Totnes is a historic market town nestled in the heart of South Devon on the banks of the River Dart. Totnes is home to a carefully curated selection of independent shops, boutique bistros and attractions, and this charming town has an international reputation for its relaxed atmosphere and community, and is extremely proud of its heritage. Surrounded by countryside and punctuated by the meandering River Dart the town is ideally positioned to enjoy the very best of both a vibrant town culture and outstanding natural beauty.
Totnes is renowned for its inclusive bohemian community and you will find the town peppered with artists and academics. Additionally, there are an array of local classes and clubs for both children and adults alike, ranging from pottery, ecological programmes, football, parkour and even a popular forest and gardening school for children – the breadth of opportunity is unrivalled. Nearby amenities are comprehensive with two local supermarkets, a Post Office, library, doctors surgery, and minor injuries hospital all within close proximity.
The strength of character in this unique town underpins its tight-knit community, and as such it truly flourishes and is a year-round honeypot of activity.
Every Friday and Saturday the town square proudly hosts a popular Pannier Market and on Tuesday mornings during the summer months, you can stroll the Elizabethan Charity and Craft Market. Famed for its vibrant food scene, you will also find various independent eateries including a cheese store, artisan fishmonger, traditional butcher and several boutique wine shops. There is a firm focus on sustainable farming and organic produce, so expect to find sourdough bakeries, fresh vegetables and smoothies in abundance!
Totnes has plenty to offer educationally, with excellent schools within the immediate and nearby area. Both The Grove School and Totnes St John’s cater to primary-age and pre-school children, whilst King Edward VI Community College caters for secondary children. The independent Park School and South Devon Steiner School are just a short drive away, both of which are popular. Largely because of the excellent transport links Totnes has to offer, you will find many children attending Churston / Torquay Grammar Schools and also Exeter College. For those seeking Further Education, Dartington Trust offers a vast array of creative programmes including food and farming through to arts and Ecology. Furthermore, UK top universities Exeter and Plymouth are only a 30-minute drive away.
Totnes has fantastic road links, located just a few miles from the A385, the town is well connected providing easy access to the West Country and further afield. If you don’t have your own transport then worry not, bus services are plenty, and the train station is just a ten minute walk from the town centre boasting a frequent and direct service to London, and oppositely Penzance. From the train station itself there are several direct National Express Coach services each day to London Victoria and Heathrow Airport.
As well as being a key feature of the town’s picturesque landscape the River Dart has been an important part of trade in Totnes for hundreds of years. Today Totnes is a popular destination amongst both residents and tourists, but up until the late 20th century it was an important trading post on a busy river. Nowadays, you will find the water a hive of activity with the traffic consisting of sailboats, kayakers and paddle boards. There are several swimming spots located a short distance from the town centre, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the seals that swim to the weir on a high tide – all the way from Dartmouth! The Dart 10k is a popular event that starts in Totnes, as in the annual Totnes Raft Race.
In Totnes itself you will find an abundance of things to do, and given its location, popular activities include exploring the River Dart both on / in and beside the water. Dartington Estate is a great place to visit, and you can reach this from the town via footpath. En route, children enjoy the Totnes Rare Breeds farm, from which you can also hop on board the South Devon Railway steam train. Should you want to explore a little further, Dartmoor National Park and the town of Buckfastleigh is just a short drive away. Oppositely, you will find an abundance of white sand South Hams beaches and meandering estuaries to enjoy and explore.
We hope our specific area information has given you a little insight about what it might be like to live in Totnes. Whether you’re looking for property for sale in Totnes, or property to rent in Totnes, the team at Luscombe Maye Estate Agents Totnes is always happy to help. Alternatively, please visit our office which is conveniently located at 59 Fore Street, Totnes, TQ9 5NJ.
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