Explore Totnes

Totnes is a lovely, historic Saxon town, very close to Devon’s English Riviera. Totnes embraces a bohemian, alternative lifestyle in the most stylish way. Its attractive, long high street with its distinctive East Gate Arch is packed with funky restaurants, wholefood cafes and eateries plus independent boutiques with every type of fashion on offer. You can stroll along the beautiful riverside, watch the yachts and ferries negotiate the river and enjoy a riverside afternoon tea, lunch or drinks. It’s a perfect day out, just 20 minutes from Torbay by car and easily reached by train or bus.

History

On a hill guarding Totnes is the 11th century Totnes Castle, one of the best preserved classic Norman motte and bailey castles in England. You can marvel at the moat, the stone shell-keep, the curtain wall, the bailey and the ancient trees. On some trees you’ll see graffitti left by prisoners during World War II. Enjoy truly spectacular views of the town and the River Dart from the Castle Keep. English Heritage manages the whole site.
There are many other historic highlights to discover including Rampart’s Walk, The Brutus Stone, The Guildhall, The Butterwalk, The Gothic House, The Mansion and Totnes Museum.

Totnes Museum

Totnes Museum, also known as Elizabethan House & Museum, offers free-of-charge visits back in time to the Elizabethan era. You can explore this beautiful Elizabethan merchant's house with its medieval kitchen, pharmacy, courtyard and herb garden. Don’t miss the resident ghost, the spiral staircase made from a ship’s mast and an insight into the life of Charles Babbage, Totnes’ illustrious son who invented the first mechanical computer. Youngsters will enjoy some dressing up in the Victorian Nursery Meander where you’ll also see dolls, toys and school furniture.

Timehouse Museum

Do take in the strange and wonderful Time Travellers Museum, located in labyrinthine 18th century buildings on the high street. Art, music and film are used to take you on a thought-provoking and nostalgic journey through cultural highlights from the 1940s to the 1970s. You’ll love the Moroccan tearoom, the Beatles room and the immersive feast to the senses that a visit here provides.

Shopping

Shopping in Totnes is very special indeed with an endless selection of quirky independent shops offering a very diverse range of fashion, clothing, interiors and foodie delights. On Fridays and Saturdays all year round, a weekly market operates in the Civil Hall Square with unusual and unique products, clothing, plants, antiques, collectables and hot food. The Totnes Good Food Sunday market is one of the best in Devon and brings wonderful produce and tempting food stalls to Market Square every third Sunday of the month. Ethical and organic products, wholefood shops and fair trade goods are the notable features of this town.

Dartington Shops

Close to Totnes, you can also visit The Shops at Dartington, a renowned part of the Dartington Hall Trust and offering beautiful glassware, unique jewellery, crafts, kitchenware and delicious foodie items.

Sharpham Vineyard

Also nearby to Totnes is the beautiful Sharpham Estate producing wonderful wine and cheese on a thousand year old farm consisting of 500 acres owned by the Sharpham Trust. The house, designed in 1770 by Sir Robert Taylor has breathtaking views of the vineyards and the stunning River Dart. You can enjoy tours and tastings, buy wine and cheese and relax in the café.