Totnes is a charming market town in South Devon with a wealth of history dating back a thousand years. When you walk around the alternative lifestyle and culture of the town make it an interesting place to visit.
You have to be reasonably fit to walk around though, as it has steep hills. We travelled there by train and it is a short walk on the flat along Station Road to the historic heart of the town, then Fore Street rises up under the arch with its clock tower to High Street. On each side of the street there is an excellent range of small independent retailers selling handmade crafts, seasonal food, beautiful gifts and clothes plus ethical fair-trade goods.
Half way up the hill is the church of St Mary which was built in the 15th century, although there was a church on the site since 1260. In the narrow lane behind the church is the Tudor Guildhall part of which was originally Totnes Priory.
We visited Totnes Museum – the building is a former 16th century merchant’s house. It contained an eclectic collection that traced the cultural and local history of the town. Because of the Covid restrictions only the ground floor was open on the day we visited and there was a one-way route through.
At the top of the High Street is the aptly named Castle Street leading to Totnes Castle. Managed by English Heritage it is a classic motte and bailey castle which was founded by the Normans soon after the Conquest.
After a good walk all around we were glad of a sit down in the garden at the back of the Green Cafe on the High Street. We had a traditional cream tea and voted the homemade scones the “Scones of the Week” prize.
We really enjoyed our trip to Totnes with its cobbled streets and picturesque buildings. We would recomment a visit to this town,
