Things to Do in Totnes, Devon: A Complete Visitor Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Totnes?

This historic South Devon market town combines independent shops, centuries of history and a particularly attractive setting beside the tidal River Dart. Totnes feels different from many small towns. Its vintage shops, bookshops, markets and cafés have a distinctly independent character, while unusual places such as the Guildhall prison cells and Leechwell reward visitors who venture beyond the main shopping streets.

We like Totnes. There is almost always something happening beside the river, and the walk through town reveals historic buildings, gardens and tempting places to stop for food or a drink. The climb from the river to the upper town is noticeable but manageable for most visitors; there is no need to rush.

This first-hand guide covers what to do in Totnes, Devon, including the main Totnes attractions, free places to visit, riverside walks, markets, and practical information about parking and public transport.

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Map of Totnes, England

The official 2026 Totnes town map is also useful for a first visit. It marks historical sites, parking, places to eat and shop, and local walking routes. Printed copies are also normally available from the Guildhall and St Mary’s Church, and other tourist attractions within the town.

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A Brief History of Totnes

Totnes has a long history linked to its defensive position, market and connection with the River Dart. A settlement developed here long before the Norman Conquest, and the town later prospered through trade in wool, cloth and agricultural produce.

Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, William the Conqueror granted Totnes to Judhael, one of his Breton supporters. Judhael established a motte and bailey castle above the town, occupying a commanding position over the River Dart and surrounding countryside. Below it, Totnes developed into a prosperous medieval borough with a market, merchants’ houses and a river port.

The Dart itself was once a working highway. Interpretation panels beside the river record timber imports, pleasure steamers, rowing, swimming and other activities. Reeves Timber Yard stood across the river and imported Baltic timber before later building wartime craft. Steamer Quay received passenger boats, while the river also supported fishing and recreation.

Totnes has continued to develop a distinctive identity. It is widely associated with independent businesses, environmental initiatives and alternative ideas, and was the birthplace of the Transition Town movement. That recent history helps explain the emphasis on local food, responsible travel and community projects found around the town today.

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Things to Do in Totnes, Devon

The best things to do in Totnes combine history, independent shopping and the River Dart. First-time visitors should allow time for the castle and upper town, but some of the most memorable places are free and easy to miss.

Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle is a classic Norman motte and bailey castle reached by a short detour from the upper High Street. The surviving shell keep crowns a steep mound and provides extensive views across Totnes, the River Dart and the surrounding countryside.

We did not enter on our most recent visit because there were so many free things to do in Totnes. We have visited previously, however, and remember the views as just one of the good reasons to pay the admission charge. Visitors with limited time can still see the entrance and exterior before continuing around the upper town.

Walk Along Fore Street, High Street and the Narrows

The walk through Totnes is an attraction in its own right. Fore Street and High Street climb from the lower town towards East Gate Arch, the market and castle. Look above the modern shopfronts to appreciate buildings constructed for prosperous merchants during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

East Gate once marked an entrance into the medieval town. The present arch was carefully reconstructed after a serious fire in 1990. Farther uphill, the covered Butterwalk recalls the stalls once protected beneath it, while the Narrows contains independent shops and places to eat.

Explore Totnes Guildhall

The Totnes Guildhall was the genuine hidden gem of our visit. Built in 1553 using part of the former medieval priory, it has served as a court, prison, meeting place and centre of civic life.

Its original prison cells remained in use until 1887. One was known as the Dark House, and a model prisoner helps visitors imagine its confined conditions. Children are likely to find this part particularly memorable. Displays describe former prisoners, including three Quakers held in 1664 after discussing religion publicly and two men accused of forgery who escaped through the waste opening in 1836.

Upstairs, the atmospheric Council Chamber remains in civic use. Its details include a Tudor rose, nineteenth-century council furniture and Windsor chairs repaired by Italian prisoners of war after bomb damage during the Second World War. A large table is traditionally associated with Oliver Cromwell, although the connection is local tradition rather than established historical fact.

