Last Updated on 29th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Totnes is a fun and quirky town located in the very heart of Devon. From shopping for handmade clothes to a market filled with vendors dressed in Elizabethan costume to devouring sweets in unique eateries, there are plenty of things to see and do in this historic town. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Totnes!

Introducing Totnes, the quirky town of South Devon

Situated on a ley line, the entire town is centred around the ruins of a once great castle and most activity takes place along one main high street. At a first glance, Totnes looks like any other Devonian market town; a handful of independent boutiques mixed in with a smattering of the usual chain stores.

However, the vibe completely changes the higher up the high street you go (literally and figuratively- the entire town is built on a large hill). The higher up the high street you walk, the further you step back in time.

The end of the high street culminates in the well-preserved ruins of a Norman Castle. So here’s a quick guide to Totnes (attractions are listed in the order in which you see them; starting from the bottom of the high street and working up to the castle at the very top of town):

Best things to do in Totnes, Devon

Visit Roly’s Fudge Shop

No guide to Totnes would be complete without at least a little nod to the best fudge shop for miles around. Started in a farmhouse in the very heart of Devon in the late 80s’, Roly’s fudge now trades internationally and from typical flavours such as ‘vanilla’ and ‘chocolate’ to ‘salted’, you’re sure to find a flavour that you like!

Explore Totnes Museum

The Totnes museum sits in pride of place at the very centre of the high street. The Elizabethan house (rumoured to be haunted) contains plenty of artefacts and history about Totnes and its surrounding area. There’s even the chance to dress up in period costumes…

Totnes was once the hometown of prolific inventor Charles Babbage. He even came up with the concept of the very first postage stamps. Inside the museum, on the very top floor, you’ll find an entire room dedicated to Babbage. If you want to visit Totnes Museum for yourself, then it’s worth noting that it’s open from Monday – Friday 10 AM to 4 PM.

Visit the Totnes Market

There’s a weekly market on Fridays and Saturdays in market square selling fresh produce and locally produced goods. Between May and September, there are also vendors selling their ways on various days of the week dressed in complete Elizabethan outfits; a rather unusual sight for a Tuesday Morning!

A personal favourite market stall of mine can be found on the weekends in the form of Continental Crumbs. If you happen to spot this stall, be sure to buy their sourdough olive bread, it’s particularly delicious and contains full olives!

Enjoy the architecture of St Mary & St George’s Church

The Church of England Church dedicate to St Mary and St George sits a little way up the high street from the museum, just below the castle. Although Christians have flocked to the site for thousands of years to worship, the sandstone church building itself has only stood since the mid-1400s.

Shop in Revival (Vintage Clothes Store)

As soon as you step into Revival, it’s like you’re stepping into a time capsule- or simply a shop that time forgot. The clothes are authentic and the atmosphere is really quite friendly.

Expect to find everything in here from quirky shoes to beautiful lace ball gowns. Each time you visit, you’ll be treated to new and interesting finds, lovingly discovered by Sue Nurse.

Visit the Motte & Bailey Totnes Castle

Today, Totnes castle (or rather, what remains of it) is owned and carefully managed by English Heritage. Sitting at the very top of town, the Norman castle is the jewel of Totnes. One of the best surviving examples of a Motte and Bailey Castle in the U.K., it was founded soon after the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066.

Sitting in pride of place at the very top of Totnes, it has to be said that views from the keep of the castle are unrivalled, meaning that Totnes Castle is easily one of the best castles in Devon!

Dine at Wild Fig Café Deli

If you’re vegan or vegetarian and planning a trip to Totnes, then you’re in luck. After all, the town is filled with veggie eats. From hearty soups to dairy-free desserts, there’s no shortage of great vegan eats in Totnes.

However, truth be told, my favourite café in the town is the Wild Fig Café Deli. Serving all kinds of vegan salads, soups, and tarts, the coffee shop even sells raw desserts!

