Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Totnes, Devon

A town with a Bohemian character, Totnes is recognized for its vibrant New Age community.

Notably, Totnes has its own currency, the Totnes Pound, introduced in 2007 to bolster the local economy.

Historically, the town was already thriving before the Normans constructed a castle here in the late 1060s. The Elizabethan House Museum houses a collection of Anglo-Saxon coins minted in Totnes.

The historic center is adorned with Tudor houses established by merchants who prospered from trading wool and tin along the River Dart.

Along the riverside, you can observe well-preserved warehouses that once stored apples, cider, and timber.

Totnes also lies adjacent to the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which surrounds the banks of the Dart Estuary.

Let’s examine the top attractions in Totnes:

1. Totnes Town Trail

Maps for a trail around Totnes are available on the South Devon AONB website and the town’s tourism platform.

Beginning at the Plains along the River Dart, visitors will encounter rows of historic warehouses that highlight Totnes’ maritime trade history.

As you proceed along Fore Street, the principal thoroughfare of Totnes, take note of The Gothic House, styled after Strawberry Hill, and the quaint Atherton Lane alley that leads off to the side.

The Brutus Stone is a small granite boulder embedded in the pavement, associated with the legendary founder of Britain, Brutus of Troy, who is said to have given the town its name.

At the summit of the hill, the East Gate serves as a preserved Elizabethan entrance to the walled town. Further up on the High Street, the Butterwalk features Tudor architecture and includes a covered walkway for traders selling dairy products sheltered from the weather.

2. Dartington Estate

This estate features a Medieval hall dating back to the 14th century and serves as the headquarters for the Dartington Hall Trust, a charity engaged in various programs.

Among these is the Dartington International Summer School, a music school and festival established in 1948, with renowned composers and musicians participating, including Elliott Carter and Bruno Maderna. The evening concerts are of exceptional quality.

The Dartington Gardens, skillfully re-landscaped in the 1920s and 1930s, remain open year-round and showcase sculptures by notable artists such as Henry Moore and Willi Soukop.

Moore’s “Reclining Figure” is strategically placed under a row of ancient chestnut trees, overlooking the sunken Tiltyard garden.

Additionally, the garden features a yew tree believed to be up to 2,000 years old, historically used for crafting longbows during Medieval times.

3. Berry Pomeroy Castle

Located in the shaded valley of the Gatcombe Brook, approximately two miles from Totnes, the remnants of a Medieval castle and the structure of an Elizabethan mansion can be explored.

The outer defenses date back to the late 15th century, while the construction of the house began in the 16th century under Sir Edward Seymour, the High Sheriff of Devon.

He was the first in a succession of Seymours who worked on this estate, which ultimately fell into disuse by the end of the 17th century.

Since then, Berry Pomeroy Castle has gained a reputation for ghost stories.

English Heritage provides an audio tour of the site, which has remained in relatively good condition despite over 300 years of neglect.

Visitors can view the large stone ovens in the kitchen, stand in the Great Hall’s ruins, and ascend the partially intact first floor while learning about the legends of the resident White Lady and Blue Lady ghosts.

4. St Mary’s Church

Whether approaching Totnes from the banks of the River Dart or the higher terrains beyond, the 37-meter tower of St Mary’s Church dominates the skyline as the first landmark visible.

Originally a part of St Mary’s Priory, the church underwent a complete reconstruction in the 15th century.

The tower, nave, chancel, and detailed chancel screen were all constructed between 1432 and 1460. This screen is notable for its intricate tracery, warranting a closer look.

Above is a beautifully crafted wooden barrel-vaulted ceiling adorned with bosses, while the baptismal font, dating back to the 15th century, features quatrefoil panels.

Finally, take notice of the Renaissance monument dedicated to Walter Smith (d. 1555) located on the south chancel aisle.

5. Totnes Guildhall

In 1553, King Edward VI granted Totnes the authority to establish a guildhall, constructed on the site of St Mary’s Priory, incorporating the old refectory.

By the 17th century, this Grade I structure served as a magistrate’s court and later functioned as a town jail until the 19th century.

The Guildhall is open on weekdays from April through October and offers many fascinating details to uncover.

The boards in the Lower Hall feature gold leaf inscriptions detailing every Totnes mayor dating back to 1359, while Oliver Cromwell charted the final battles of the Civil War in the Council Chamber in 1646. The table at which he deliberated remains intact, alongside an impressive plasterwork frieze on the wall.

In the lower levels are the cells where prisoners awaited their trials and sentences.

6. Totnes Elizabethan House Museum

Established within an Elizabethan merchant house dating back to 1575, this museum features 12 galleries dedicated to showcasing the history of Totnes and its notable residents.

The house is impeccably maintained and serves as a museum exhibit in itself.

Noteworthy preserved features include a staircase that elegantly winds around a wooden pole believed to originate from a warship.

A highlight is the room dedicated to Victorian mathematician Charles Babbage, known for his invention of the Analytical Engine and Difference Engine, who spent significant time in Totnes during his youth.

Visitors may also explore coins minted in Totnes during Saxon times and view an authentic Victorian nursery.

At the rear of the house, a small herb garden cultivates rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender, and visitors have the opportunity to purchase bunches to take home.

7. Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

A family-run, volunteer-supported attraction, the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is located just outside the Devon countryside.

The farm serves as a sanctuary for various British domestic animal species, including sheep, donkeys, chickens, goats, and also features alpacas, ducks, a barn owl, European eagle owl, and a European screech owl.

