12 Best Things To Do In Totnes, England

1. The Timehouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When in Totnes, you must go to this fascinating museum of art where Totnes meets Narnia. Visit it before it disappears through the wardrobe. With interactive displays, you’ll have the most enjoyment and learning. It’s an outstanding work of art that has been intelligently designed with astonishing concepts combining sound, scent, and visuals. There is also a wonderful collection of classic vinyl downstairs. All in all, visiting this magical place will be a memorable experience for people of all ages.

The Timehouse

Address: 69 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5NJ, UK

Website: The Timehouse

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

2. Totnes Fashion & Textiles Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are a lover of creative arts, history, and exquisite textiles, visiting this amazing costume museum is highly recommended. The Devonshire Collection of Period Costumes, which includes a fabulous collection of authentic apparel and accessories for men, women, and children from the 18th to the 21st century, is displayed here. Among the various accessories are gloves, parasols, fans, shawls, shoes, and stockings. In Totnes’s well-preserved Tudor merchant’s house, there is a themed exhibit on display that changes every year.

Totnes Fashion & Textiles Museum

Address: 43 High St, Totnes TQ9 5NP, United Kingdom

Website: Totnes Fashion & Textiles Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sat, Sun & Mon)

3. Explore the historic Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle is a typical example of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle (fortification with a stone keep on high ground, with an enclosed courtyard) located on a hill over the town. The castle offers panoramic views over River Dart and the town itself. The peaceful grounds are perfect for a picnic under the trees while exploring the castle. Of interest to note, many of the trees feature carved “graffiti” left there by World War II prisoners of war. A shop on site sells the perfect souvenir of your visit.

Totnes Castle

Address: Castle Street, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5NU, UK

Website: Totnes Castle

Price: 4.30 USD

4. Stroll around Leechwell Garden

Hidden in the heart of Totnes, Leechwell is a community garden, run solely by volunteers. The garden is often called “magical,” due to the many species of plants, wildlife, and a herb garden. There is a natural play area for the children, around a eucalyptus tree, and regular enjoyable events are held by the volunteers in the garden. The garden won an award in 2018 for having the most native plants in the area. Throughout the garden, visitors can view artistic sculptures by local artist, Rosie Musgrave. A plant table is available for visitors to take plants home, with a donation box available.

Leechwell Garden

Address: 2 Maudlin Rd, Totnes TQ9 5GP, UK

Website: Leechwell Garden

Opening hours: 8:30am - 8:30pm (daily)

5. Go back in time at Totnes Museum

Entry to the Totnes Elizabethan Museum is via what used to be a merchant’s shop, in Elizabethan times, and is now a gift shop and reception. On the ground floor, visitors can explore the courtyard and herb garden, and the Bennett room, with its display of the Lee Ring as well as early coins minted in the town. The first floor is accessed via a Devon Pole staircase, which is thought to have been a mast on a Man of War. The first floor features the merchant’s living room and bedroom with early Jacobean furniture, as well as a pharmacy, with a number of original bottles. A number of other rooms are available to view on the second floor, including a Victorian nursery.

Totnes Museum

Address: 70 Fore St, Totnes TQ9 5RU, UK

Website: Totnes Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (Closed on Sat & Sun)

6. Meet the animals at Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

Totnes Rare Breeds Farm works closely with South Devon Railway, and a visitor’s journey can start on the railway and include a visit to Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otters. The farm itself is involved in the conservation of rare breeds of animals, including chickens, ducks, Golden Guernsey Goats and Welsh Mountain Sheep. This is the perfect place for children to meet the animals and their babies. There are plenty of other adventures for children, including a playground with climbing frames, and a café.

Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

Address: Rare Breeds, Samantha Adams, Totnes TQ9 5XW, UK

Website: Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 9.40 USD

7. Visit Berry Pomeroy Castle, a former Tudor mansion

Berry Pomeroy Castle was originally a Tudor mansion from the 15th century. It stands surrounded by the walls of an earlier castle from the 11th century. Nestled in a wooded valley, the castle is an interesting visit because it is said to be haunted. Visitors can enjoy an audio tour outlining its spooky history. The Castle Cafe serves snacks, coffee or tea on the property, and the grounds make for a lovely walk in the fresh air.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

Address: Berry Pomeroy, Totnes TQ9 6LJ, UK

Website: Berry Pomeroy Castle

Price: From 8 USD

8. Head to Vire Island, Totnes

Nestled in the River Dart, Vire Island was named for Vire, the French town that is Totnes’ twin. It is a small and narrow, tree-lined strip of parkland seated between the town and the river itself. Accessed via a bridge, this is a perfect spot for relaxing under the trees on a picnic, or taking a pleasant stroll while watching the boats go by on the river.

Vire Island, Totnes

Address: 2 New Walk, Totnes TQ9 5YY, UK

9. Shop at Totnes Market

The Civil Hall Square in Totnes is home to a number of regular outdoor markets held on Fridays and Saturdays all year round, with the addition of Tuesdays during the summer months. The stalls offer a variety of goods, including, among other things, potted plants, hot food, collectibles, antiques and clothing. Evening markets are also held on a regular basis. Each Friday in the Civil Hall, locals and visitors can enjoy an antique and collectibles flea market.

Totnes Market

Address: Civil Hall Square,Totnes, UK

Website: Totnes Market

10. Sample wines at Sharpham Wines

Enjoy a tour of Sharpham Wines, a vineyard on the estate of Sharpham House in Totnes. The winery produces dry white wine and offers a pleasant wine and cheese tour to visitors, to taste their award-winning products. The Al Fresco Café, overlooking the River Dart, is a pleasant spot to enjoy a light meal and drink.

Sharpham Wine

Address: Sharpham Estate, Totnes TQ9 7UT, UK

Website: Sharpham Wine

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

11. Drop by Totnes Leisure Centre

Totnes Leisure Centre is a well-equipped fitness center, with a gym, an indoor pool, a sauna, a sports hall, racquet games and an exercise studio. Sports pitches are also available on the property for all outdoor sports all year round, and a variety of fun activities are offered for families.

Totnes Leisure Centre

Address: Borough Park Rd, Totnes TQ9 5XW, UK

Website: Totnes Leisure Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 9:45pm; Fri: 7am - 9:30pm; Sat: 8am - 7pm; Sun: 8am - 5pm

12. Have drinks at the New Lion Brewery Ltd

The New Lion Brewery is a craft brewery just outside of town in Dartington. Visitors can drop by the new taproom and bottle shop on the property, to sample and purchase the craft beers made here. Among their products are the White Label series of bottled beers, the limited-release Cellar Series, collaborative brews, where the brewery teams up with local food producers, and community brews.

New Lion Brewery Ltd

Address: Shinnners Bridge, Webbers Yard Estate, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6JY, UK

Website: New Lion Brewery Ltd

Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 2pm - 9pm, Sat: 12pm - 9pm (closed Sun - Wed)

Explore beautiful and historic Totnes

This beautiful and historic town, nestled on the River Dart, has many attractions to see and visit, whether you are interested in history, fun, leisure activities, wine and beer tours and more. Enjoy your visit to South Devon by trying out all the best things to do in Totnes, UK.