See and Do Category: Town Trail

St Mary’s Church

This historic building, open daily from 8.45 am to 5.00 pm, is well worth the visit. Built in the 15th century by townspeople on a site where Christians have worshipped for over a thousand years. St Mary's congregation welcome you to join their services. Time and details in the Church porch or on their website. Of particular interest to visitors are: the magnificent 15th-century sandstone rood screen; the Kempe stained glass window; the Willis organ built in 1861; the restored oak waggon roof; the fine brass candelabrum in the nave; the Blackhall monument and the memorial plaque to Walter Venning (1781-1821), Russian prison reformer.

In 2019, Totnes Heritage Trust commissioned an enormous map of Totnes which is now on the floor of St Mary’s Church. Drawn by local artist Anna Ventura, it is more than just a representation of the physical town - it is also a snapshot of Totnes, with stories and characters that local residents will recognise.

The church is also used for music events throughout the year.

Totnes Bridge

Totnes Bridge was designed by the Devon architect Charles Fowler. Constructed in 1828, it replaced an earlier bridge, the foundations of which can be seen at low tide. It leads to the attractive suburb of Bridgetown, to riverside walks, to Steamer Quay (for trips to Dartmouth) and to Vire Island, named after the Normandy town twinned with Totnes.

The Butterwalk

The covered pavement arcade known as Butterwalk was built in Tudor times to protect dairy stalls from the weather, whilst the covered Poultry Walk opposite sheltered poultry stalls. At visittotnes.co.uk website you will find the 16th-century Bogan House is the Totnes Fashion and Textiles Museum.

The East Gate Arch

The East Gate Arch was once the gateway to the medieval town and faithfully reconstructed after a devastating fire in 1990.

The Narrows

The Narrows is a colorful area of individual shops, and Rotherfold Square, once a cattle market.

Totnes Fashion & Textiles Museum

Situated on Totnes High Street in a Grade 1 listed building with fine original Tudor plaster ceilings, the Totnes Fashion & Textile Museum is home to the Devonshire Collection of Period Costume, one of the largest private collection of its type in the UK. The collection holds tens of thousands of objects and items of clothing, the earliest dating from about 1650, although most come from the 18th century to the present day. With more than 100 storage boxes each holding multiple hats, and eight boxes simply storing shawls, there are legions of accessories, handbags and shoes, and clothes ranging from the sumptuous to the everyday. Because of building work at Bogan House admission is currently by donation. The Totnes Fashion & Textile Museum closed for the 2022 season on Friday 30th September. See you in 2023!    

Totnes Image Bank Photographic Archive

When you make your visit to Totnes come and see the background to this historic town by visiting the Totnes Image Banks archive exhibition. We will show you how the town developed from early times to how the town traded by river and rail, contributed to 2 world wars, has a rich Civic and social life and much more. The earliest images of Totnes date from 1864 and follow events recorded in the photographs.

The digital A to Z database of over 60.000 images contains a vast range of subjects and places from Totnes and around South Devon. Plus the Dartington Rural Archive records a life long past of farming and villages.

Based at Town Mill by Morrisons carpark. Open on Tuesdays & Fridays – 10am to 4pm.

Entry is free of charge, donations please to support the charitable trust.

The Mansion

The Mansion dates back to 1795, once the grammar school and now used for the community. Totnes Library is located here.

Walks from Totnes Book

Eight fruitful walks around and from Totnes include maps and photos to guide you along the way. We’ve packed each walk with snippets of local history and tips to get the most out of your walk. Available to buy from: Little Blue Budgie Arcturus Books The East Gate Bookshop Pogoda Interiors Waterside Bistro

William Wills stone obelisk

A stone obelisk commemorates William Wills, explorer of Australia and born here in 1834. The British surveyor and surgeon was second-in-command of the Burke and Wills expedition, an ill-fated attempt to cross Australia from south to north.

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