Additionally, the farm is home to wild species that are endangered in the English countryside, such as the red squirrel and hedgehog.

Children will delight in the small animals corner, where they can hold guinea pigs, touch a harmless corn snake, and admire newly hatched chicks.

The Garden Cafe offers an array of sandwiches, paninis, salads, and platters, with a scenic view overlooking the South Devon Railway.

8. South Devon Railway

Initiated in 1872, the ten-mile Buckfastleigh, Totnes, and South Devon Railway originally linked with the Exeter-Plymouth line at Totnes.

Although the line was closed in 1962, over six miles of the track were preserved and later reopened as a heritage line.

One notable aspect of the South Devon Railway is that it operates several of the locomotives and carriages that were previously utilized when it was part of the national network decades ago.

Included are three operational GWR locomotives (4575 Class, 5700 Class, 6400 Class) built between 1927 and 1934. Services primarily operate from March to October, connecting Totnes and Buckfastleigh. At Buckfastleigh, there is a museum displaying the South Devon Railway 0-4-0 locomotive from 1876.

For an unforgettable dining experience, consider the Sunday lunch or afternoon tea service.

9. Sharpham Vineyard

Set on the sunny, south-facing slopes along a bend in the River Dart, Sharpham Vineyard boasts around 12,000 vines spread across 550 picturesque acres.

The vineyard produces a diverse selection of red and white wines that have received numerous national and international awards.

The estate also houses a herd of 80 Jersey cows, which provide milk for an array of handcrafted soft cheeses.

You can customize your experience at the vineyard, choosing from a menu of tours that include a leisurely self-guided walk through the vineyard in the South Devon AONB, or quick as well as detailed wine and cheese tasting activities.

For an in-depth perspective, try the “Vine to Wine” experience or a tailored private tour where guests are welcomed with a flute of the vineyard’s own sparkling wine upon arrival.

10. Totnes Fashion and Textiles Museum

Located at the Butterwalk, this museum resides in a Tudor house clad in tiles and features the Devonshire Collection of Period Costume.

Bogan House is considered one of the most well-preserved merchant properties in Totnes and showcases authentic 16th-century plaster ceilings.

The Devonshire Collection represents the largest private assembly of its kind, containing garments for women, men, and children dating back to the 17th century.

Among the most remarkable pieces are five Georgian silk gowns from between 1760 and 1785, alongside Victorian wedding and mourning gowns, as well as splendid Art Deco outfits from the 1920s and 30s.

This is all complemented by an extensive array of shawls, bags, shoes, and additional accessories, with selections curated for pop-up exhibitions occurring every few months.

11. Totnes Castle

West of the town center, the distinctive earthwork mound of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle is located.

The site is maintained by English Heritage, and the steep mound, dating back to the 1060s, is among the best preserved in the country.

Atop the mound lie the remnants of a stone shell keep, which, along with the curtain wall, was constructed in the 14th century.

While the historical significance may be limited, visitors can enjoy a brief exploration of the moat and ascend to the parapet, which offers the finest view of Totnes and the River Dart.

In the bailey, a prominent tree bears graffiti carved by Italian prisoners from the Second World War.

12. Pennywell Farm

A diverse range of animals awaits at this family-friendly destination located five miles from Totnes.

Pennywell Farm is home to draft horses, goats, ponies, hedgehogs, donkeys, pigs, piglets, ewes, lambs, tortoises, poultry, and a pair of alpacas.

Every half hour, a bell rings to announce a new activity at the farm, which could involve cuddling piglets, grooming ponies, watching ferret races, collecting eggs, pond dipping, or milking demonstrations.

Engaging activities include a miniature train, tractor rides, and go-karts.

13. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

An easily accessible excursion from Totnes is the highly acclaimed Paignton Zoo, which shelters around 2,000 animals from 300 species in lush parkland that supports over 1,600 plant species.

The zoo distinguishes itself through its thoughtfully designed habitats.

For instance, the Desert House is a spacious walk-through greenhouse featuring pancake tortoises, gila monsters, and Princess of Wales parakeets flying freely above.

Popular children’s favorites like African elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, cheetahs, and black rhinoceroses are located within the Savannah Animals zone.

Keeper talks and feeding sessions provide a unique perspective on a range of animals, including lemurs, gorillas, elephants, tigers, baboons, and red pandas.

14. Water Activities

To the southeast of Totnes, the River Dart expands as it flows into the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The river is particularly enchanting from the water, with its verdant, wooded banks, along with small tributaries and historic mill pools branching off.

Nearby, at the mill pool in Stoke Gabriel—just 15 minutes from town—Totnes Kayaks offers rentals for canoes and kayaks for excursions of up to six hours.

While paddling, you might be fortunate enough to spot a wild seal, along with charming wildlife such as kingfishers and herons.

Along the river, several waterside pubs and picnic areas are available for relaxation, and Totnes Kayaks provides maps and pertinent information about tide times to help plan your adventure.

15. Totnes Market

The weekly markets are held in Civic Square, just off the High Street, every Friday and Saturday.

Shoppers can find fresh fish, regional fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, prepared foods, clothing, antiques, and various accessories.

On Fridays, there is also a collectibles and flea market hosted in the Civic Hall. Additionally, the award-winning Totnes Good Food Sunday Market operates on the third Sunday of each month throughout the year.

From May to September, there is a weekly celebration highlighting Totnes’ Tudor heritage at the Elizabethan Market, a charity event featuring vendors in traditional Tudor attire.