Things to do in Totnes
Why holiday in Totnes?
Totnes is a great base for a holiday, whether you’re planning to escape for a few days or spend a week with family and friends, you’ll find some beautiful places to visit and plenty of things to do in Totnes. From ancient castles and towers, the impressive granite tors of Dartmoor, meandering rivers and a spectacular coastline with soft sandy beaches for sandcastles and swimming. Totnes and the surrounding countryside and coastline are perfect so plan your trip and start exploring. There’s something for everyone and all ages.
Tourist attractions in Totnes
Pennywell Farm
Perfect for younger children and just 6 miles from Totnes, Pennywell Farm is home to farm animals of all breeds and sizes. But it’s most well known for its miniature pigs! Children can watch the ‘teacup pigs’ race and even cuddle a piglet! The list is endless, this is just a taster of places to visit in Plymouth!
Vineyard Safari
Visit Sandridge Barton Wines in Stoke Gabriel and take a vineyard safari of the 32 acre vineyard overlooking the River Dart which produces award winning wines followed by lunch in the former old stone milking parlour.
We’re going to the zoo!
Just 5 miles from Totnes is Paignton Zoo, set in 80 acres, this highly acclaimed for its wildlife conservation, is home to more than 2,000. A great fun and educational day out for all the family!
Woodlands Adventure Park!
Between Totnes and Dartmouth this park is home to the largest indoor play area in the south west. Think intrepid water rides, indoor soft play and a farmyard zoo and you have something for all ages.
Totnes walks
Explore the Dartmoor National Park with its wild ponies, abundant birdlife and pretty market towns and villages. Dartmoor also has the largest number of archaeological remains in Europe!
We recommend following the designated walking routes and take care, the weather on the moor can change in an instant.
The South West Coastal Path is a walkers paradise with stunning vistas around every headland. You can pick up the path in Dartmouth, (more information on walking in Dartmouth here) take a stroll to the castle and head westwards towards Strete, Blackpool Sands and the incredible coastline along to Slapton Sands and Torcross.
One of our favourite walking trails is to Greenway, the former riverside holiday home of Agatha Christie. This beautiful walk incorporates part of the beautiful Dart Valley Trail, following the River Dart from Dartmouth. Stop off at The National Trust’s Greenway House and gardens for a Devon cream tea and a glimpse into the life of one of the most distinguished crime writers of our time.
Totnes Beaches
South Devon is a great base for a holiday with some of the best beaches near Totnes. So whether you’re looking to go paddle boarding, wild swimming, build sandcastles with the kids or simply to kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes… you’re spoilt for choice.
Here’s the Finest Stays whistle stop tour of the best beaches near Totnes
- Head from Totnes to Dartmouth. Drive past the park and ride and turn right. This takes you along the coast road to Kingsbridge and to the fabulous beaches at Blackpool Sands (great cafe/restaurant right on the beach), Strete Gate and Torcross.
- Continue towards Torcross to Kingsbridge (stop off at Stokeley Farm for a coffee or lunch). Then take a left when you reach the mini roundabout. Look out for finger posts for the traditional fishing villages of Beesands and Hallsands and ultimately Start Point with its iconic lighthouse. Take the footpath from the carpark at Start and walk down to Mattiscombe Beach for total seclusion and wild swimming.
- From Start, follow the lanes (yes, they’re narrow) to Prawle Point for a dramatic seaside walk along the coastal path. (This is one of its lowest points of the South West Coastal Path with easy access to rocky beaches.) Continue driving the ‘loop’ and dip down towards East Portlemouth – the soft sandy beaches here straddle the Salcombe estuary and are perfect for swimming and sandcastles with the kids.
- Back onto the road towards Kingsbridge and drive out in the Salcombe direction. Take a right turn for Hope Cove – lovely sandy beaches, great for kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Back onto the A379 and onto Salcombe and the popular beaches of North Sands and South Sands.
- Drive from Salcombe back along the A379 towards Kingsbridge/Modbury and you’ll see signposts on the right hand side for South Milton and Thurlestone – both excellent beaches (favourites of the Finest team), dog friendly and popular with families. Retrace your steps back onto the Modbury road, look out for signs for Bantham at the roundabout. This is a great surfing beach at the mouth of the River Avon. Opposite Bantham beach is Bigbury on Sea and the iconic Burgh Island (of Agatha Christie fame). Then pick up the A381 which takes you back to Totnes. .
River Dart boat trips from Totnes
A holiday in Totnes isn’t complete without a cruise on the River Dart. This relaxing 90 minute journey of just 9 miles from Totnes to Dartmouth uncovers the creeks along this a wonderfully peaceful area of south Devon awash with wildlife and birds. Book your tickets here