Visitors can also follow part of Ramparts Walk beside the old town wall. St Mary’s Church stands almost opposite, making the two attractions easy to combine. Admission to the Guildhall is normally free, with donations welcome, but opening hours are seasonal and may be affected by council business and private events.

Visit St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s is a striking fifteenth-century church built from deep red Devon sandstone. Its tower rises above the historic centre and provides one of Totnes’s most recognisable landmarks.

Inside, look for the stone rood screen, stained glass, memorials and historic fittings. A large illustrated map of Totnes on the floor introduces local stories and landmarks. Entry is free, although donations help support the building.

Discover Totnes Museum

Totnes Museum occupies a restored Elizabethan merchant’s house on Upper Fore Street. Its rooms explore the town’s history, while the building itself features original features, a courtyard, and a small herb garden.

One display considers Charles Babbage, whose work on mechanical calculating machines contributed to the development of computing. The museum is another useful free attraction; donations are welcome, but opening days are limited and seasonal. Check the official Totnes Museum website before making a special journey.

Browse Totnes Market

Totnes Market is held in the Market Square every Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. Stalls vary, but can include local produce, bread, street food, plants, clothes, jewellery, antiques, vintage goods, crafts and unusual collectables.

A food and craft market is also held on the first and third Sunday of the month, while additional artisan and seasonal markets take place during the year. The market is best enjoyed as part of a wider visit exploring Totnes and its independent shops. Check current arrangements with Totnes Town Council.

Take a River Dart Boat Trip Between Totnes and Dartmouth

We genuinely recommend a River Dart boat trip between Totnes and Dartmouth as one of the best days out in Devon.

The tidal journey takes about 90 minutes and passes wooded hills, creeks, waterside villages and historic landmarks. Depending on the tide and direction of travel, boats use Steamer Quay in Totnes and the embankment at Dartmouth. Along the way there are views towards Sharpham, Stoke Gabriel, Dittisham, Greenway and Britannia Royal Naval College.

Sailings are seasonal and tide-dependent, so times vary from day to day. Consult the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company for current schedules and booking.

Kayak or Paddleboard the Dart

Kayaking and paddleboarding are among the best outdoor activities in Totnes. Totnes Kayaks offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard hire, while Paddle Devon provides hire, lessons and guided trips from Longmarsh Car Park. The public slipway and nearby parking make Longmarsh a convenient place to reach the water.

The River Dart at Totnes is strongly tidal, so the direction and distance of a trip depend on the tide, wind and weather. Beginners should discuss a suitable route with the operator before setting out. Guided trips or lessons are a sensible choice for anyone unfamiliar with tidal rivers, while booking is recommended even for independent hire.

Explore Steamer Quay and Vire Island

Steamer Quay is a lively introduction to the River Dart and a convenient starting point for exploring the lower town. The river here is tidal, with an ever-changing scene of pleasure craft, passenger boats and wildlife. Cafés, public toilets and a convenient car park are close by, while nearby Longmarsh has open riverside space, accessible paths and a public slipway. Historic interpretation panels explain how passenger steamers and commercial vessels once used this busy stretch of the Dart.

Nearby Vire Island is a leafy space surrounded by water and reached from Totnes Bridge, often known locally as the Old Bridge. Picnic tables and benches make it a pleasant place to pause, while mature trees provide welcome shade in hot weather.

Walk to Longmarsh

Longmarsh offers a quieter and flatter contrast to the historic centre. The surfaced path follows the Dart past open grass, woodland, meadow, saltmarsh and scrub, with seats at intervals.

The area is recognised as a County Wildlife Site. Its varied habitats support birds, insects and riverside wildlife, while the incoming tide occasionally brings seals upriver. Interpretation panels also reveal an unexpected military history. Longmarsh was used as a rifle range from 1860. The Totnes Rifle Volunteers marched through the town to practise here, and remnants of the earth banks built behind the targets can still be seen at the far end of the marsh.

