Category: Blog

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

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.

Sharpham Trust Ambios camera trap pheasant
Sharpham Trust Ambios camera trap pheasant

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.

Sharpham Trust Ambios camera trap fox 4
Sharpham Trust Ambios camera trap fox 4

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.

Sharpham Trust Ambios camera trap tawny owl
Sharpham Trust Ambios camera trap tawny owl

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. 

Sharpham Trust Ambios camera trap hedgehog
Sharpham Trust Ambios camera trap hedgehog

Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle stands on a 17.5 meter high manmade motte, which looms over the historic medieval town of Totnes. From its battlements, it commands a splendid and picturesque view across the town below as well as offering scenic views of wild and rugged Dartmoor. Totnes Castle is steeped in a rich and varied history and is the one of the best surviving examples of a Norman motte and bailey castle. Both ‘motte’ and ‘bailey’ are old-French words, ‘motte’ meaning ‘hill’ or ‘mound’ while ‘bailey’ meaning ‘low yard’. Due to Totnes’s strategic position and close proximity to the River Dart, Totnes was a logical place to build a motte and bailey castle. Totnes was a well-known port town and had a reputation of being one the best places to harbour a boat; this was due to how far a ship could navigate inland. Evidence of this can be found in a book called “Historia Regum Britanniae” which was written in 1136 by Geoffrey of Monmouth. With a port, Totnes became a fairly wealthy town, as a result of this influx of prosperity, King Edward the Elder in 907 had the town fortified, this resulted in Totnes becoming one of the only fortified towns in the South West, which is evidence that Totnes started to become distinctly affluent. However later on in the town’s history, the mint in Totnes at the time of 1036 (thirty years before the Norman Conquest) had ceased minting, which was an indication that the importance of the town had started to dwindle. Totnes was accorded with a royal charter by King John in 1206, which transformed Totnes into a free town. This meant that Totnes was allowed to formulate its own laws. However Totnes grew to be once again a very prosperous town and in 1523 it was the second richest town in Devon and sixteenth richest town in the whole of England. Read more about totnes castle 

Support local businesses

We may still be asking visitors to #ComeBackLater due to the latest Government advice to #StayAlert and #StaySafe however you can still support many of our local, independent businesses by shopping online with many offering free postage, or if you're local you can take advantage of some of the home deliveries available.

As always, let me know if I've missed anything. Local businesses, if you have any updates or NHS / key worker special offers please DM me and I'll add them to the list, thanks.

nhs.uk OFFER

China Blue - they have been giving away a little box of treats to the NHS army in blue, carers, police force and all other key workers in the area to say thank you. You can collect from the front door

The Kitchen Table - they are offering free stews to Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust paid for by the lovely community members. They can be claimed at any time but need to be collected

Devon Yurts - will offer special discounts to NHS workers as soon as they're able to re-open. Get in touch with owner Liz to find out more, discounts depend on the length of stay (ID to be presented please)

TTS Tyre Services - offering NHS workers free puncture service, free tyre safety checks & discounts on purchases

A Choice of Gifts from Out of the Blue - they will be offering 20% off to all NHS staff as soon as they are able to re-open (ID to be presented please)

Canoe Adventures Devon - watch this space for their NHS offer for as soon as they're able to open again.

Smitty's Hairsalon - watch this space for their NHS offer for as soon as they're able to open again.

JazKids - watch this space for their NHS offer for as soon as they're able to open again.

FAB Totnes - watch this space for their NHS / Key Worker offer as soon as they're able to open again with a discount and relaxation package

GIFTS / HOMEWARE

ME AND EAST - check their website or send them a DM. FREE postage with orders over £50 or £2.95 https://meandeast.com

China Blue - online shop including paint your own kits https://china-blue-shop.co.uk/collections/arts-crafts/products/paint-your-own-kit-mug-1

A Choice of Gifts from Out of the Blue - buy online www.a-choice-of-gifts.co.uk

Yvonne Comber - offering a 25% discount off her prints, hand embellished canvases and original paintings. www.yvonnecoomber.com - enter code LOVEISTHEANSWER at the checkout

Love Frankie - buy online https://www.lovefrankie.com

Little Blue Budgie - buy online https://www.littlebluebudgie.co.uk/ or phone 01803 847800 / message via facebook

Penelope Tom - buy online https://www.penelopetom.com/

Pagoda Interiors - free delivery for online orders https://www.pagodainteriors.co.uk/

FASHION

Colony Life Store - online orders via their website with FREE delivery on orders over £20 https://colonyshops.com

Conker Shoes - UK customers get FREE UK delivery for all orders made online including shoes, belts, bags, use code FREESHIP20 https://conkershoes.com

Salago - check out their online shop with this season’s ADINI and the 2020 sandals by Earth Spirit all with BIG DISCOUNTS. https://salago.co.uk

Fifty5a and Fifty5a men's store - offering free p&p and personal Totnes delivery via their telephone ordering - 01803 866681 or DM or email [email protected]

SMALL-FOLK - check their online shop & free UK shipping (no end date). Use code POSITIVITY at checkout for the free postage https://small-folk.co.uk

ART

White Space Art - check out their online gallery. Offering 10% discount & free delivery on all artworks in the Easter exhibition (and across the site) while the gallery remains physically closed. Use discount code SPRING20. https://www.whitespaceart.com

Eastgate Gallery in Totnes - contemporary art and craft from local makers including jewellery, textiles, ceramics and much more. Shop online with FREE delivery https://eastgategallerytotnes.com/shop/

the bowie gallery Totnes Devon - the gallery lights are on daily during normal working hours (pre lockdown) so you can window shop at leisure. Contact Annie Bowie if there’s something you want to inspect closer or buy. Soon open by appointment!

