Totnes is an ancient borough town and river port, founded in the 10th century. Mellow with age, yet lively and forward-looking, the town covers a long hill sloping gently to the Dart estuary, surrounded by rich and beautiful countryside. The busy narrow streets, dominated by Totnes castle and St Mary's church tower, are full of architectural and historic interest, while the green horizon is always visible just beyond the houses. The town enjoys good road and rail links, and is within easy reach of both Dartmoor and the sea.
Totnes has always been a market town and centre of trade for the surrounding countryside, and this is still the case. A full range of shopping and banking facilities can be found in and around the main streets. Totnes shops are friendly and individual, as befits a place of such character. Totnes is widely known for such essentials of good living as whole foods, fine arts, antiques, second hand and antiquarian books, handmade shoes, ceramics, unusual boutiques, handmade furniture, musical instruments, crystals and complimentary therapies. Galleries and workshops in and around the town display a vast selection of arts and crafts.
Totnes is blessed with three markets every week in the season and two markets a week during the rest of the year. On Fridays and Saturdays there is a market in the Civic Square, where you can browse around colourful and fascinating stalls selling everything from bonsai trees, bric a brac and didgeridoos to locally grown plants, fresh local vegetables and organic bread. On a Tuesday, in the main season, the square is home to the small Elizabethan market when some stall-holders dress in Elizabethan costume for the event. There is a monthly Farmers Market in the Civic Hall.
Numerous artists, writers, musicians, craftspeople and therapists have found a congenial home in Totnes and the surrounding Dart Valley, or sought inspiration for their work in the old town and its gentle, secure countryside. The town is more culturally active than many much larger places. Throughout the year, many pubs and restaurants feature live music, ranging from traditional folk to sophisticated modern jazz, while buskers and street entertainers can add colour to the street scene during the day.
Totnes Tourist Information Centre
Town Mill,
Coronation Road, Totnes
Devon TQ9 5DF
