Attractions and Places To See around Totnes - Top 20

Totnes boasts a rich history with several notable landmarks. You can visit Totnes Castle, a well-preserved Norman motte and bailey castle offering panoramic views, or the ancient Totnes Guildhall, which has served as a courthouse and prison. Don't miss St Mary's Church with its striking 15th-century architecture, or the historic Eastgate Arch. The legendary Brutus Stone and the Tudor Butterwalk also offer glimpses into the town's past. For more information on Totnes Castle, you can visit English Heritage's website.

Yes, Totnes and its surroundings offer several family-friendly options. You can take a nostalgic journey on the South Devon Railway from Totnes to Buckfastleigh, often combined with a visit to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, where children can interact with various animals. For a day by the sea, Goodrington Sands North Beach is a safe family destination with facilities and pedalo hire. Further afield, Paignton Pier offers arcades and fairground rides, while China Blue provides a creative pottery painting experience.

The River Dart is a central natural feature, offering opportunities for boat trips, kayaking, canoeing, and riverside walks. Totnes is also a gateway to the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), perfect for walking and wildlife spotting. The Dart Valley Trail is a popular route linking Totnes and Dartmouth. You can also discover the picturesque Lydia Bridge Waterfall, a Grade II listed structure with a charming waterfall. For hiking, there are many routes available, such as the 'Sharpham & Ashprington loop' or 'The River Dart & Dartington loop'. You can find more details on these and other trails in the hiking guide for Totnes.

Totnes offers several cultural insights. The Totnes Museum, housed in an Elizabethan merchant's house, provides a fascinating look into local history. For fashion enthusiasts, the Totnes Fashion & Textile Museum at the Butterwalk showcases a significant collection of period costumes. Just a short distance away, the Dartington Estate features historic houses, gardens, a barn cinema, and shops, known for its focus on arts and culture. Don't forget the vibrant local markets, including the weekly, Elizabethan, and Food Markets, offering local produce, crafts, and unique goods.

Yes, the area features beautiful estates and gardens. The Sharpham Estate, set on the banks of the River Dart, includes a vineyard where visitors can enjoy tours and taste local produce. A short drive away is Dartington Estate, known for its historic houses, listed gardens, and cultural events. Additionally, Greenway House, Agatha Christie's beloved holiday home, offers a glimpse into her life and features a large, romantic woodland garden drifting towards the Dart estuary. You can learn more about Greenway House at its highlight page.

Totnes is renowned for its vibrant and independent shopping scene. The town centre is filled with unique shops offering ethical products, local crafts, and distinctive goods. The historic Butterwalk also houses a variety of shops and cafes, providing a charming setting for browsing.

For those seeking easy walks, Totnes offers several pleasant options. You can enjoy routes like 'The Green Table – Dartington Hall and Gardens loop' or a shorter 'Totnes Guildhall – Totnes Town Centre loop'. There are also easy walks that take you to Totnes Castle or offer views of the River Dart. More details on these and other accessible trails can be found in the easy hikes guide for Totnes.

Yes, Buckfast Abbey is located near Totnes. It is a working Benedictine monastery with a rich history, though the current abbey was largely rebuilt in the early 1900s. It features impressive architecture and beautiful grounds. You can find more information about Buckfast Abbey on its highlight page.

For stunning views, the top of Totnes Castle offers panoramic vistas of the town and the River Dart. The River Dart itself provides many scenic spots along its banks, particularly as it winds through the estuary. The Sharpham Estate also offers beautiful views over the river and surrounding countryside.

Absolutely. Totnes is famous for its lively markets. A general market takes place weekly on Fridays and Saturdays. For a unique experience, visit the Elizabethan market on Tuesday mornings (May-September), where traders dress in period costumes. There's also a dedicated Food Market on the third Sunday of every month, offering local produce and street food.

Yes, the area around Totnes provides excellent opportunities for cycling and gravel biking. You can explore routes such as the 'Lydia Bridge Waterfall – Avon Dam Reservoir loop' or the 'Totnes Town Centre – Dittisham Ferry loop'. These routes offer a mix of scenic paths and varying difficulty levels. For more detailed information on routes, refer to the gravel biking guide for Totnes.