Discover Totnes: Castle, Markets and the River Dart

Totnes brings together a castle and historic buildings with the River Dart, rail services and markets. If you’re looking for a hotel in Totnes, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: local history, a train or boat trip, outdoor walks or a market visit. The destinations below offer some specific ideas.

Castle, Townhouse and Local History

Totnes Castle is a classic Norman motte-and-bailey castle. It was built shortly after the Conquest at the highest point of the hilltop town. From the Wall Walk, views extend across the rooftops of Totnes, the River Dart and as far as Dartmoor. The castle and Wall Walk bring together the town’s history and views of the town and surrounding landscape.

Totnes Museum is housed in an authentic Elizabethan merchant’s house, which is Grade I listed. The house was built in 1575 on Fore Street, in the heart of Totnes. The museum has an exhibition about the work of Charles Babbage and the development of modern computers and technologies. A visit takes you from the history of the building to a topic in the history of technology.

Totnes Guildhall includes an original priory building dating from 1088. St Mary’s Church has also stood at the heart of Totnes for more than 500 years. Its churchyard is a publicly accessible green space in the town centre, suitable for sitting or having a picnic. Alongside the historic buildings, it offers a place to take a break outdoors.

Rail, Walks and the River Dart

Totnes is well connected by rail and lies on the main line from London Paddington to Penzance. It’s about a ten-minute walk from the station to the town centre. When planning your journey, it’s worth checking the timetable for your travel dates. For a separate excursion, the South Devon Railway offers a 14-mile round trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside on historic GWR steam locomotives. Operating days vary by season, so check the dates before travelling.

The routes around Totnes also vary in character. The Longmarsh Measured Mile is a flat walking route suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility aids. The Franklin Totnes Trail offers a walking and cycling route from Totnes to Sharpham and Ashprington; its firm main path is suitable for cycling and walking. You can choose based on the flat route’s suitability for mobility aids or the Franklin Totnes Trail’s destinations and firm main path.

Boat trips to Dartmouth are available on the River Dart at Totnes; timetables may vary seasonally. The river around Totnes is also suitable for kayaking and canoeing, although operators and conditions may vary. Paddle Devon offers guided canoe, kayak, paddleboard and sea kayak tours, as well as expert coaching and Paddle UK qualifications. Check the latest dates and conditions in advance for river trips and paddling activities.

Markets and Culture in Town

The Elizabeth Market takes place every Tuesday morning from May to September. Traders wear Elizabethan-era costumes. As this is a seasonal market, it’s a good idea to check the dates for the current season. The Totnes Food Market takes place on the third Sunday of each month and offers the chance to buy and sample local produce from South Devon. Here, too, it’s a good idea to confirm the latest market dates before travelling.

Other cultural venues include Totnes Cinema, housed in a historic building and accessed through a secret passageway. The Barrel House Ballroom is a grassroots music venue in Totnes with a capacity of 150 people. Along with the museum and Guildhall, the cinema and music venue add further dimensions to the town’s cultural offerings.

Discover more destinations: Ware, Honiton, Bratton Fleming, Combe Martin, Northam, Ashwater, Bideford, North Bovey.

For the wider travel overview: Devon.