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You need never be lost for something to do in Totnes or the surrounding area.
There are attractions of all kinds to keep you occupied, regardless of the
weather: castles, museums, historic houses, gardens, steam railways and, of
course, the river. However, many of the attractions are open on a seasonal basis
only. Please check opening dates or operating times before travelling. Click the links for your area(s) of interest.
Please
note that the contact details on the bottom of each page, including the email
link, are the details for the
Information Centre and not for individual
attractions.
| Name |
Location |
Description |
| Art and
Wilderness Adventure |
Devon |
Kayak, canoe touring, white water, sea
kayaking, snorkelling, guided walks, climbing, abseiling, mountaineering,
wilderness camps, navigation courses, art, photography, video workshops |
| Berry Pomeroy Castle |
Berry Pomeroy |
An English Heritage property, reputedly one of
the most haunted castles in the country. |
| Buckfast Butterflies and
Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary |
Buckfast |
Butterflies in tropical surroundings and otters
swimming underwater |
| Canoe Adventures |
River Dart |
Canoe the River Dart in 12-seat open canoes |
| Dartington Hall |
Dartington |
DartingtonARTs, The Barn Cinema, Dartington International Summer School & Festival of Music
- all on the beautiful Dartington Hall estate |
| Devonshire Collection of Period Costume |
Totnes |
Situated in 16th century Bogan House in the Butterwalk, this is
a high
quality museum. Exhibitions on specific themes change every year. |
| Elizabethan Museum |
Totnes |
One of the finest restored Elizabethan town houses in the county. Built in about
1575 for Walter Kellond, a cloth merchant, it has rooms on three floors, a
kitchen block linked to the main house by a gallery, a courtyard and herb
garden. The museum contains a wide range of exhibits illustrating local social
history: industries, archaeology, clocks, costumes, toys and a room devoted to
Charles Babbage and his inventions. A Study Centre for local and family history
deals with requests from all over the world, and Totnes Museum Society organises
regular talks and events. |
| Guildhall |
Totnes |
There aren’t many towns where a visit to the council headquarters is a major
experience, but Totnes Guildhall is unforgettable. Built in 1553 on the ruins of
the medieval priory, it has been the heart of the town’s administrative, legal
and ceremonial life for centuries, serving as court, prison and meeting place.
Still in regular use, it has an atmosphere that is almost tangible. |
| High Cross
House |
Dartington |
A brilliant specimen of 1930s modernist architecture, the house was built for
the first headmaster of the famous Dartington Hall School. It
now contains the Dartington Hall Trust archives, and paintings by Alfred Wallis,
Ben Nicholson and many artists and craftsmen associated with Dartington,
including Bernard Leach. |
| Living Coasts |
Torquay |
Harbourside wildlife
attraction. |
| The National
Marine Aquarium |
Plymouth |
Over 4,000 amazing marine creatures in
spectacular realistic habitats. |
| Paignton & Dartmouth
Steam Railway |
Between Paignton and Kingswear |
Steam trains between Paignton and Kingswear
(for Dartmouth) |
| Paignton Zoo |
Paignton |
Environmental park run by The Whitley Wildlife
Trust |
| Riverlink |
River Dart |
The ultimate excursion from Totnes is undoubtedly the 12 mile cruise down
the estuary of the Dart to the historic port of Dartmouth. Relax as you sail
gently past saltmarshes, hanging woods, rounded hills and quiet waterside
villages, watching for herons, cormorants, kingfishers, Canada geese and grey
seals. You soon feel as if you are far away from contemporary noise and
confusion, out of sight of main roads and traffic. The river is rich in history
and folklore, with stories that grow taller with each telling. There are the
mansions of Sharpham, Sandridge and Waddeton, and Agatha Christie’s home at
Greenway. See the ghostly wreck of a paddle steamer, the rock where Sir Walter
Raleigh smoked one of his many 'first pipes', and the ancient yew tree at Stoke
Gabriel. The journey takes an hour and a quarter. |
| Sharpham
Vineyard and Cheese Dairy |
Ashprington |
Vineyard and winery set in a stunning location
above the River Dart. Wine tasting. Vineyard and river bank walking trails.
View cheese making, through windows, in the cheese dairy. |
| SRS Training |
Staverton |
Horse riding stables, offering riding for all
ages and abilities from 4 years up. Countryside rides, experienced and
qualified staff. Complete beginners and families welcome. |
| South Devon Railway |
Between Totnes and Buckfastleigh |
Travel gently back in time in a chocolate and cream Great Western Railway coach,
pulled by a real steam engine. The line from Totnes to Buckfastleigh and
Buckfast is typical of hundreds of former branch lines, and lovelier than most,
as it closely follows the banks of the Dart. The Dartington Hall estate and the
much-filmed station at Staverton Bridge are just two of the line’s many
delights, and at Buckfastleigh you can enjoy the Butterfly Farm and Otter
Sanctuary, as well as the world famous Abbey at Buckfast. To reach the train,
follow the footpath next to Totnes main line station, and cross the river on the
new footbridge. |
| Totnes & District Show |
Totnes |
Held on the last Thursday in July each year,
one of the largest shows of its kind. Trade stands & craft
marquee and a whole host of activities. 2008 marks the 90th anniversary of
the Show, which will be bigger and better than ever! |
| Totnes Castle |
Totnes |
English Heritage.
Originally built by Judhel, the Norman overlord of Totnes, the castle has
dominated the town for hundreds of years. From the top you can enjoy magnificent
views in every direction, and appreciate the castle’s superb defensive position. |
|
Totnes Ghost Walk |
Totnes |
Take a stroll around the old town and hear
about the ghosts, legends and secret places, then enjoy a drink in a haunted
pub. |
|
Totnes Rare Breeds Farm |
Totnes |
Lots of lovely animals to cuddle, make friends
with and feed. Owls, goats, guinea pigs, lambs, red squirrels and rescued
hedgehogs, amongst many others. Cafe for lunch or afternoon tea. Opposite
South Devon Railway. Open seasonally. |
|
Totnes School of
English |
Totnes |
Language School |
Totnes Town Mill
Totnes Image Bank |
Totnes |
As well as housing the Tourist Information Centre
and Totnes Image Bank, this pleasant stone
building has a restored Victorian water wheel and mill machinery, a display on
mill technology in Totnes, and an excellent interpretative exhibition showing
the development of the town. |
| Woodlands
Leisure Park |
Blackawton |
Leisure park with fun rides and attractions for
all the family |
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