Totnes is a small town with an interesting and diverse history and culture in the heart of beautiful South Devon. The district known as the South Hams is one of the most beautiful areas in Devon, and the thriving town of Totnes is the jewel in its crown. Positioned on a hill that slopes down to the River Dart, Totnes is surrounded by rich and inspiring countryside. It is always fascinating to wander around. There are few English towns where the thousand year-old shape of the original borough can be seen so clearly, or where past and present are so closely interwoven. Many have responded creatively to the attractions of Totnes, but one of the best descriptions was given nearly four centuries ago by the Devon writer Thomas Westcote, who called it ‘this city-like town, with pleasant soil, fruitful country and healthful air’. All these attributes are as true today as ever.

Totnes is a market town and centre of trade for the surrounding countryside, and a full range of shopping and banking facilities can be found in its narrow streets. The shops are friendly and individual, with the focus on quality and customer care. Totnes is well known throughout South Devon for the charm of its independently owned shops and you can buy everything here from a walking stick to a didgeridoo.

Totnes Castle, managed by the English Heritage was built by Judhel, the Norman overlord of Totnes. The castle has dominated the town for centuries. From the top you can enjoy magnificent views in every direction, and appreciate the castle’s superb defensive position.

The river, one of several interesting waterways in the area, is home to a wide range of birds and animals. This diversity includes little egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, grey seals and the elusive otter.

Ideally situated between Dartmoor and the sea, Totnes is a perfect base from which to explore South Devon. Though located in the very rural South Hams, it is only a short distance from the more metropolitan attractions of Torbay, the county town of Exeter and the famous seaport of Plymouth.

There are also the various small villages in the surrounding area that are well worth investigating: Ashprington; Berry Pomeroy; Broadhempston; Cornworthy; Dittisham; Harberton; Halwell; Harbertonford; Littlehempston; Staverton; Stoke Gabriel and Tuckenhay.

Nearby Dartington - In 1925, Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst purchased the neglected 14th century Dartington estate. The Elmhirsts were pioneers, inspired by many innovative thinkers of the time and Dorothy had inherited considerable wealth, which she devoted to founding the Dartington Hall Trust. The Elmhirsts poured their resources into the “Dartington Experiment” – restoring the estate buildings and setting up a host of farming, forestry and educational projects. Early initiatives included Dartington Hall School, Dartington Tweed Mill and later Dartington Glass.

Dartington rapidly became a magnet for artists, architects, writers, philosophers and musicians from around the world, creating an exceptional centre of creative activity. Dartington has continued to push boundaries. In 1991, long before climate change was a major concern, we set up Schumacher College, which has become a leading international centre for sustainable education.

Social enterprise was central to the Elmhirsts’ original vision and continues to play a key part in supporting Dartington’s charitable activities. In 1977, the Cider Press Centre opened as a high quality retail centre selling local crafts and other products.