Totnes, Devon
Totnes has a lovely location, between the rugged moors of Devon and the sea, which couldn’t be more fitting for this bustling Medieval market town at the head of the River Dart estuary. Within the South Devon Natural Landscape with views of the gently rolling hills, it feels tucked away and quiet here, even though Torquay and Paignton are less than 30 minutes’ drive away.
It’s fair to say that Totnes has a reputation as something of a ‘green’ town or a ‘hippy’ town, and it certainly attracts its fair share of creative people. But it remains a draw to folk from all walks of life – they come because they like the laid-back vibe, the narrow streets lined with historic buildings, strung with colourful bunting in the summer.
So, if you decide to go to Totnes when you’re on your large group holidays in Devon, what’s to do? Well, there are some quirky one-off shops to browse, and there are regular markets – the town market is held in the square every Friday and Saturday, once a month there’s a Sunday Food & Craft Market, and May to September sees a weekly charity market run by the local Elizabethan Society, who turn out in full Tudor costume. You could have a look round Totnes Museum & Elizabethan House, hire kayaks and take to the waters of the River Dart, or puff your way up to Totnes Castle, standing high above the town on a manmade motte. If you’ve got the right kind of footwear on you could wander out to Dartington Hall for a further stroll around the gardens or the deer park, and lunch at The White Hart Pub.
If you decide to stay in town, try The Bull Inn at the top of the High Street, the family run King William IV in the centre, or Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen down by the station.
Nearby are Pennywell Farm and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, so plan it well and you’ve got yourself a good day out.
All information correct at the time of writing