Topsham, Exeter, Devon
If a browse around a quaint little town appeals when you’re on your holidays in Devon, go to Topsham, just a few miles from Exeter, on the estuary of the River Exe; you’ll like it there. It’s not a big town by any means, but come here and you’ll agree that sometimes, the best things come in small packages. The thing is, Topsham has so much charm and whilst it has quite a cosmopolitan air, it also feels like time has slowed down here, like there’s no need to rush, nothing’s urgent.
A couple hundred years ago, Topsham was a thriving port and ship building centre and just like then, it’s a sought after place. You can still feel the maritime air and certainly, much of the historic charm survives. The main street is lined with little shops, mostly independently owned, among them a jewellers, boutiques, galleries, fine wines and food, and in the old Customs House on the Quay, a big antiques centre. Venture off and explore the side streets and you’ll find narrow passageways, centuries old cottages and 17th century Dutch merchant style houses – an echo of how provident the town was back then.
Have a good wander round, get a good feel for the town, wonder what it’s like to live here. Stroll along the estuary on the Goat Walk to Bowling Green Marsh, and take your binoculars because this is an RSPB Nature Reserve and along with the mudflats it’s a haven to birdlife; avocet, little ringed plover and little egret have been spotted here.
You can catch a passenger ferry across the river to idyllic waterside pubs, or you can stay on dry land and get good food at The Galley Fish and Seafood Restaurant or The Salutation Inn. Best of all though has to be to go to The Passage House Inn on a warm evening and sit outside watching the sunset across the estuary. Now that’s quality, that is.
All information correct at the time of writing