The Longmarsh Measured Mile begins at the Plains, the open area beside Totnes Bridge and the Royal Seven Stars Hotel, at the bottom of Fore Street. It crosses the bridge before following pavements along Seymour Road and Steamer Quay Road, then continues on a largely level surfaced riverside path through Longmarsh. This makes it one of the more accessible walks in Totnes.

Use the Totnes Town Trail as a Loose Guide

The official Totnes Town Trail is an excellent loose framework for a walk around the town. It begins at the Town Mill and links Vire Island, the Plains, Fore Street, the Brutus Stone, Totnes Museum, East Gate Arch, Ramparts Walk, the Guildhall, St Mary’s Church, Butterwalk, the castle, the Narrows, Rotherfold and Leechwell Garden.

The trail is described as a 60-minute walk, but that leaves almost no time to visit attractions, browse shops, or stop for refreshments. It also climbs steeply from the river through Fore Street and High Street. We used the route as inspiration; make whichever diversions appeal and allow several hours.

Find the Shady Garden

The Shady Garden is one of several small places that make exploring Totnes rewarding. A building occupied the site at 49 Fore Street from medieval times until a serious fire in 1966. After standing empty and being used occasionally for events, the space became a community garden.

It is easily missed and only requires a short stop, but it contributes to the sense that there is always another story tucked behind the main streets.

Visit Leechwell Garden and the Leechwell

Leechwell Garden is peaceful, secluded and one of our favourite hidden places in Totnes. The community garden occupies land historically associated with an orchard and the nearby medieval well.

The Leechwell is recorded from at least the fifteenth century, when the borough appointed wardens to look after it. Its water was traditionally believed to help eye ailments, lameness and skin conditions, and it continued to serve as a public water supply until the 1930s. One source feeds three stone basins traditionally called Toad, Long Crippler and Snake.

The well and garden are reached through narrow lanes beyond the upper town. Their tucked-away position is part of their attraction.

Look Around the Mansion and Rotherfold

The Mansion was rebuilt in 1795 and later served several educational purposes, including use by Hele’s School and the local grammar school. It is now a community centre, with Totnes Library behind it and Canteen, an excellent community café tucked away inside. We stopped here during our visit and thought it was fantastic.

Rotherfold Square lies beyond the busiest shopping streets. Once associated with livestock trading, it now provides community seating and access to independent businesses around the upper town. Both are worthwhile diversions when exploring this quieter side of Totnes.

Visit the South Devon Railway at Totnes Riverside

The South Devon Railway follows seven scenic miles beside the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside, with an intermediate station at Staverton. A typical end-to-end journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Totnes Riverside is worth seeing even if you are not travelling. We walked to the station, watched the trains arrive and depart, and returned towards Steamer Quay along the riverside path. This section is popular with dog walkers but can be uneven and muddy. In summer, it passes beneath shady trees, with the River Dart on one side and the Babbage Road industrial estate on the other. It is not the most attractive walk in Totnes, but it provides a useful traffic-free route between the heritage railway and Steamer Quay.

The station buildings were assembled using structures rescued from former railway sites, including Toller Porcorum, Axbridge, Bovey Tracey and Cradley Heath.

Totnes Riverside is separate from the National Rail station and has no road access or dedicated parking. The walk is about half a mile, following a largely level route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. On leaving the mainline station, turn left rather than right towards the town centre and follow the path from the far end of the car park. It eventually crosses the River Dart on an attractive footbridge before reaching the South Devon Railway station. Allow around 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are travelling on the South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh is usually the easier starting point because it has a large free car park beside the station. Alternatively, you can park at Totnes mainline railway station and follow the pedestrian route across the River Dart to Totnes Riverside. Parking charges apply at the mainline station.

Totnes Rare Breeds Farm adjoins the heritage station and is one of the most popular things to do in Totnes with children. Families can meet and feed rare-breed animals, including goats, sheep, poultry and smaller animals, while animal experiences may also be available.

The Garden Café can be visited without paying to enter the farm, making it a convenient stop when walking to Totnes Riverside or watching the trains. Opening is seasonal, so check current times before visiting. The South Devon Railway also offers combined train and farm tickets on selected dates.

