Totnes Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque South Hams region of England, the town of Totnes offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its charming streets lined with colorful buildings and its rich historical heritage, Totnes is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic English experience.

One of Totnes' most prominent landmarks is its imposing Norman castle, which dates back to the 11th century. Visitors can explore its ancient walls, climb to the top of the keep for breathtaking views of the town, and learn about its fascinating history through interactive exhibits. The castle also hosts regular events and reenactments, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience medieval life firsthand.

For those interested in the arts and culture, Totnes is home to a vibrant creative community. The town is known for its independent boutiques, galleries, and craft shops, where visitors can find unique handmade treasures. The town also hosts regular arts festivals and events, showcasing local talent in music, theater, and visual arts.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in and around Totnes. The town is located on the banks of the beautiful River Dart, offering opportunities for boating, kayaking, and riverside walks. Just a short drive away, the Dartmoor National Park awaits, with its rugged landscapes, ancient tors, and wild ponies. Hiking and cycling trails crisscross the park, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Food lovers will be delighted by Totnes' thriving culinary scene. The town boasts a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs, serving both traditional English fare and international cuisine. Locally sourced ingredients and organic produce are a common feature in many menus, reflecting Totnes' commitment to sustainable living and supporting local businesses.

Alternative names: Population: 8.1 thous.Elevation: 43 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°25'52"N, 3°41'10"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Totnes Top Attractions

Totnes Attractions - What to See and Explore

Totnes offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Berry Pomeroy Castle, Dartington Hall, Totnes Castle, Sharpham. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles • Reportedly haunted
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Berry Pomeroy Castle, a Tudor mansion within the walls of an earlier castle, is near the village of Berry Pomeroy, in South Devon, England. It was built in the late 15th century by the Pomeroy family which had held the land since the 11th century.
Performing arts • Park • Historical place
Dartington Hall
Dartington Hall in Dartington, near Totnes, Devon, England, is an historic house and country estate of 1,200 acres dating from medieval times.
Historical place • View point • Forts and castles
Totnes Castle
Totnes Castle is one of the best preserved examples of a Norman motte and bailey castle in England. It is situated in the town of Totnes on the River Dart in Devon. The surviving stone keep and curtain wall date from around the 14th century. From after the Norman Conquest of 1066 it was the caput of the Feudal barony of Totnes.

Winery • Park • Vineyard
Sharpham
Sharpham is an historic estate in the parish of Ashprington, Devon. The Georgian mansion house, known as Sharpham House, overlooks the River Dart and is a Grade I listed building. The house was commenced in about 1770 by the Royal Navy captain Philemon Pownoll to the designs of the architect Sir Robert Taylor.
Church
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church, Totnes is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England Diocese of Exeter in Totnes, Devon.
Museum • Town • History museum
Totnes Museum
Totnes Museum is a local museum in the town of Totnes, south Devon, in southwest England. The museum is housed in a Grade I listed Elizabethan merchant's house that was built c.1575 for the Kelland family. The house still has many original features.
Specialty museum • Museum • Fashion museum
Devonshire Collection of Period Costume
The Devonshire Collection of Period Costume is a collection of historic costumes housed in the Totnes Fashion and Textiles Museum in the town of Totnes, south Devon, in southwest England.
Historical place • Museum • History museum
Totnes Guildhall
Totnes Guildhall is a 16th-century Tudor historic guildhall, magistrate's court, and prison, in the town of Totnes, south Devon, in southwest England. It is a Grade I listed building.
Cinema • Monastery
Totnes Priory
Totnes Priory was a priory at Totnes in south Devon, England. It was founded by Juhel de Totnes, feudal baron of Totnes.
Monastery
Totnes Trinitarian Priory
Totnes Trinitarian Priory, also known as the Trinitarian hospital of Warland was a medieval monastic house in the town of Totnes in Devon, England. It was founded in 1271, and dissolved in 1509. Parts of the priory's chapel still remain as ruins.
50°26'26"N • 3°41'8"W
Totnes Rare Breeds Farm
Farm
50°26'10"N • 3°41'19"W
Totnes Signal Box
Totnes Signal Box is a Grade II listed former Great Western Railway signal box, located on Totnes railway station. It presently functions as a cafe.

Day trips

Totnes – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Totnes, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Royal Albert Memorial Museum (Exeter), Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, Greenway House (Dartmouth).

21 milesN
Museum, Gothic Revival architecture, Specialty museum
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Nestled in the heart of Exeter, England, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) is a beacon of culture and history that beckons tourists and locals alike. This renowned institution is not just a museum; it's a journey through time and space, offering a window into the...
16 milesNE
Golf
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, located in the United Kingdom, is a site of remarkable natural beauty and biodiversity. This coastal haven stretches across 506 acres, encompassing a variety of habitats including sand dunes, grasslands, ponds, and marshes, which...
5.5 miSE
Historical place, Garden, Park
Greenway House, Dartmouth
Nestled in the lush Devon countryside near the town of Dartmouth, United Kingdom, Greenway House is a place of both historical significance and natural beauty. This charming estate, which overlooks the serene River Dart, is best known as the former holiday home of the...
21 milesN
Gothic edifice with rooftop tours
Exeter Cathedral, Exeter
Exeter Cathedral stands as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a historical beacon in the heart of Exeter, England. Officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, this magnificent structure dates back to the 12th century and serves as the seat...
5.3 miS
Amusement, Theme park, Amusement park
Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Dartmouth, United Kingdom, Woodlands Family Theme Park offers an exhilarating escape for families seeking adventure and fun. As an amusement park deeply rooted in England's green and pleasant land, Woodlands provides a diverse...