Frank Mildmay complaining of damage to their houses, and in March 1901 Kingsbridge Council wrote to the Board of Trade complaining of damage to the road. The Liberal MP for the area was extremely supportive of the residents of Hallsands and on more than one occasion offered his own money to help out the residents. In September 1901 a new Board of Trade inspector concluded that further severe storms could cause serious damage and recommended that dredging be stopped and on 8th January 1902 the dredging licence was revoked. On 26th January 1917 a combination of easterly gales and exceptionally high tides breached Hallsands' defences and the village fell into the sea! Miraculously no one was hurt but many families had to relocate to neighbouring villages having lost everything. Only one house was left standing after the destruction. The owner Elizabeth Prettyjohn stubbornly refused to leave and lived there with her chickens until her death in 1964. She acted as a guide to the visitors who came over the years curious to see the remains of the village. Today her house is used as a summer holiday home. Another famous Hallsands resident was Ella Trout together with her sisters Patience, Clara and Edith. When their fisherman father, William, became sick, Patience and then Ella gave up school and operated his boat which was the only source of income for the family. William died in 1910 when Ella was 15 years old. On 8th September 1917, after the Hallsands disaster, Ella was crab fishing with her 10 year old cousin William when they saw the SS Newholm struck by a naval mine one mile south of Start Point. With William Stone, another fisherman in the vicinity, they rowed to the scene and helped rescue nine men. In recognition of her bravery she received the Order of the British Empire. The sisters, with compensation for the destruction of their cottage at Hallsands plus some earnings, built Trout's Hotel on the cliff above the deserted village. The Trouts ran the hotel successfully until 1959. More recent owners moved down from London and attracted some of their well-known friends to stay including Danny La Rue and Larry Grayson, and for years their signed photographs hung on the walls of the dining room. The hotel has since been turned into apartments now called Prospect House. In more recent years the story of Hallsands has been turned into an opera called ‘Whirlwind’ commissioned by acclaimed company Streetwise Opera and written by Will Todd, one of the country’s leading young opera composers, and Ben Duwell, and has also featured in a book by Steve Melia called “Hallsands; A Village Betrayed”. You can walk to Hallsands from the villages of Beesands or Torcross following the South West Coast Path. Beesands, albeit a small village, has a café and toilets and free car parking. Torcross is bigger with a few cafes and a pub and more (charged) parking. Please note that you can no longer drive from Blackpool Sands to Slapton Sands and then on to Torcross because of the recent storms and road damage which in itself is somewhat ironic. Hallsands and Beesands are both walkable with a moderate degree of accessibility from Torcross, which has ample (paid) parking. Beesands however has free parking. If driving from Totnes head for Dartmouth, then Slapton and finally Torcross. If you want to travel by bus you can take the 164 to Kingsbridge or the X64 to Dartmouth and then catch the number 3 to Torcross. All routes joining the coastal villages are part of the South West Coast Path and therefore accessible at all times.Award-winning Roly’s Fudge
Roly's Fudge are celebrating winning the Taste of the West "Sauces and Accompaniment" Champion Award for 2021, with their Roly's Salted Caramel Fudge Sauce.
The award is the most coveted food and drinks award in the South West for foods at the top of their category.
Roly's Fudge Sauce beat many other contenders for the Champion award.
It is the fourth Champion award for Roly's Fudge, which has previously won Champion Confectionery for Salted Maple & Pecan twice, as well as Champion Confectionery for Cherry Bakewell Fudge last year.
All of the fudge flavours and sauces entered were handmade with traditional ingredients in Roly's Fudge, which continues with the same recipes that the Totnes shop has used for more than 20 years.
According to John Sheaves, Chief Executive of Taste of the West: “These awards underpin our core values and strengthen our regional brand, a brand which is attracting considerable interest from new markets – both nationally and internationally, and is now helping to attract more and more visitors to our region each year so playing a major part in our visitor economy. Our sincere congratulations to all the finalists and overall winners, and to all of our valued sponsors and partners who continue to support us.”
Independent Totnes Cinema
How many High Streets in Great Britain can boast their very own independent art-house cinema?