Walk from Totnes to Dartington

The Totnes to Dartington walk follows the river from Borough Park to the Cider Press Centre. The return route is approximately 4 miles (6km) and is mainly flat, with benches along the way.

It is promoted locally as accessible for pushchairs, scooters and cycles. Continuing uphill to Dartington Hall increases the round trip to about six miles. The estate has gardens, riverside scenery, shops and places to eat, making it a worthwhile extension for visitors with a full day.

Try Other Walks in and Around Totnes

Longer walks near Totnes include the approximately 10km return route towards Sharpham and Ashprington, the 6¾-mile Franklin Totnes Trail and sections of the 12-mile Dart Valley Trail.

The Sharpham route has hills and is generally considered moderate, while the Franklin Trail takes around three to four hours and can be shortened. The Dart Valley Trail links Dartington and Dartmouth through the wider river landscape. Use current maps and route descriptions, particularly where paths cross farmland or conservation areas.

Discover Unusual Things to Do in Totnes

Visitors searching for unusual things to do in Totnes should look beyond the castle and shopping streets. The Guildhall’s prison cells, Leechwell, Shady Garden, Brutus Stone, Ramparts Walk and salvaged buildings at Totnes Riverside can all be combined into a day without lengthy detours.

The Brutus Stone is set into the pavement on Fore Street. According to legend, Brutus of Troy stepped ashore here and gave Totnes its name. There is no historical proof for the story, but the stone remains part of local tradition and royal proclamations have been read from this spot.

Things to Do In and Around Totnes

There are enough things to do in Totnes for a full day, but the town also makes a useful base for exploring South Devon.

Berry Pomeroy Castle is an atmospheric ruined castle a few miles away. Buckfastleigh is home to the main South Devon Railway station and lies close to Buckfast Abbey. Dartmouth can be reached by bus, road, or seasonal river boat, and it provides a contrasting maritime day out. Beyond these, the villages, beaches and estuaries of the South Hams offer many more things to do near Totnes.

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One Day in Totnes: How We Would Spend It

We would begin at Steamer Quay beside the River Dart, particularly if arriving by car. Take time to watch the busy tidal river and read the interpretation panels before walking towards Vire Island and the Town Mill.

From here, use the town trail as a loose guide up Fore Street. Browse the independent shops, look for the Brutus Stone and visit Totnes Museum if it is open. Continue beneath East Gate Arch towards St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall.

The Guildhall deserves more time than its modest entrance suggests. Explore the former prison cells and Council Chamber, then follow a section of the old town wall. If it is Friday or Saturday, allow time to browse the nearby regular market.

Continue to Totnes Castle, entering if the views appeal and time permits. From the castle, walk through the Narrows to Rotherfold Square, where the historic Bull Inn occupies a prominent position at the top of the town.

We followed Leechwell Street from Rotherfold towards the ancient Leechwell and peaceful Leechwell Garden. This quieter route reveals another side of Totnes, away from the busiest shopping streets, and was one of the most interesting parts of our walk.

Return towards the river at a relaxed pace, stopping for lunch or coffee wherever catches your eye. Finish with Longmarsh, the walk to Totnes Riverside or more time beside the Dart. A River Dart cruise requires a different itinerary because tide-dependent sailing times will determine the structure of the day.

This uphill route worked well for us. Visitors wanting an easier walk can reverse it, beginning near the castle, Rotherfold and Leechwell before descending through the town towards Steamer Quay.

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Shopping in Totnes Town Centre: Shops, Markets and Independent Businesses

Totnes has most things expected of a small town, but its strength lies in vintage, second-hand and unusual shops. Independent food businesses, gifts, galleries and locally made products prevent the centre from feeling like a standard high street.

Bookshops are a particular weakness of ours, and Totnes provides plenty of reasons to linger. The family-run East Gate Bookshop has local titles, nature writing, fiction and children’s books. Rowan Tree Bookshop, formerly Arcturus Books, specialises in subjects including the natural world, folklore, mythology, wellbeing and spirituality.

