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24 hours in Totnes

22nd October 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Image: Totnes

If you’re looking for a quirky, day out why not spend a few hours in Totnes? Based in south Devon close to the popular English Riviera and seaside towns of Dartmouth, Totnes is an historic market town that manages to retain its traditional heritage whilst being modern and forward thinking. Its laid back atmosphere, unique independent stores, commitment to sustainability and friendly locals make it a great option for a day trip, whether you’re with the whole family, on a group excursion or a solo day out.

Because of its location, Totnes is easily accessible from Torquay and Paignton from one direction and Buckfastleigh in the other, making it perfect for a day out. The town is also close to the popular Dartington where you’ll find the famous Dartington estate among other attractions and is serviced by a main line train station, giving you plenty of options for travel around the area.

So, now you’re in Totnes, what to do first?

Totnes high street is a great place to start, its full of unique, independent shops and eateries dotted among historic buildings. Aside from the quirky shops, full of locally made, unique products, there are also regular markets, including an Elizabethan Market where traders dress up in period costumes and a Good Food Market, where you can sample some of the incredible local produce.

For those of you who love history, Totnes is a real haven. The town dates back to 907 AD and many of the buildings have retained their original features, so walking around town is a little bit like heading back in time. You’ll see everything from 1940s era warehouses, an impressive 18^th Century Gothic House, which was once a grammar school, the East Gate Arch, the Guildhall where the town’s council has been based for over 400 years and a number of fascinating museums. The Textiles Museum and the Elizabethan Museum are both based in original Tudor town houses – perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the town’s heritage and wants to see how the locals lived back then. If you fancy a bit of a walk, Totnes Castle offers incredible views over the region – it’s definitely worth it! For those of you who are up for a walk, Totnes is the start and end points for the popular Middle Dart Valley Walk.

The Dart Valley Trail is a marked route linking Totnes and Dartmouth and features some amazing scenery as you follow the paths through Totnes and along to Dartington Hall and the surrounding countryside. There are lots of similar walks around this area and being so close to the River Dart, there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy the greenery of this area.

Another absolute must is a visit to the Brutus Stone on Fore Street. According to local legend, this is where Brutus, the Trojan prince landed, it is said that as he stepped ashore, he shouted: “Here I stand, and here I rest. The town shall be called Totnes.” The store marks the exact spot where he disembarked.

Image: Dartington Hall

If you want more history, make sure to visit Dartington Hall this historic hall is a 12000 acre attraction on the outskirts of Totnes. It has Grade 2 listed gardens, woodland walks, a cinema, eateries, art events, courses, entertainment and just about everything else you can think of. You can either take part in a bespoke tour of the medieval estate or just wander around on your own and explore the various walks around the grounds, including the 700 year old deer park.

Dartington Hall has a whole host of onsite eateries including restaurants and cafés full of locally sourced produce for you to enjoy should you need some refreshments while exploring.

It isn’t all about history, the high street is incredible for shoppers and if shopping is your thing, you’ll also need to check out the Shops at Dartington. Part of the Dartington estate, these shops, located at the cider press centre, is a great place for the whole family, no matter what the weather and how into shopping they are! The site has fifteen different stores full of crafts, food, fashion and more!

Image: Pennywell Farm

If you’re visiting with kids, you won’t want to miss out on a trip to Pennywell Farm. Once you’ve explored the town, head towards Buckfastleigh, just outside Totnes where you can indulge in a full day of family fun! Pennywell Farm has a huge variety of friendly farm animals, a range of activities and free rides for the kids to enjoy! As always, make sure to check availability before you travel as many of Devon’s attractions are running on advanced bookings only at the moment and don’t forget to keep hand sanitiser and a face mask handy – just in case!

One of the south west’s largest family theme parks is on the outskirts of Totnes, Woodlands Family Theme Park can be found between Totnes and Dartmouth, full of water coasters, and the biggest indoor play centre in the region, there is something for everyone at this incredible family park.

One of the things Totnes is famous for is its commitment to sustainability and using local produce all over the town. Nowhere is this more evident than with the many cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels all of whom have diverse, seasonal menus full of locally sourced ingredients.

For a real taste of south Devon, why not stop off at the Bull Inn? Located on Totnes’ high street, this is one of the few ‘organic’ pubs in the UK. Everything in the inn has been upcycled or recycled using local craft and trade people and the menus are full of food and drink from farmers, co-ops and artisan producers. Whatever you order, you can be sure that you’re getting something fresh, seasonal and homemade.

Image: The Bull Inn

Love Totnes so much you fancy staying the night? Well, you’re in luck, there are lots of great places in and around Totnes for you to lay your head. We’ve already mentioned them as an option to grab dinner, but the Bull Inn also have accommodation.

Alternatively, there is accommodation at Dartington Hall where you have the choice of fifty rooms located around their medieval courtyard. It makes staying away a real experience! If you’d rather, you can also sleep out under canvas on the estate with Camp Dartington. Guests can enjoy all the facilities of Dartington Hall while staying in a chill camp site within grade 2 listed gardens. The site has its own toilet and shower facilities with hot water – no cold showers here!

Plus, the River Dart is just a short walk away from the estate, making it ideal for those of you who love being outdoors and indulging in walking holidays.

Image: Woodlands Grove Caravan and Camping Park.

Another option for those that like camping and caravanning is Woodlands Grove Caravan and Camping Park a 5 AA Gold Pennant awarded site with plenty of space and only a short drive to Dartmouth and Blackpool Sands. You’re also right next door to all the fun of the Woodlands Family Theme Park, one of the largest tourist attractions in the South West and guests staying at the site get free entry throughout their stay. As Totnes is so easily accessible from pretty much anywhere in the south of Devon thanks to the rail and road network, you’ve got several options when it comes to accommodation in neighbouring towns and villages. Take a look at some of the other nearby accommodation options here.

Want to find out more about Totnes? Click here!