Totnes

Hotels in Totnes
B&Bs in Totnes
Self Catering in Totnes

Attractions and Things To Do in Totnes

If you’re looking for a holiday that combines history, alternative therapies and breathtakingly beautiful countryside, you’ll find it in Totnes. This unique and charming market town sits in the heart of South Devon and has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan but with a distinctly rustic West Country flavour, and this makes it a remarkable place to visit for its heritage, culture and very pretty setting.

History

The first authenticated history of Totnes was when King Edward the Elder fortified it in AD 907, although according to legend Totnes was the landing place of Brutus of Troy. By the 12^th Century Totnes was established as a market town and prospered throughout the mediaeval period. In recent times it has gained a reputation as a centre for learning, arts, alternative lifestyles and culture.

Things to do

Turn any corner in Totnes and you’ll run into something special. The town is reputed to have more listed buildings per head of the population than anywhere else in Britain, and a stroll around Totnes is an attraction in itself. For shopping addicts, Totnes offers an exceptional range of small independent retailers and is famed for its promotion of ethical products, wholefoods and fair trade goods. River trips on the Dart, plenty of museums, a steam railway and many arts galleries mean that you’ll never run out of things to do in and around Totnes.

Food and drink

You’ll discover a wonderful range of cuisine in Totnes. The focus here is on organic food that’s local and seasonal, but also internationally inspired. A good place to relax over a coffee and the best carrot cake you’ll ever taste is the Tangerine Tree café, while the Willow restaurant serves a range of exciting and wholesome meals. If you’re self-catering, the Friday and Saturday markets offer the very best in local South Devon produce.

Something a little different

You can combine a visit to a serene vineyard with a tranquil boat ride. Sharpham vineyard on the Dart Estuary is easily accessible from Totnes via a relaxing two-hour river trip. If you want to discover more about Devon’s rural heritage, Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is a great family day out and gives the little ones a chance to get up close to some charming four-legged residents.