Category: Blog
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
Review of the White Hart at Dartington
By Muddy Stilettos
Hey, culture vultures, its time to eat! Muddy feasts more than just her eyes on The White Hart's new Devon o'clock menu.
Click here to read the full review.
Walks in and around Totnes
From sweeping Dartmoor views to riverside meadows buzzing with wildlife, there’s lots to discover when you walk in and around Totnes. Whether you’re looking for the best dog walk in Devon or a family-friendly stroll for pushchairs and scooters, here’s our top pick of walks in Totnes Devon.
Totnes to Dartington Walk
4 miles / 6km round trip (6 miles if you continue to Dartington Estate)
This accessible for all walk leads from Borough Park in Totnes to the Cider Press Centre at Dartington. Here you can pause to look around the shops and cafes, where you’ll find a strong focus on local makers and ingredients before retracing your steps back to Totnes. For a longer walk, carry on from The Cider Press Centre to Dartington Hall. Here you can visit their formal gardens, Deer Park and discover more places to eat.
Travelling along the River Dart, the path is mainly flat. There's a choice benches along the way to stop, relax and look out for birds and other wildlife. The path is ideal for pushchairs, scooters and bikes too. The extended walk from the Cider Press to Dartington Hall does involve a hill so may not be suitable for all.
Click here for more information.
Click here to view this walk on OS Explore.
Dogs are permitted on the path to Dartington and in the Estate but not in Dartington Hall gardens.
For an extended loop walk including Dartington, click here.
Walk from Totnes to Sharpham and Ashprington
10km / 3 hours
A popular walk from Totnes to Sharpham House and Ashprington (where you'll find a pub for a quick pit stop). The main path is firm and suitable for bikes and walking. There are some hills and this walk is considered moderate. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk as lots of wildlife make a home in the fields and reed beds beside the river. At Sharpham, turn around to enjoy the spectacular view of the river with Totnes in the distance. You'll also find a couple of benches along the way for a mid-walk rest or picnic.
Dogs are welcome on the path to Sharpham, however some parts cross a conservation area. As a result, owners are requested to keep dogs on leads in some places to avoid disturbing wildlife.
There is an option to turn this into a circular walk using the footpath which follows along the edge of the river.
Walks in Totnes: Franklin Totnes Trail
The Franklin Totnes Trail is a 6 ¾ mile circular walk through the countryside which starts and ends in Totnes town centre. There are lots of interesting points and fine views along the way. The path is steep in places and it should take the average walker three to four hours to complete. If time is limited, there are options to shorten the walk by ¾ mile, 2 ¾ miles or 4 miles. This walk is suitable for dogs but be aware some paths are near roads.
To view this walk on OS Explore, please click here.
Longmarsh Measured Mile
If you're looking for a gentle walk in Devon, the Longmarsh Measured Mile is right for you. This mile long, easy walking route alongside the River Dart is flat and suitable for people using wheelchairs and buggies as well as scooters and bikes. It starts on the Plains in Totnes just by the roundabout and is ideal if you’re looking for a gentle stroll away from the hustle and bustle of town.
The Measured Mile is marked with purple stickers and there are waymarks at quarter mile intervals. From the Plains, turn right, cross the bridge, turn right at Seymour Rd, turn right at Steamer Quay Rd and follow the riverside path to its end at Longmarsh.
There is plenty to see along the way. You may spot Cormorants on the river bank and Seals often swim up river on the incoming tide from Dartmouth. Kingfishers are resident in the marshy area at Longmarsh behind the Measured Mile. The river can be busy with paddle boarders, rowing boats and ferries from Dartmouth and Torbay.
There are benches along the way as well as a cafe, car parking and public toilets. Dogs are welcome, especially in the wide green space at Longmarsh. However, please note parts of this walk are on pavements beside a road in the town.
To view the Measured Mile on OS Explore, please click here.
Walks in Totnes Devon: Dart Valley Trail
12 miles/19km
As promoted on TV by Julia Bradbury, the Dart Valley Trail follows the course of the River Dart and links Dartington with Dartmouth, travelling through Totnes at the midway point. With many quaint villages and the magnificent Sharpham Estate along the way, there are plenty of picnic spots or refreshment stops on route. This walk can be also shortened into more manageable sections or cycled.
Dogs are welcome on the path to Sharpham, however some parts cross a conservation area. As a result, owners are requested to keep dogs on leads in some places to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Totnes Town Trail
Walks in Totnes Devon are not just about the countryside. Discover local legends and appreciate the fine architecture and pretty streets on a 60-minute self-guided walk through town. Be warned, there’s a steep up-hill gradient as you climb up Fore Street and High Street. Luckily, there are also plenty of cafes to stop and rest and enjoy a cake and coffee!
Totnes is dog-friendly. You'll find water bowls located outside several shops when your four-legged pal needs a drink.
Click here for a map and information.
Walks in Totnes Devon: John Musgrave Trail
35 miles in its entirety or 18.5 miles from Cockington to Dittisham
For the more adventurous walker, the entire John Musgrave Trail is a 35 mile walk from Maidencombe (outside Torquay) to Brixham. The walk can be split into more manageable sections including from Cockington to Totnes (9 ½ miles) and Totnes to Dittisham (9 miles).
The walk from Cockington takes in Occombe Farm where you can stop at the cafe, the village of Marldon and the romantic ruins at Berry Pomeroy. The Dittisham section follows a similar path to the Dart Valley Trail and takes in many villages including Tuckenhay and Cornworthy.
Click here for more details and map.
Totnes to Berry Pomeroy Castle circular walk
12.5km / 3.5 hours round walk (allow more time to explore the castle ruins)
Combine walking with history when you enjoy the circular walk to the splendid English Heritage-managed Berry Pomeroy Castle. Take a look at the map here.
Treat yourself to coffee and cake after your Totnes walk
Don’t forget to treat yourself to delicious coffee, cake, or smoothie after you've enjoyed our choice of walks in Totnes Devon. Check out our pick of cafes and restaurants in Totnes catering for every taste. For more inspiration on things to see and do, go to www.visittotnes.co.uk