Enjoy a virtual tour of Totnes an historic market town with roots in Elizabethan times, a reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere.
Totnes is always a good day out, whether you want a quiet meal or drink, a walk along Longmarsh by the river, enjoy some history or get completely drunk on the ski run ale trail. The best views of the town are probably from the castle which can be found at the top of the town. I haven’t been in the castle since I was a kid, so it’s definitely on the to do list with the camera, especially as it has 360 degree views.
There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes to choose from. On a sunny day the Bay Horse or Steam Packet have the best beer gardens, if selection of beers is what you’re looking for then the Totnes Brewing Company or the Albert Inn (both micro breweries) are where you want to be.
One place i’ve been wanting to try for ages now is Rumour, im told by many that its amazing. Not for the want of trying, I’ve been in twice while being over there and it’s very busy, you have to pre book to stand any chance. Another great place to enjoy a meal or just a drink is down at the Waterside Bistro.
Totnes is a market town at the head of the River Dart within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Devon, UK.
- Set into the pavement of Fore Street is the ‘Brutus Stone’, a small granite boulder onto which, according to local legend, Brutus first stepped from his ship. As he did so, he was supposed to have declaimed: “Here I stand and here I rest. And this town shall be called Totnes.”
- The river continues to be tidal for about 1 mile (1.6 km) above the town, until it meets Totnes Weir, built in the 17th century.
- There are 66 houses in Totnes dating to before 1700.
- Berry Pomeroy castle was constructed by the Pomeroy family following their arrival in England during the Norman Conquest. Originally made from wood, the castle was reconstructed in stone during the 12th century. The building is reputed to be haunted.
Totnes has a long recorded history, dating back to 907, when its first castle was built.
- It was one of the five Devon towns originally mentioned in the Domesday Book and was one of the wealthiest towns in medieval Devon (second only to Exeter). The town’s wealth, and prosperity, built upon the export of wool from sheep reared on nearby Dartmoor and the export of locally mined tin.
- Totnes is the second oldest borough in England.
- Coins minted in Totnes from 1016 have been found extensively in Scandinavia, showing the importance of the town at this time.
- Barracks Hill tree canopy was used during the war to hide military vehicles from enemy air raids.
- The Totnes pound was a complementary local currency, intended to support the local economy of Totnes. It was in circulation from March 2007 to June 2019, when it was discontinued due partly to an increasingly cashless economy.
- The Totnes Guildhall was once a prominent location in the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell used it as a base to plan the closing stages of the Civil War in 1646.
- Airbnb, from £23 a night for a private room. from £32 a night for a house.
- Camping, Very little in town just Steamer Quay caravan club from £12.30, 1 pitch, 1 adult.
- Hostel, No hostel in Totnes.
- B&B & Guest Houses from £50 – £125 per night.
- Hotels, Dartington Hall or Royal seven stars from £50 per night.
Tip: £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
- Every August Fore Street is closed off for a race like no other, Man vs Orange. Participants line up at the top of Fore Street, roll or throw oranges down the hill and promptly chase after them.
- Berry Pomeroy Castle
- Brutus Stone (next to no. 51 Fore Street)
- Butterwalk
- Castle (built by Judhael, the 11th-century Norman overlord of Totnes)
- Cinema
- Civic Square (Tuesday mornings, Friday and Saturday markets)
- China Blue
- Dartington Cider Press Centre
- Dartington Hall
- East Gate Arch
- Elizabethan market each Tuesday morning (May-September)
- Guildhall (built in 1553)
- Leechwell Gardens
- Library
- Longmarsh
- Kayaking
- Fashion & Textiles museum (the most intact Tudor Merchant’s House in Totnes)
- Totnes Museum (Elizabethan House built in about 1575)
- Paddle boarding
- Pennywell Farm
- Rare Breeds Farm
- River trip
- South Devon Steam Railway
- Sharpham House, Cheese & Winery
- Vire Island
- Woodlands Leisure Park
- Albert Inn
- Bay Horse Inn
- Ben’s Farm Shop
- Bull Inn
- Cott Inn (Dartington)
- The Coppa Dolla Inn (Broadhempston)
- Dartmouth Inn
- Happy Apple
- King William IV
- Live & Let Live Inn (Landscove)
- Lord Nelson
- Old Bakery
- Pig & Whistle (Little Hempstead)
- Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd
- Royal Seven Stars
- Rumour
- Steam Packet Inn
- Totnes Brewing Company
- Turtley Corn Mill (Avonwick)
- Watermans Arms
- Watermans Arms (Ashprington)
- Maltsters Arms (Tuckenhay)
- Waterside Bistro
Getting around is fairly easy and most places are walkable. Just beware the main street is on a hill.
- E-cocars is a car share club that lets you borrow a local’s car.
- Taxi Numbers,
- Badger Cabs 01803 840400
- Totnes taxis ltd 01803 868686
- South Hams Cabs 07772 744598
- South West Taxis 07803 126396
Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5FZ.
- Car, About 5 miles off the main A38 Devon Expressway, midway between Exeter and Plymouth. There are a mix of long and short stay car parks off The Lamb & St Katherines Way.
- Bus, buses run up to every half hour until late into the evening from neighbouring towns Newton Abbot, Paignton & Torquay. Sundays buses run every hour. Stops are on Coronation Road.
- Coach, The National Express has six direct coach services a day to and from Totnes calling at Heathrow and London Victoria. The coach stops are on Coronation Road in the centre of town.
- Ferry, depending on the tide, you can catch the steamboat or river cruiser to and from Dartmouth from Steamer Quay.
- Train, Totnes is easy to reach by rail and the station is about a 10 minute walk into the town centre.
- There are a mix of long and short stay car parks off The Lamb & St Katherines Way.
- E-cocars is a car share club that lets you borrow a local’s car.
- Taxi numbers,
- Totnes taxis ltd 01803 868686
- South Hams Cabs 01548 852545
- South West Taxis 07803 126396
- Badger Cabs 01803 840400
- Tip: £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
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