Totnes Cinema CIC is a social enterprise, set up by a local couple, passionate about film and excited about Totnes. So far the project has been entirely funded by local donations and memberships and the success of its carefully chosen programme, and we still have plenty more to do!! All the bar staff, stewards, and musicians volunteer their time and are paid with the chance to watch the film. Totnes Cinema is located in the heart of Totnes, down a hidden passageway just off the High St. Our mission was to bring back the magic of cinema to our local town. We were inspired by a wonderful photograph, taken in the late 1940s of boys holding banners saying “Save our Cinema,” and in true Totnes style, they marched up the High St to make their feelings known. There had been a cinema in Totnes from the early days of film and the last remaining one, The Romany, closed its doors in 1964 due to falling audiences. The building became the well-loved Totnes Library until its expansion and relocation, and the building fell empty. As a local couple, film lovers and with teenage children, we took on the challenge of re-creating a cinema for our local town center to create a social and cultural hub in the town.As you leave the hustle and bustle of the market day, you are taken into this unique and surprising space, more like a Berlin cabaret than a cinema, with subdued lighting, comfy sofas, bistro table and chairs and luxurious cinema seats on the balcony. We even have a baby grand piano!
As a truly independent cinema, we can offer a wide range of films, carefully chosen from all genres including classic black and white film noir, the best from musical theatre, and modern-day classics and Oscar winners. With a fully licensed bar which stretches the width of the building, beneath an enormous screen we encourage people to come early and enjoy cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers and to meet up with friends, often with live music and a showreel of classic adverts. There is always someone around afterward, to chat and discuss the film. On a Saturday you can pop in for excellent coffee and homemade cake, as our “mystic portal” opens up to daylight. We believe we add to the uniqueness of our wonderfully independent High St and complement all the many individual traders and businesses around us, bringing life to the evenings on the High St as well as the days. Jane Hughes, Director of Totnes CinemaTotnes: your insider guide
Set halfway between moor and sea on the beautiful River Dart, the thriving town of Totnes is a South Devon gem. From spotting wildlife and having fun on the water to discovering hidden histories and enjoying the best local food, if you're looking for things to do and see in Devon, you'll find something for everyone with our insider guide to Totnes.
Eat and Drink in Totnes
Are you looking for the best Devon food and drink? The rolling hills around Totnes provide a bountiful harvest and you’ll find a choice of cafes and restaurants making the most of the local, seasonal produce. Cool off with a home-made gelato, grab a vegan baked beetroot falafel with hummus, refuel after a walk with a cardamom bun and coffee, or sit by the water’s edge with pizza and Moules Mariniere.
Discover Devon's 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. The medieval Dartington Hall and Gardens is a pleasant walk from the town centre. Totnes Museum is a treasure trove that's not to be missed.
Experience nature close up on holiday in Devon
Feeling adventurous? Hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board or join a guided canoe tour to spot local wildlife along the river. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, enjoy the choice of riverside walks to Dartington and Sharpham. Walks start and finish in the town.
Shop
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.
Getting here
Totnes is a 25-minute drive from Torquay and a 40-minute drive from Plymouth. You’ll find a number of public EV charging points, including one at Morrisons supermarket, Coronation Road. The Gold Bus runs every 30 minutes and takes 50 minutes from The Strand, Torquay and 1 hour from Plymouth. Totnes is a 30-minute train journey from both Plymouth and Torquay.
If you’d like to arrive in style, The Dartmouth Steam and River Company operate boat trips to Totnes departing from Dartmouth and or hop aboard a vintage train from Buckfastleigh with the South Devon Railway.
Revamp of the Bull Inn
She has always been fascinated by town centre pubs and looks out for any that are for sale in a town “in the way that other people look out for houses”. She said: “I love The Bull. It looks beautiful and it has great views and a big, corner site in front of an open square. It is slightly off the beaten track which I love as it means tourists have to put some effort into discovering it.” The pub is currently in a run-down condition and requires extensive restoration. Geetie has plans to turn it into an organic, values-driven gastropub but without losing its traditional heritage. Its name won’t change as she believes “pub names should be protected, they are part of our history”. The restoration work, which will cost in excess of half a million, is being funded by the sale of Geetie’s London flat. “I rather like the fact that property equity, which feels like an unfair distribution of wealth, is being used to bring a historic Totnes pub back to life.”
