A day in Totnes

Travel inland from Dartmouth to discover the postcard-pretty, bustling town of Totnes.  With a thriving market and independent shop and café scene unfolding in the shadow of the impressive Totnes Castle, there is lots to see and do throughout the year.

Getting there:

Boat: 90 mins cruise with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company (return by boat or enjoy the Round Robin option including travel on the steam train and bus.)

Drive: 30 mins. Parking information, including EV charger locations: www.visittotnes.co.uk/see-and-do/plan-your-visit/parking-in-totnes/

Bus: 45 mins (Stagecoach 92 from The Pontoon in Dartmouth)

Top 6 Totnes see and do

• Get a birds-eye view of the town from the ramparts of Totnes’ classic Norman motte and bailey castle, which is managed by English Heritage.
• Relax with lunch and vineyard walk at the award-winning Sandridge Barton
• Get out on the water when you hire a kayak or let the river boat gently ease you down the Dart. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including herons and seals.
• Enjoy a wander around the Dartington Estate, where you can spot the herd of deer and amble alongside the riverside. The formal gardens are home to an impressive Henry Moore sculpture, a kids trail and there is a choice of cafes for a post walk coffee.
• Let off steam on The South Devon Railway – look out for special events happening throughout the year or make your dream come true when you book a drive-a-train experience
• For a not too strenuous stroll, follow the town trail which takes you past some of Totnes’ most important sights. Download the route, complete with information on what to look out for along the way at: visittotnes.co.uk/town-trail

Where to shop

Named by The Telegraph in November 2022 as one of Britain’s 15 Best High Streets, wander through Totnes to discover everything from chic but sustainable clothing to stylish ceramics from local makers.

Stroll along the mostly flat path from Totnes to Dartington Cider Press Centre (approx. 2 miles or 40-minutes walk).  Here you’ll find a vibrant and eclectic range of shops offering perfect gifts with a focus on arts and crafts alongside a carefully curated selection of locally sourced food and drink.

Don’t miss: Totnes has a vibrant weekly market 9am until 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays all year round. From fresh local produce and jewellery to vintage clothing and antiques, there are lots of treasures waiting to be found.

Where to eat

Savour South Devon’s finest food in Totnes. As you’d expect, the town’s cafes and restaurants make full use of the bountiful harvest of fresh, local, seasonally available food.

Sunny day? Enjoy lunch beside the river at Waterside Bistro, with tasty titbits including mussels, classic burgers, and moreish pizza. For supper, try the award-winning, organic The Bull Inn – described by The Sunday Telegraph as “9/10. Charmingly eclectic and lovingly restored – exceptional food and drink.”

Don’t miss: Experience TripAdvisor’s top choice for the best ice cream in Devon – Delphini’s Gelato. From pistachio to vegan double chocolate, there’s a changing menu of creative flavours, handmade on the premises and served up in your choice of crunchy waffle cone or tub.

Messing about in boats

The River Dart is at the heart of Totnes and has helped to make it the very special place it is today. For a relaxing day on the water above the weir in Totnes, away from the tidal pulls, hire a kayak, canoe, or SUP from Dynamic Adventures on Dartington Estate. From the resident wildlife to the steam trains puffing along, there’s lots to spot as you paddle along this part of the gently meandering river.

Exceptional engineers and explorers

Anyone with an interest in computers or technology should not miss the room at Totnes Museum dedicated to one of Totnes’ brightest sons – Charles Babbage. Babbage is considered by many as the “father of the computer” and his Difference Engine and Analytical Engine rank as two of the startling intellectual achievements of the 19^th century.

William Froude, the world’s first naval architect, carried out his pioneering vessel resistance and stability testing in Totnes. After a spell working for Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Froude began to develop his theories about the movement of ships in water using his own models on the River Dart. The ruined church on Dartington Estate houses a cross bearing his name as his father was rector there.

Totnes is also well-known down-under as the birthplace of William Wills, who was the second-in-command of the ill-fated 1860-1 Burke and Wills expedition – the first expedition to cross Australia from south to north.  Find out more during a walk around Totnes Guildhall.

Making lasting memories

The beautiful South Devon countryside and historic town of Totnes have long provided inspiration for artists and makers.  But Totnes is not just the best place to buy beautiful, handcrafted gifts in Devon – it’s also the place to come to experience the joy of making and create something yourself under the watchful guidance of a local artist like Steve Robinson. This award-winning glass artist specialises in kiln-forming to create his unique tactile and colourful work and runs regular workshops throughout the year which are suitable for all abilities.

Plan your day in Totnes

Discover what’s on, book experiences, and plan your day: www.visittotnes.co.uk