Totnes

Where to Stay in Totnes
Food and Drink in Totnes
Things to Do in Totnes
What’s On in Totnes
Tourist Information Centre

Dating back to 907 AD, Totnes is a fascinating historical town which combines stunning countryside with independent shopping, local food & drink and interesting attractions. Located in the heart of South Devon on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere.

Things to do in Totnes

Totnes has an excellent range of small independent retailers and unique shops, with a focus on fair trade goods, handmade crafts and ethical products alongside quality clothes, seasonal food, beautiful gifts and so much more. Every week the town bustles with lively, local traders selling crafts, gifts and food on Fridays and Saturdays, an Elizabethan market held each Tuesday morning (May-September), when traders dress in Elizabethan period costumes and the Food Market every third Sunday of the month.

The town has a wealth of history to explore with many historic buildings lining the streets plus local museums, the atmospheric Guildhall which has been the home of the town council for over 450 years, the Norman castle which overlooks the town and the beautiful St Mary’s Church which is open to the public all year. 

The river provides a stunning backdrop for boat trips to Dartmouth, short walks, waterside eating, kayaking and canoeing, and the whole area is a paradise for cyclists and those who want to get outdoors. There are a number of walks leading from the town which explore the river banks and surrounding countryside.

If you love wine and cheese, then a visit to Sharpham Vineyard is the perfect day out - set on the banks of the River Dart, enjoy a tour of the winery and taste its award winning local produce. For the kids, enjoy days out at the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, Pennywell Farm or the South Devon Railway, or enjoy one of the local parks. 

Just 1 mile from Totnes is the Dartington Hall Estate and Ciderpress Centre, with its historic house, listed gardens, barn cinema, shops and eateries.

Local Food and Drink

In and around Totnes the focus is on organic food that’s locally produced and seasonal.

Totnes has an array of restaurants, cafe’s, pubs and wine bars which offer a wonderful range of internationally inspired cuisine with local produce at the heart of their menus.

The Totnes Food Market is held on the third Sunday of the month providing you the chance to purchase and sample some of the very best in local South Devon produce, either as ingredients to cook in your self-catering accommodation or take-away food to eat in town.

History

By the 12th century Totnes had established itself as a market town and prospered throughout the medieval period. In recent times it has gained a reputation as a centre for learning, arts, alternative lifestyles and culture.

A trip to Totnes is not complete without a visit to the Brutus Stone, which can be found in Fore Street, set into the pavement. This stone is meant to mark the spot where Trojan Prince, Brutus, disembarked from his ship. As he stepped ashore on to the stone he said “Here I stand, and here I rest. The town shall be called Totnes”.

Where to stay 

With a wide variety of places to stay from thatched inns to dog friendly cottages, historic hotels to contemporary lodges, you’ll be sure to find your little piece of heaven in Devon, and with a lively programme of annual events you can tie some orange racing, raft racing, partying or pride into your holiday.