Moor to sea, market town, magnificently individual — unlike anywhere else in Devon.
Totnes is unlike anywhere else in Devon — and quite possibly anywhere else in England. Set halfway between Dartmoor and the sea on the banks of the River Dart, this ancient market town has an international reputation for its fiercely independent spirit, extraordinary food scene, brilliant high street and a community that has always done things its own way.
Dating back to 907 AD, Totnes is one of Devon’s oldest towns, with a Norman castle at its summit, a medieval high street climbing steeply below it and the river at its feet. Whether you spend an afternoon or a whole day here, you will find far more than you expect and almost certainly want to come back.
And remember — if you’d like us to arrange river cruises, vineyard visits, restaurant reservations or activity bookings during your stay, just ask. We’re here to make every detail feel effortless.
Getting Your Bearings
Totnes is built on a steep hill rising from the River Dart. The town centre runs along Fore Street, with the castle at the top and the river quay and Steamer Quay at the bottom. The railway station is about ten minutes’ walk from the centre and sits on the main London Paddington line — making Totnes one of the best-connected towns in Devon. The Dartington Estate is about a mile and a half from the town centre, a pleasant flat walk along the river.
💡 Local Tip: Start at the top of Fore Street at the castle and walk down — the town reveals itself beautifully from top to bottom. The view over the Dart Valley from the castle battlements alone is worth the climb.
History & Heritage
Totnes Castle
One of the best-preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in England, built shortly after the Conquest. The views from the battlements across the town and down the Dart Valley are superb and well worth the climb. Managed by English Heritage — free for members.
Totnes Elizabethan Museum
Housed in a wonderful Elizabethan merchant’s house on Fore Street, the museum covers the history of Totnes and the surrounding area. Highlights include a room dedicated to Charles Babbage — the Totnes-born mathematician widely regarded as the father of the computer. On certain market days in summer, staff dress in Elizabethan costume throughout the town.
Totnes Guildhall
Built in 1553 on the ruins of a medieval priory, the Guildhall has been at the centre of the town’s civic life for nearly 500 years. One of the most significant historic buildings in the South West and still in use as the town council chamber.
The Brutus Stone
Set into the pavement on Fore Street, this ancient stone marks the spot where — according to legend — the Trojan Prince Brutus stepped ashore and declared the town would be called Totnes. The story is almost certainly mythological, but it is a wonderfully characterful piece of local history and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.
Berry Pomeroy Castle
A hauntingly beautiful ruined castle in a deep wooded valley just outside Totnes, said to be one of the most haunted castles in England. The combination of medieval fortifications and a later Elizabethan mansion creates an extraordinary and atmospheric site. English Heritage managed — free for members.
Dartington, the River & the Outdoors
Dartington Estate & Gardens
Just a mile and a half from the town centre, the Dartington Estate is one of the great cultural and creative landscapes of the South West. The medieval Great Hall and Grade II* listed gardens at the heart of the 800-acre estate are open all year. The estate is also home to a thriving community of shops, restaurants, a barn cinema, galleries and events spaces. The gardens in spring, with their carpets of daffodils and bluebells, are exceptional.
💡 Local Tip: Walk from the town centre to Dartington along the flat riverside path — about 40 minutes along the Dart — and take a taxi back. A lovely way to see both the town and the estate without the car.
Sharpham Vineyard & Cheese
Set on the banks of the River Dart at Ashprington, Sharpham is one of England’s most acclaimed vineyards and also home to an award-winning artisan cheese dairy. Vineyard tours, wine tastings and cheese pairings available — booking ahead is advisable. The setting above the river on a warm day is magnificent.
River Dart Cruises
One of the great Devon experiences — the river cruise from Totnes down to Dartmouth winds through 9 miles of beautiful wooded countryside, past Sharpham Vineyard, Greenway and the wildlife-rich lower estuary. Runs from April to October. Combine with the Dartmouth Steam Railway for the famous Round Robin excursion.
South Devon Railway
A wonderful heritage steam railway from Totnes Riverside station through the Dart Valley to Buckfastleigh. The 14-mile round trip through beautiful Devon countryside is a genuine treat for all ages, with gleaming GWR steam engines and special events throughout the year.