Close to the castle, Castle Books is a volunteer-run community shop selling second-hand, rare and collectable books. Oxfam Books and Music provides another opportunity to find pre-owned and unusual titles.

The Friday and Saturday Totnes Market complements the permanent shops with produce, food, clothing, vintage goods and crafts. Visitors especially interested in the market should time their trip accordingly, but Totnes remains a rewarding shopping destination throughout the week.

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What’s On in Totnes, Devon: Festivals and Seasonal Highlights

Totnes has a busy programme of markets, community events and seasonal celebrations. Regular highlights include the weekly market, food and craft markets, artisan events and the summer Elizabethan market tradition.

Larger annual events can include Totnes Show and Totnes Pride, while Christmas brings evening markets, entertainment and late-night shopping. Totnes Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping is scheduled for 8, 15 and 22 December 2026 from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Dates and arrangements change, so check the official Totnes events calendar before travelling. For more ideas nearby, our regularly updated guide to what’s on in Devon and South West England this weekend covers festivals, markets, shows, family events and seasonal celebrations across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

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How to Get to Totnes, Devon and Travel Around

Travelling to Totnes by Train

Totnes is on the main railway line through South Devon, with direct or connecting services from Exeter, Plymouth, Bristol, London and other parts of Britain.

Do not confuse Totnes National Rail station with Totnes Riverside, the separate South Devon Railway terminus. A signed pedestrian route of about half a mile connects them.

We normally compare train times and fares with Omio before travelling.

Travelling to Totnes by Bus

Buses connect Totnes with Dartmouth, Paignton, Torquay, Plymouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and surrounding communities. Stagecoach operates the principal services towards Paignton, Torbay, Plymouth and Dartmouth, while other operators provide some local and South Hams routes. Bob the Bus runs a community service connecting Totnes railway station with the town centre and other local stops on weekdays.

We often use Rome2Rio when planning bus journeys. In addition to suggesting available routes, it displays the locations of nearby bus stops, which is particularly useful in an unfamiliar town. The Stagecoach Bus app is also worth downloading for journey planning, live bus locations, nearby stops and mobile tickets.

If you plan to make more than one journey, check the available day tickets before buying separate fares. The Stagecoach Torbay DayRider zone includes Totnes as well as Paignton, Torquay, Brixham, Dartmouth, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish. It can therefore offer good value for a day trip between Totnes and Torbay. For longer journeys beyond the local zone, including trips to Plymouth, a South West DayRider may be required. Use the Stagecoach ticket finder to confirm the correct zone for your planned journeys.

Routes, frequencies, ticket boundaries and fares can change. Check the relevant operator or Travel Devon before travelling, particularly on Sundays and bank holidays.

Driving and Car Parking in Totnes

Parking in Totnes requires some planning because free spaces are scarce and nearby residential streets are subject to permit restrictions.

Steamer Quay is one of the most convenient car parks. It is straightforward to reach, close to the river and parks, and within walking distance of the town centre. Longmarsh is slightly farther along and can be less expensive if spaces are available. It also permits designated overnight motorhome parking, subject to current charges and restrictions.

Neither option avoids the uphill walk into the historic centre. Check the South Hams car park information for current charges and rules.

Arriving in Totnes by River Boat

Seasonal passenger boats connect Dartmouth and Totnes when tides permit. The journey is part of the experience rather than simply a means of transport, and our first-hand River Dart boat trip guide follows the complete route between the two towns. The cruise can also be combined with bus and heritage railway travel using a Round Robin ticket.

Sailing times vary with the tide, and Steamer Quay cannot be used at every state of the river. Check the operator’s timetable before planning the rest of your day.

Walking and Cycling Around Totnes

Totnes is compact enough to explore on foot, but the route between the river and upper town is steep. Historic surfaces and steps add character but can make some routes challenging.

Catbikes electric hire bikes are available at several docking points, currently including Steamer Quay, Shady Garden, Rotherfold Square, Weston Lane, Totnes Leisure Centre and Follaton House. The scheme uses the AppBike application. Check South Hams Catbikes information for current locations and charges.

