Explore Totnes through its culture, trails and the River Dart. Alongside a Norman castle, an Elizabethan merchant’s house and markets, you can choose from walking routes, rail trips and activities on the water. To plan your stay, it helps to choose your focus first: would you like to explore historic places, spend time on a trail or plan an activity on the river? The options below give you practical ideas for your days in Totnes.
Castle, Merchant’s House and Town History
Totnes Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, built shortly after the Conquest at the highest point of the hilltop town. This type of castle combines a raised mound with a fortified enclosure. From the Wall Walk, views stretch across the rooftops of Totnes, the River Dart and Dartmoor—three distinct vantage points, from the townscape to the wider landscape.
Totnes Museum is housed in an authentic Grade I listed Elizabethan merchant’s house. The building was constructed in 1575 on Fore Street, in the heart of Totnes. Exhibition topics include the work of Charles Babbage and the development of modern computers and technologies. The Totnes Guildhall complex also includes an original priory building dating from 1088. St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of the town for more than 500 years. Its churchyard is a publicly accessible green space in the town centre, suitable for sitting or picnicking.
Markets, Cinema and Music
The Elizabeth Market takes place every Tuesday morning from May to September. Traders wear costumes from the Elizabethan era. The Totnes Food Market offers the chance to buy and sample produce from South Devon on the third Sunday of every month. As market dates are seasonal or recurring, it’s a good idea to check the current dates before travelling.
Music and cinema also add to the cultural offerings. The Barrel House Ballroom is a grassroots music venue in Totnes with a capacity of 150 people. Totnes Cinema is housed in a historic building accessed through a secret passageway. The options are quite different: market dates follow a set day of the week or month, while music and cinema offer other kinds of cultural programming.
Walking and Cycling Trails
The Longmarsh Measured Mile is a described, level walk around Totnes, suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility aids. The Franklin Trail, by contrast, is a waymarked circular walk of 6Âľ miles (9.7 kilometres). It starts and ends in Totnes, and the full route can be shortened. This gives you a choice between a level path with stated accessibility for mobility aids and a longer circular walk with the option of a shorter route.
Similarly named but serving a different purpose, the Franklin Totnes Trail offers a walking and cycling route from Totnes to Sharpham and Ashprington. The main path is firm and suitable for walking and cycling. When comparing routes, it helps to distinguish first between the circular walk that starts and ends in Totnes and the route to the destinations named above. The two names do not refer to the same route.
River Dart, Rail and Day Trips
Boat trips to Dartmouth are offered on the River Dart at Totnes; the waters around Totnes are also suitable for kayaking and canoeing. Providers and conditions may vary. Paddle Devon offers guided canoe, kayak, paddleboard and sea-kayak tours, as well as expert coaching and Paddle UK qualifications. These are different ways to enjoy the water; check the relevant dates and conditions for any specific activity.
Another day-trip idea is the South Devon Railway: its 14-mile round trip runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside and is operated by historic GWR steam locomotives. Operating days vary by season, so it’s worth checking the timetable before planning. Rail travel to Totnes is a separate option: the town is well connected by rail and lies on the main line from London Paddington to Penzance. It’s about a ten-minute walk from the station to the town centre. Check timetables for your journey there and onward travel; this makes it easier to plan your arrival on the main line separately from a possible trip on the South Devon Railway.
Explore more destinations: North Huish, Sidmouth, Woolacombe, Sparkwell, Yealmpton, Two Bridges, Hennock, Outer Hope.
For the overview of the wider region: Devon.
