Discover Totnes: Castles, Trails and the River Dart

Totnes combines visibly preserved history with trails, markets and experiences on the River Dart. Above the hilly town stands Totnes Castle, a classic Norman motte-and-bailey castle built shortly after the Conquest at the highest point. Those planning a trip can combine culture, activity and water-based experiences in a variety of daily itineraries here.

Experience history in the heart of Totnes

Totnes Castle offers views over the rooftops of Totnes, the River Dart and Dartmoor from its Wall Walk. The castle is therefore not only a historic site but also provides an informative view of the surrounding area. At Totnes Museum, the story of the town leads into an authentic Grade I listed Elizabethan merchant's house. The building was constructed in 1575 on Fore Street in the heart of Totnes. One exhibition focuses on the work of Charles Babbage and the development of modern computers and technologies.

The historic townscape also includes Totnes Guildhall, with an original priory building dating from 1088, and St Mary's Church, which has stood at the heart of Totnes for more than 500 years. The churchyard of St Mary's Church is a publicly accessible green space in the town centre and is suitable for sitting or picnicking. This allows you to combine a cultural programme with a quiet break without losing sight of the town's character.

Walks, cycle routes and trips on the water

For a longer tour, the signposted Franklin Trail starts and ends in Totnes. The circular route is 6¾ miles or 9.7 kilometres long and can also be shortened. Another option is the Franklin Totnes Trail: from Totnes, a walking and cycling route leads to Sharpham and Ashprington; the main route is firm and suitable for cycling and walking. If you are travelling with differing ideas about an excursion, this allows for both longer and shorter options.

The Longmarsh Measured Mile around Totnes is a level walking route suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Boat trips to Dartmouth are offered on the River Dart; the river near Totnes is also suitable for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle Devon offers guided tours by canoe, kayak, paddleboard and sea kayak, as well as expert coaching and Paddle UK qualifications. The South Devon Railway adds to the range of excursions with a 14-mile round trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside, operated with historic GWR steam locomotives.

Markets, music and special moments in the town

The Elizabeth Market takes place every Tuesday morning from May to September. The traders wear costumes from the Elizabethan period, giving the market its own historic atmosphere. The Totnes Food Market takes place on the third Sunday of every month and offers the opportunity to buy and sample local produce from South Devon.

There are also distinctive places to go in the evening: The Barrel House Ballroom is a grassroots music venue in Totnes with a capacity of 150 people. Totnes Cinema is located in a historic building accessed through a secret passageway. These different options make it possible to choose between culture, regional produce, music and cinema rather than making every day of your trip the same.

Totnes as a base for your trip

Totnes is easy to reach by train. The station is about a ten-minute walk from the town centre, and the town lies on the main line from London Paddington to Penzance. If you value a rail connection when searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home, this location is one of the specific factors to consider when planning your trip.

More destinations for orientation

For further trip planning, you can also check Ilsington, Bishop's Tawton, Torquay, Princetown, South Molton, Buckfastleigh, Swimbridge and Dunkeswell.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.