TAKEAWAYS & HOT FOOD COLLECTIONS

The Cott Inn - open 7 DAYS A WEEK Monday to Saturday 4 - 8 pm and Sunday 12 - 3pm for takeaway services, drive through collection in the car park

Willow Vegetarian Restaurant - they will be offering take-aways from 3rd June. They're asking you to 'Keep your eye out for menus and details on ordering'

Waterside Bistro Totnes - their take-away menu is now open from Wed-Sat 5-8pm. Please order online https://www.watersidebistro.com/

Totnes Grill – Kebab and pizza delivery, call 01803 863835

Cafe Mumbai – From 5.30pm Tuesday to Sunday call 01803 866171

Room 101 – pizzas for delivery Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm, call 07727 278428

The Kitchen Table - still offering dairy, gluten & nut free stews and some houmous. Order for delivery call/ text Sima on 07583400998 or email [email protected] to collect from the Totnes Indsutrial Estate kitchen

Pie Street - from 13th May take away & delivery Wednesday to Sunday 1pm-8.30pm. Call 01803 868674 to order http://www.piestreet.co.uk/

Lamaro Bakery – Italian food on Friday and Saturday 5-9pm, call 01803 862288

Silver Grill - The Totnes Chippy - Opening hours Tuesday - Thursday 16:45-20:00 Friday - Saturday 11:45-14:00, 16:45-20:00 with orders taken over phone and social distancing with one entrance and one exit

tamarindtree.totnes - on the Industrial Estate next to Kitchen Table with superb Indian food on Friday 1-8pm or Saturday 4-8pm. Let them know what you want by DM, phone 07768964024 or email [email protected]

Taguchi-ya Canteen - Japanese food on Friday and Saturday collect 5-9pm, order online by Wednesday 12pm https://www.taguchiyacanteen.com/takeaway

Good Food House – Delivery from 6-10pm every day (except Tuesday when closed), call 01803 864696https://goodfoodhouse.co.uk/

Back for 2 Seconds – daytime opening in Fore Street

Pizzaside – Thursday to Sunday 5-8.30pm for collection or delivery. https://www.pizzaside.co.uk/

FOOD & DRINK

Sharpham Wine - grab a few bottles at sharpham.com at 10% off with the code sharpham10 on checkout

Roly's Fudge Totnes- buy online https://rolysfudge.co.uk

Ben's Farm Shops - Order and Collection service available via their website. Go to the collections form and add your order, they we will call for payment the next day and tell you to collect. https://bensfarmshop.co.uk/self-isolation-collection/

Earth.Food.Love - free delivery on orders over £20. Full product & price list on their website. Order via email. Click & collect option for those not in the delivery area. http://thezerowasteshop.co.uk

The Happy Apple - open with social distancing rules in place

A W Luscombe Butchers - delivering their products and a range of products from other local businesses including Annies Fruit Shop, New Lion Brewery, The Almond Thief, The Wild Fig Deli and more - check their FB page for more details and list of products in one of the images

Bridgetown Butchers - call 01803 866165/863323 to order where possible to help reduce waiting times in the shop. Minimum order for delivery £25 - free delivery within the Totnes area

McCabes and Halls Butchers are both also operating

Majestic Wine - email for delivery or call if over 70. [email protected]

Annies Fruit Shop - online with delivery to Totnes & the wider area www.anniesoftotnes.co.uk

The Refillery Totnes - daily deliveries to Totnes & Dartmouth areas, visit the website or call Tracy 07950 269955

Dartmouth Dairy - deliver to Totnes & surrounding villages on Monday & Thursday ?https://www.dartmouthdairy.com

Wine & Greene - delivering nationwide via courier and doing local drops every weekday (free over £20 to TQ9) - www.wineandgreene.com

Seeds 2 Tonnes - delivery service available, check their FB page

Bridgetown Stores - open Monday - Friday 2pm - 6pm Saturday & Sunday 11am - 3pm and delivering

Follaton stores - open normal hours 7am-8pm mon to sun with social distancing rules in place

Dartmouth Fine Foods - home delivery of frozen ready meals, alongside boxes of veg and essentials to Totnes and the surrounding areas - www.dartmoutfinefoods.co.uk

SERVICES

Barnes the Cleaners - free deliveries & collections daily for Totnes residents

The Potting Shed Totnes - email [email protected] with your order, name, address and PHONE NUMBER and they will call you back

PHARMACIES

Most pharmacies are open with reduced hours and social distancing - please check each page and site for more details. Keep safe and well everyone ??

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