Kayaking & Canoeing
The section of the River Dart above the weir at Totnes is calm, tidal and beautiful for kayaking and canoeing. Dynamic Adventures at the Dartington Estate offers hire and guided trips — kingfishers, herons and occasional seals are regular sightings along this peaceful stretch.
Markets & Shopping
Totnes has been named by The Telegraph as one of Britain’s 15 Best High Streets, and Fore Street’s collection of independent shops is genuinely outstanding — from ethical clothing and handmade ceramics to secondhand books and artisan food.
Friday and Saturday Market — Market Square, 9am to 3pm all year. Fresh produce, street food, jewellery and vintage clothing.
Elizabethan Market — Tuesday mornings from May to September, with traders in period costume. A genuine and slightly eccentric Totnes tradition.
Food and Craft Market — First and third Sunday of every month.
Totnes Christmas Market — First three Tuesdays of December. One of the best in Devon.
Eating & Drinking
The Bull Inn
One of the most acclaimed sustainable restaurants in England, winner of the National Restaurant Awards Sustainability Award with five stars from the Soil Association. The daily-changing menu uses entirely organic or wild, genuinely seasonal ingredients, the wine list is exceptional and the atmosphere is warm and genuine. Book well ahead.
Rumour Wine Bar
A beloved Totnes institution with an outstanding selection of natural and biodynamic wines, relaxed atmosphere and consistently good food on the High Street. Perfect for a long lunch or a relaxed evening aperitivo.
Delphini’s Gelato
TripAdvisor’s top choice for ice cream in Devon, made entirely on the premises using local Devon cream and milk. Flavours change constantly with the seasons. Go early — the most popular ones sell out by mid-afternoon.
The Kingsbridge Inn & The Bay Horse Inn
Two excellent local pubs in the town centre with good ale, warm atmospheres and reliable food. The Kingsbridge Inn in particular is a proper local and well worth an evening visit.
The Waterman’s Arms, Bow Creek
A beautiful riverside pub a short drive from Totnes, well worth seeking out. The setting on the creek is superb and the food is consistently good.
💡 Local Tip: Book a table at The Bull Inn well in advance — it is deservedly popular and tables fill up quickly, particularly at weekends.
Day Trips from Totnes
Dartmouth — Follow the River Dart downstream by cruise boat or by road to one of England’s most beautiful harbour towns. Dartmouth Castle, The Seahorse restaurant and the medieval quayside make it a superb day out.
Dartmoor National Park — The high moor is less than 30 minutes from Totnes. Haytor Rocks, Widecombe-in-the-Moor and the open granite landscape are all easily accessible. Buckfast Abbey, at the edge of the moor, makes a wonderful additional stop.
Salcombe — About 45 minutes to the south. Salcombe’s extraordinary estuary, excellent beaches and brilliant food scene are well worth the journey.
Plymouth — About 30 minutes by road or train. The National Marine Aquarium, the Barbican historic quarter and the Mayflower story are all compelling reasons to visit.
Our Local Tips
- Arrive on a Friday or Saturday morning for the market, then explore the shops and have lunch — a perfect Totnes day
- The riverside walk from Totnes to Dartington takes about 40 minutes and is flat, peaceful and lovely
- Sharpham Vineyard visits are best booked online in advance, especially in summer
- The South Devon Railway runs special steam events throughout the year — check ahead and plan around one if you can
- Delphini’s Gelato sells out of popular flavours by mid-afternoon in summer — go early
- The Elizabethan Market on Tuesday mornings in summer is a genuinely charming and slightly eccentric Devon tradition
- Walk down Fore Street on any day and look up — the architecture above the shop fronts is remarkable and mostly unnoticed
We Can Arrange It For You
If there’s something you’d like to do, see, eat or experience during your stay in Totnes, just ask. We can help arrange: a table at The Bull Inn, Sharpham Vineyard tour bookings, river cruise tickets from Totnes to Dartmouth, South Devon Railway experiences, kayak hire and much more.
There’s no obligation and no booking fee. Get in touch at hello@thehostingcompany.uk or call us on 01803, and we’ll take care of it.
Staying in or near Totnes? Browse our collection of professionally managed properties at thehostingcompany.uk.