Take a day trip to Sandridge Barton Vineyard

For those who wish to sample some English wine, one of the best vineyards in Devon, that of Sandridge Barton, can be found on the fringes of Totnes. This area of the world is steeped in history, and if you’ve never sampled English wine before, then the rolling hills of Devon are the perfect place to start!

There’s a vineyard to wander around, a wine bar at which to sample some of the tipples, and a restaurant serving plenty of locally sourced food. On-site, there’s even a dairy producing award-winning cheeses which are now sold across Europe…

Home to vines you can walk around and the chance to sample some of the vineyard’s award-winning wines, the sunny spot is best-visited in the summer months when strolling along the River Dart makes for the perfect afternoon activity.

If you’re not the designated driver and wish to try some of the tipples for yourself, then you can sample a basket comprising of four ‘samplers’ for the reasonable price of £8. This way, you can try the wines without having to commit to buying a full bottle.

If I’m honest, the wines are good but they do tend to err on the pricier side of things, so it’s worth bearing this in mind if you wish to purchase some Devonian souvenirs.

But then again, commercially produced English wine is a fairly new phenomenon and by purchasing British wine, you’re aiding in the local industry. The wine is award-winning, the batches are created in small quantities, and you go for the experience and ambience…

Take a day trip to Berry Pomeroy Castle

Often said to be one of the most haunted castles in England, Berry Pomeroy Castle can be found on the road between Totnes and Paignton. Free to visit for English Heritage members, once you’ve paid the entrance fee you can expect to be able to wander around the castle ruins at your own pace.

You’re also provided with an entertaining audio guide that details the history of the castle and former manor house. In order to enjoy all that Berry Pomeroy has to offer, I personally recommend setting aside at least a few hours of time.

Drive down the River Dart Estuary

If you have access to a car and a couple of spare hours, then it’s well worth taking the time to drive along the narrow and winding road which traces the River Dart to its source. After all, after seeing the Dart from the winery, it’s well worth getting to know the waters on a more local level.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore small hamlets, quirky pubs, and perhaps even spot some local wildlife. Should you opt to do this, make sure to bring a map or download a map onto your phone- there’s little phone signal in the area!

Take a day trip to Greenway

The historic house of Greenway is the former house of Agatha Christie is now owned and managed by the National Trust. If you’re visiting Sharpham Wine and Cheese, then after your trip, you can easily drive down the estuary towards Dittisham.

From there, it’s easy to take the small passenger ferry across the River Dart to visit the small cottage. Open on a daily basis throughout the summer months, this former residence is decorated and filled with furnishings just as it would have been during the popular author’s time.

Unusual Things to do in Totnes

See the orange races

Each year, in the month of August, an orange rolling race is held on the particularly steep high street that meanders its way through town. Run by the Totnes Elizabethan Society, the race is followed up by a charity auction.

Spot the Brutus Stone

In a place where many people pass by on a daily basis but few actually stop at, the Brutus stone can be found in the pavement and has its own handpainted sign above, pointing it out. Meant to be associated with Brutus, the Totnes stone is meant to be the first thing Brutus stepped on when he exited his ship onto British soil for the first time.

Wander under Totnes clock tower

Situated in the very heart of the town, halfway up the high street, the Clock Tower is hard to miss. Dating back decades, if not centuries, this quirky piece of architecture is well worth snapping a photo of when wandering through the town.

Where to stay in Totnes

Thanks to its location in the heart of Devon and wealth of things to do, Totnes is a great place to base yourself for exploring the wider area. Here are the best places to stay in Totnes based on web reviews and location:

The Old Forge at Totnes: This four-star B&B can be found in a delightful 15th-century house on the fringes of town. Well-reviewed and with free parking, The Old Forge makes for the perfect country escape. Check prices and availability here.

Steam Packet Inn: Located on the shores of the River Dart, this Totnes accommodation is a ten-minute walk from Totnes Castle. Check prices and availability here.

King William IV: Situated along the high street, in the very middle of Totnes, King William IV offers five en-suite rooms at reasonable prices. Check prices and availability here.

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