National Cycle Network route 28 passes through Totnes, with links towards Dartington and Sharpham. Not every section is traffic-free, so check the proposed route before setting out.

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Where to Eat and Drink in Totnes

The truth is that Totnes has so much choice that visitors can confidently try whichever independent café, pub or restaurant catches their eye.

Canteen is a particular first-hand recommendation. Tucked behind the Mansion in a former school complex now used as a community centre, it is easy to miss. We thought it was a fantastic place to stop for a drink and snack, with an inviting outdoor space.

Beside the river, the Riverside Café provides another convenient stopping point. For a pub lunch (or a place to stay), the Steam Packet Inn, with its attractive riverside terrace, is hard to beat. We have eaten there on a previous visit and would happily return.

Opening hours and menus change, so check directly before making a special journey. For a wider choice, we find TripAdvisor useful for discovering different places to eat and to view recent visitor feedback.

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Where to Stay in Totnes, Devon

The best place to stay depends on how you plan to spend your visit. The historic centre is convenient for shops, restaurants and evening atmosphere, but some properties require an uphill walk and may have limited parking.

Accommodation near the river or railway station is useful for boat trips, walking and public transport. Dartington provides a quieter alternative with convenient access to riverside paths, while rural cottages around Totnes suit visitors planning a longer South Hams break.

When comparing accommodation in Totnes, check the exact location carefully. A property described as near Totnes may require a car, while centrally located accommodation can have limited parking. Free cancellation depends on the rate selected, not on the property alone.

👉 Compare Hotels and Accommodation in Totnes

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Weather in Totnes: When to Visit

Totnes, South Devon and the wider South Hams are genuine year-round destinations. The experience changes with the seasons, but each time of year has its own appeal. Some visitors prefer the energy and long days of summer, while others value quieter streets, cooler walking conditions and the colours of autumn or spring.

Spring brings gardens, wildflowers and increasing activity on the River Dart. Summer is particularly good for boat trips, kayaking, outdoor events, and long days by the water, although roads, car parks, and popular attractions can be busy. Autumn often provides excellent conditions for walking, independent shopping and exploring the surrounding countryside. Winter brings a different atmosphere, with Christmas markets, welcoming pubs and cafés, and fewer pressures to fit everything into one day.

This part of Devon is both a walking and boating paradise, but there are still plenty of things to do whatever the weather. The Guildhall, St Mary’s Church, independent shops, bookshops, cafés and pubs provide useful options when it rains, while Totnes Museum and other attractions open on selected days.

River cruises, kayaking and longer walks require closer attention to tides, weather and river conditions. Some seasonal attractions also reduce their opening hours outside the main visitor season, so check current arrangements before travelling.

Check the Met Office and BBC Weather for an up-to-date Totnes forecast. For River Dart cruises, kayaking and paddleboarding, we also find EasyTide useful for checking predicted tide times.

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Practical Information for Visiting Totnes

Other Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• GetYourGuide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpacker connections.
• Met Office – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, and ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

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Is Totnes Worth Visiting?

Yes. Totnes is worth visiting for its independent character, historic buildings and attractive River Dart setting.

The town has enough recognised attractions for a first visit, but its strongest quality is the combination of better-known sights and small discoveries. The Guildhall, Leechwell Garden, old walls, bookshops and riverside interpretation reward anyone willing to explore slowly.

Totnes is particularly well-suited to couples and independent travellers, while families have plenty to keep children occupied. The hills are the principal drawback for visitors with limited mobility, although the climb is not especially difficult for most people and there are many inviting places to pause.

Allow a full day if possible. Totnes is not a town that benefits from being rushed.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Totnes

What are the best things to do in Totnes?

The best things to do in Totnes include visiting Totnes Castle, exploring the Guildhall and St Mary’s Church, browsing Totnes Market and the independent shops, walking beside the River Dart and following the town trail. A seasonal River Dart boat trip between Totnes and Dartmouth is one of the finest ways to experience the surrounding countryside.