If all goes to plan, the pub will open in Summer 2019. Around 30 jobs will be created and it will use local, organic suppliers. Geetie said: “I grew up in a staunchly feminist household – my mum could strip down a car engine! The fact that people assume Guy is funding my business has opened up a new conversation in our household about feminism. It is great. Guy is a real feminist, he took my name when we got married. It is an exciting time.” The planning application for The Bull is available on the SHDC website, reference: 3376/18/LBC
Top 4 wild swimming spots in and around Totnes
Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing dip in the River Dart or off the South Devon coast? Dive on in to discover our top 4 picks of the best places to go wild swimming in and around Totnes.
1) Just above the weir in Totnes
Location: On the Access for All path between Totnes and Dartington
Getting there: It’s a short 5-minute walk from Totnes Station or 10-15-minutes walk from the centre of town.
What to expect: Popular with local swimmers, the River Dart pools reasonably deeply at this spot just above the weir. You may be joined on your swim by Mandarin ducks, which live all along this stretch of the river. Also keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers because these are regularly spotted here. You’ll find a handy platform on the bank at this wild swimming spot in Totnes to make it easier to get in or out. This also makes it a popular location for launching kayaks and SUPs. Because it’s above the weir, you don’t need to worry about tidal currents. However, the river can flow quickly at times so check local conditions before you get in.
Treat yourself afterwards: Head back into town for a wide choice of cafes and restaurants including The Bull Inn, Wild Thyme and Waterside Bistro
2) Dartington ‘Beach’
Location: Dartington Estate. Head down the concrete path (at the point where the road splits towards Aller Park and the Deer Park.)
Getting there: Dartington is a 2 mile walk or 7 minute drive from Totnes and there’s plenty of parking at Dartington Hall.
What to expect: There are lots of spots along the riverbank on the Dartington Estate where you can take a dip. The largest entry point is locally known as Dartington ‘Beach’ because of the gently shelving bank of shingle/sand. Dynamic Adventures launch their kayak trips from here and it’s a favourite spot to play and swim for families. With a beautiful meadow behind you and the South Devon Railway steam train track on the opposite river bank, it’s a great spot for a picnic too.
Post-swim coffee: Grab a flat white and cardamom bun at The Green Table at Dartington for a post-swim pick me up.
3) Elberry Cove, Torbay
Location: Near Churston, Torbay
Getting there: Around a 20 minute drive from Totnes + 10 minutes walk from either Churston village or Broadsands Beach car park.
What to expect: With the sun shining you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in Greece. Swim in the crystal clear waters from this gently shelving pebble beach.
4) South Milton Sands, Thurlestone
Getting there: Approx 40-minute drive from Totnes with a small National Trust Car Park at the beach. Please be aware the beach is accessed via a narrow lane.
What to expect: Swim out to the iconic arch – the Thurlestone - which gives the neighbouring village its name. Back on the beach, relax and soak up the view towards Burgh Island. This dog-friendly beach is also perfect for the bucket and spade brigade thanks to the sand and fine shingle. Rockpools are exposed at low tide and it’s a popular beach for paddle boarders and kayakers too.
Stay on to watch the sunset: Grab a post swim pizza at Rockbox (during August) or get a drink and a bite at the South Milton Sands Café.
Enjoying the water safely
Remember: If you’re planning a dip in the River Dart or sea, always follow the guidance of the RNLI. Choose your spot carefully and always check the weather and tides. For more safety advice go to: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming
Water quality
Check the water quality at beaches near Totnes using South West Water's WaterFit Live Map
Getting to Totnes
Train or bus: Totnes is a 30-minute train journey from Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay. The Gold Bus runs every 30 minutes and takes 50 minutes from The Strand, Torquay and 1 hour from Plymouth.
Driving: Totnes is a 40-minute drive from Plymouth and 50-minutes from Exeter. You’ll find a number of public EV charging points in the town.
If you’d like to arrive in style, The Dartmouth Steam and River Company operates boat trips to Totnes departing from Dartmouth and or hop aboard a steam train from Buckfastleigh with the South Devon Railway.
Make more than a day of it
Enjoy a sunrise or sunset swim when you stay a night or more. Check out our top picks of places to stay in Totnes
For more inspiration on what to do and what’s on or to book activities and plan your day, check out www.visittotnes.co.uk or follow @visittotnes on Instagram and Facebook