Top 7 Market Towns to Explore in South Devon — And What to Do in Each

Bustling yet cosy, small yet historic, these towns are not to be missed if you’re visiting the area.

We’ll go through seven of South Devon’s best market towns—and what to do in each.

Totnes

Laid-back, independent, and weird (read: alternative), Totnes is a bohemian paradise. Perched on the River Dart, this old hipster town was a Saxon settlement of old and steeped in history. 

You can start by walking up the high street and checking out the various shops, homey organic cafés, and quirky art galleries. Don’t miss Totnes Castle, either. It’s a classic Norman motte and bailey fortress offering gorgeous panoramic views of the quaint town. Berry Pomeroy Castle is also a quick drive away.

The best days to visit, however, are on Friday or Saturday. During these days, go see the market square (also called civic square) for the Totnes Markets, which have been held weekly for centuries now. The markets run from 9 AM to 4 PM, and you’ll find a treasure trove of artisan produce, antiques, and vintage clothing.

Ashburton

If you visited Dartmoor National Park, you must visit Ashburton, which rests at the park’s edge. It’s a haven for both foodies and antique lovers, with frequent food festivals and farmers markets. Truly, the first step into Ashburton will already make you feel that this town indeed started as a mere market centuries ago. 

Fittingly, Ashburton is also home to the prestigious Ashburton Cookery School. You’ll see many of its culinary students out on the streets. Many of its graduates now work in famous restaurants across the UK. 

Make sure to enjoy the food—or even enrol in a culinary course! Then, after, you can burn the calories with a hike at the moorland trails for breathtaking Dartmoor views.

Kingsbridge

With rural tranquillity and the sheer beauty of the pureness of its coast, Kingsbridge is the perfect reprieve from urban bustle. 

Located at the head of the Salcombe estuary, the town has a lively quayside market and is a perfect base for exploring the South Devon National Landscape (formerly South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or AONB). Local shops stock everything from handcrafted goods to scrumptious local delicacies. 

You can also kayak along the estuary to take in the atmosphere, or hike the scenic trail from Kingsbridge to Salcombe

Dartmouth

A naval town with maritime roots, Dartmouth feels like something out of a postcard. With cobbled streets, colourful harbourside buildings, and boutique shops, the seaside town is a treat to the senses. 

Make sure to check out Dartmouth Castle, visit the Britannia Royal Naval College, or enjoy the views from the train ride to the nearby Kingswear.

The best times to visit are in late August for the annual Dartmouth Royal Regatta to see various fun yet fierce boat races. It’s held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, where the Friday is the last Friday of August.

Modbury

One of the smallest and quietest towns in South Devon, Modbury made global headlines in 2007 for becoming the first European city to ban plastic bags. If that’s not an example of how small groups can spearhead large changes, then we don’t know what is.

Nestled in rolling hills, the town has traditional Georgian and Victorian architecture. The main streets have independent shops, artisan bakeries, and even some local galleries to check out as well. 

You can also enjoy a picturesque walk in the lanes of the South Hams countryside or spend a night at one of the town’s homey cottages. 

Ivybridge

While often considered merely a gateway to either Dartmoor or the moorland trails, Ivybridge is worth visiting by itself as well. 

Intersected by the River Eme, the town has an incredibly strong arts scene for its size. If you’re there, do not miss the performances and exhibitions at Watermark Centre! There are also many arts and crafts studios dotted throughout the town. 

If you’re a hiker, Western Beacon offers amazing views as well. 

Newton Abbot

As one of the larger towns on this list, Newton Abbot is a bustling market town with a strong industrial heritage.

The town’s centuries-old pannier market (fruit and vegetable market) runs all throughout the week, and the racecourse hosts regular events and car boot sales. 

In addition to the markets, it’s worth going here on raceday for the races. It’s also a short drive from the nearby Stover Country Park.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the rich yet cosy atmosphere of a small market town—and South Devon has a wealth of them across its hills and coasts. 

Buy local artisan goods or simply take in the atmosphere; these towns offer a restful break from the urban grind. Each town has a personality and vibe unique enough to justify a separate visit!

If you want to research more about these towns, try Surfshark's UK servers to get more local information. 

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