What can you do in Totnes for free?

Free things to do in Totnes include visiting the Guildhall and St Mary’s Church, exploring Leechwell Garden, walking around Vire Island and Longmarsh, browsing the market and watching heritage trains at Totnes Riverside. Totnes Museum is also normally free, with donations welcome, although its opening days are limited and seasonal.

What unusual things can you do in Totnes?

Unusual things to do in Totnes include exploring the Guildhall’s former prison cells, finding the ancient Leechwell, visiting the Shady Garden, looking for the Brutus Stone and walking beside the old town wall. Totnes Riverside is another interesting place because its station buildings incorporate structures rescued from several former railway sites.

What are the best things to do in Totnes with children?

Things to do in Totnes with children include exploring the Guildhall prison cells, visiting Totnes Castle, walking beside the river, travelling on the South Devon Railway and visiting Totnes Rare Breeds Farm. Families can also hire kayaks or paddleboards, although beginners should seek advice about tides and river conditions.

Can you hire kayaks and paddleboards in Totnes?

Yes. Totnes Kayaks offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard hire, while Paddle Devon provides hire, lessons and guided trips from Longmarsh Car Park. The River Dart is strongly tidal, so advance booking and advice about the tide, wind and weather are recommended.

When is Totnes Market held?

The regular Totnes Market is normally held in the Market Square every Friday and Saturday. A food and craft market is also usually held on the first and third Sunday of the month, with additional artisan, seasonal and Christmas markets during the year. Check current dates before travelling.

How should you spend one day in Totnes?

Begin beside the River Dart at Steamer Quay, then walk past Vire Island and follow the town trail loosely up Fore Street. Visit St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall, browse the market and independent shops, then continue towards Totnes Castle, Rotherfold, the Leechwell and Leechwell Garden. Finish beside the river at Longmarsh or Totnes Riverside.

Where is the best place to park in Totnes?

Steamer Quay is one of the most convenient Totnes car parks for the river and lower town. Longmarsh is slightly farther along Steamer Quay Road and can be less expensive. It also has designated paid overnight motorhome parking. Both involve an uphill walk into the historic town centre, and current charges should be checked before visiting.

Is Totnes easy to visit without a car?

Yes. Totnes has a mainline railway station and bus connections with Dartmouth, Paignton, Torquay, Plymouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and nearby communities. The centre is compact and most Totnes attractions can be reached on foot, although the walk from the river to the castle and upper town is steep.

Can you travel between Totnes and Dartmouth by boat?

Yes. Seasonal passenger boats connect Totnes and Dartmouth when tides permit. The River Dart cruise takes approximately 90 minutes and passes Sharpham, Stoke Gabriel, Dittisham and Greenway. Sailing times change with the tide, so check the operator’s timetable before organising the rest of your day.

What are the best walks in Totnes?

Popular walks in Totnes include the town trail, the largely level Longmarsh Measured Mile and the riverside route from Totnes to Dartington. Longer walks near Totnes include routes towards Sharpham and Ashprington, the Franklin Totnes Trail and sections of the Dart Valley Trail.

What can you do in Totnes when it rains?

Things to do in Totnes when it rains include visiting the Guildhall, St Mary’s Church and Totnes Museum when open. The town’s independent shops, bookshops, cafés and pubs provide further indoor options, while the South Devon Railway can still make an enjoyable wet weather day out.

What can you do near Totnes?

Things to do near Totnes include visiting Dartington, travelling on the South Devon Railway, exploring Berry Pomeroy Castle and spending a day in Dartmouth. The beaches, villages and estuaries of the South Hams and the attractions of Torbay are also within reach.

Is Totnes worth visiting?

Yes. Totnes is worth visiting for its historic buildings, independent shops, markets, food and attractive River Dart setting. Allow a full day if possible. A long weekend provides time to explore things to do in and around Totnes, including Dartmouth, Dartington, the South Devon Railway and the wider South Hams.

Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.