Just a short drive from the beautiful Dartmoor National Park in Devon is the unique, historic market town of Totnes. This thriving hub boasts a wide range of interesting and alternative offerings from its many independent shops, established art galleries, traditional Elizabethan markets held each week and its fascinating historical buildings, with Totnes Castle, the Guildhall and Dartington Hall to name but three.

Whatever your interests, there is plenty to discover in and around this historic town; experience a river tour on the River Dart, have a taste of wine at Sharpham Vineyard or make the most of the spectacular countryside on the South Devon Railway. However you’d like to fill your dreamy break, discover your perfect self-catering luxury cottage in Totnes and explore the wonderful delights this Devonian gem has to offer from a 5-star retreat. 

Totnes is known for its tantalising food establishments which are renowned for making the most of the natural larder on their doorstep, using locally sourced ingredients and adopting positive environmentally-friendly approaches. To fully baptise your trip to the county, you should make room for a traditional Devon cream tea in one of the many lovely cafés. Particular favourites are the family-friendly Garden Café at Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and the vegan and vegetarian café, the Hairy Barista.

There are also plenty of foods from around the world; experience subtle oriental spices and flavours at Café Mumbai and/or have a taste of rich Italian at the Curator Kitchen or the Med at Jano. For a more traditional approach, you have the award-winning Waterside Bistro, the traditional 14th century thatched pub the Cott Inn and the deliciously modern Blue 55 Gourmet Burger & Gin Bar. For a hot meal or pint by the fire, the Sea Trout Inn near Totnes is a great choice, while on Totnes high street Rumour Wine Bar serves up delicious meals and atmosphere by the bucketful.

Totnes oozes with history and there’s plenty of ways to experience it. Totnes Castle sits above the town across to the River Dart and boasts some lovely views over the rooftops across the Norman motte. For animal lovers, you can find Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, a delightful family owned animal attraction just a short walk from Totnes mainline station, as well as Pennywell Farm nearby in Buckfastleigh. Of course, one must also not forget about the wonderful scenery that can be seen from tours on the River Dart and from a trip on the South Devon Railway. 

For the shopaholics and curio-seekers among you, pop along to one of the weekly markets in Civil Hall Square held each Friday and Saturday. Famed for its promotion of ethical products, wholefoods and Fair Trade goods, you can also explore the town’s selection of independent retailers and boutiques. Finally, a trip to Totnes wouldn’t be complete without a pilgrimage to the Brutus Stone found in Fore Street. Set into the pavement, the stone is believed to mark the spot where the Trojan Prince Brutus disembarked his ship, declaring: “Here I stand and here I rest. And this town shall be called Totnes”.