Nestled between Dartmoor and the South Devon coastline, Totnes is a captivating market town with a colourful history dating back to 907 AD. Sitting on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere.

Things to do in Totnes

Today you can shop, eat and relax in a high street which is not only full of unique and independent shops and eateries, but brimming with stunning architecture, fascinating history and local legends. The town is famed for its promotion of ethical and fair trade goods and as a renowned market town since the 12th century, Totnes still has lively markets on the Market Square. You’ll find the weekly market on Fridays and Saturdays, an Elizabethan market held each Tuesday morning (May-September), when traders dress in Elizabethan period costumes and the Totnes Sunday Food Market every third Sunday of the month in the Market Square.

As well as shopping and exploring the town’s history there are many wonderful things to see and do in and around Totnes. You can enjoy river trips on the Dart, discover one of the towns museums, visit Totnes Castle, take a ride on a steam railway or visit one of the many art galleries.

If you love wine and cheese, then a visit to Sandridge Barton Vineyard, down river from Stoke Gabriel, is the perfect day out, enjoy a tour of the winery and taste its award winning local produce. For the kids, enjoy days out at Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, Pennywell Farm, China Blue or take a canoe trip up the River Dart.

The area around Totnes is stunning and there are a number of walks leading from the town which explore the river banks and surrounding countryside. To the North West of Totnes is Dartington, home to Dartington Trust, with the beautiful estate providing a perfect backdrop to its centre for progressive learning, listed gardens, barn cinema and shops.

Local Food and Drink

In and around Totnes the focus is on organic food that’s locally produced and seasonal.

Totnes has an array of restaurants, cafes, pubs and wine bars which offer a wonderful range of internationally inspired cuisine.

The Totnes Sunday Food Market is held on the third Sunday of the month providing you the chance to purchase and sample some of the very best in local South Devon produce.

History

By the 12th Century Totnes had established itself as a market town and prospered throughout the medieval period. In recent times it has gained a reputation as a centre for learning, arts, alternative lifestyles and culture.

Much of Totnes’s fascinating history can be seen around the town with many historic buildings lining the streets including the beautiful East Gate Arch and Parish Church of St Mary, the atmospheric Guildhall which has been the home of the town council for over 450 year and the Norman castle which overlooks the town.

A trip to Totnes is not complete without a visit to the Brutus Stone, which can be found in Fore Street, set into the pavement. This stone is meant to mark the spot where Trojan Prince, Brutus, disembarked from his ship. As he stepped ashore on to the stone he said “Here I stand, and here I rest. The town shall be called Totnes”.

To find out more go to: www.visittotnes.co.uk