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Totnes

4.6
·491k reviews·Totnes, United Kingdom

Totnes: A vibrant market town in Devon, famed for its alternative culture, independent shops, and bohemian charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Market Days (Fridays & Saturdays)

Town buzzes with energy

CrowdHigh
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Totnes - Image 1

Totnes

Best Time

Market Days (Fridays & Saturdays)

Town buzzes with energy

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Totnes: A vibrant market town in Devon, famed for its alternative culture, independent shops, and bohemian charm.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Totnes is one of a kind in the UK, a must-see in Devon for a very UNIQUE experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🛍️ Explore Independent Shops

Totnes is packed with unique, independent businesses. Wander the high street for one-of-a-kind finds!

📅 Don't Miss Market Days

Fridays and Saturdays are market days, bringing the town alive with local produce and crafts.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Independent Shopping Scene

Independent Shopping Scene

High Street

Discover unique boutiques, vintage stores, and artisan shops offering everything from sustainable fashion to handmade crafts.

Totnes Market

Totnes Market

Market Square

A vibrant hub of local produce, crafts, and street food. Experience the heart of Totnes on market days.

River Dart Walks

River Dart Walks

River Dart

Enjoy scenic strolls along the River Dart, with routes like the Totnes to Sharpham walk offering beautiful countryside views.

South Devon Railway

South Devon Railway

Buckfastleigh Station

Take a nostalgic steam train journey through the Devon countryside, connecting to Totnes.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Alternative Vibe

Totnes is renowned for its unique, alternative culture. Expect independent shops, quirky cafes, and a strong community spirit. It's a place that marches to its own beat, so come with an open mind and a willingness to explore the unconventional.

Market Days are a Must

If you can, plan your visit around Totnes's famous market days. The town buzzes with energy, offering a fantastic array of local produce, crafts, and unique finds. It's the perfect time to soak in the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems.

Best Times

When
Market Days (Fridays & Saturdays)
Why
Town buzzes with energy
Crowd
High
When
Spring & Summer Mornings
Why
Pleasant for walks
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Totnes looking beautiful in the spring sunshine today - are you coming to visit this Bank Holiday Weekend? #visitdevon #madaboutdevon #totnesmarket
visittotnes
446 likes • 10.8K views

🛍️ Explore Independent Shops

Totnes is packed with unique, independent businesses. Wander the high street for one-of-a-kind finds! Instagram+1

📅 Don't Miss Market Days

Fridays and Saturdays are market days, bringing the town alive with local produce and crafts. Instagram+1

Thoughts? 🤔 #totnes #devon #devonreview Cred. @_ollydobson
devon.review
1.7K likes • 49.5K views
Van life in Devon Hippie town 💫🌸 🚌 Sooo we pretty much grew up around this area… it’s amazing and one of a kind in the UK… a must see in Devon for a very UNIQUE experience :) The river dart passes straight through, there are beautiful walks all around lots of quirky independent shops and cafes! Definitely recommend market day! I LOVE my trips back here :) 📍 Totnes #cornwall #cornwallcoast #...
storky_adventures
20.9K likes • 598.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Scenic River Walks

Enjoy beautiful walks along the River Dart, like the Totnes to Sharpham route. Instagram+1

🚂 Nostalgic Steam Train

Ride the South Devon Railway from Buckfastleigh to Totnes for a charming countryside experience. Instagram

Did you know there are around 50 odd independent shops around @thenarrowstotnes alone? Totnes is full of super businesses, often with purpose as a central driver in their business models (like @greenfibres and @earthfoodlove as some great examples!) There is a real sense of collaboration and camaraderie amongst the local businesses here too. If you’d like to be inspired by a high street that is ge...
bullinn_totnes
727 likes • 17.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🛍️ Explore Independent Shops

Totnes is packed with unique, independent businesses. Wander the high street for one-of-a-kind finds! Instagram+1

📅 Don't Miss Market Days

Fridays and Saturdays are market days, bringing the town alive with local produce and crafts. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Scenic River Walks

Enjoy beautiful walks along the River Dart, like the Totnes to Sharpham route. Instagram+1

🚂 Nostalgic Steam Train

Ride the South Devon Railway from Buckfastleigh to Totnes for a charming countryside experience. Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Consider the car park near the town centre for overnight van stays; it's affordable. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Totnes is widely praised for its unique, alternative culture and vibrant independent shopping scene. Visitors love the bohemian atmosphere, the bustling market days, and the scenic walks along the River Dart. Some find the town's eccentricity a bit much, and parking can be a challenge during peak times.

What People Like

Unique independent shops
Bohemian atmosphere
Bustling market days

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Can be very busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Totnes is accessible by train, with Totnes mainline station connecting to the national network. The South Devon Railway also links Buckfastleigh to Totnes. Driving is an option, but parking can be busy, especially on market days. Instagram

Yes, Totnes is very walkable, especially the town centre and along the River Dart. Many attractions are within easy reach on foot. Instagram

There are several car parks in Totnes. For overnight van stays, one Reddit user mentioned a car park costing around £10. Instagram

Absolutely! Totnes is a perfect day trip destination, offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, and scenic walks. Instagram

Yes, Totnes is well-connected by train and road, making it an easy destination to reach from various points within Devon. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Totnes itself is a town, so no general admission tickets are required to explore. However, specific attractions like the South Devon Railway will have their own ticketing. Instagram

Most independent shops in Totnes are open daily, typically from around 10 am to 5 pm, though hours can vary. Market days often see extended hours. Instagram

The public footpaths along the River Dart are free to access, allowing for enjoyable walks without any entry fees. Instagram

Ticket prices for the South Devon Railway vary depending on the journey and age. It's best to check their official website for current fares. Instagram

Yes, Totnes Castle is a historic site managed by English Heritage and is open to visitors. There is an admission fee. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Totnes is famous for its vibrant alternative culture, independent shops, bustling market, and its unique, bohemian atmosphere. It's often described as the 'hippie capital' of the UK. Instagram+1

Key attractions include exploring the independent shops on the High Street, visiting the market, walking along the River Dart, and taking a trip on the South Devon Railway. Totnes Castle is also a significant historical site. Instagram+4

Totnes boasts a wide array of independent shops, including boutiques, vintage stores, artisan craft shops, bookshops, and stores selling sustainable and ethical products. Instagram+1

Yes, the area around Totnes offers beautiful walking trails, particularly along the River Dart. The Totnes to Sharpham walk is a popular choice. Instagram+1

The atmosphere is famously alternative, bohemian, and community-focused. It's a town with a strong sense of identity and a welcoming, laid-back vibe. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Totnes has a great selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants, many of which focus on local and organic produce. You'll find plenty of options for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner. Instagram+1

Given its alternative ethos, Totnes is very accommodating for vegetarians and vegans, with many eateries offering dedicated plant-based dishes. Instagram

Several cafes are highly recommended for coffee, including The Curator, which is praised by visitors for its quality brews. Instagram

Yes, especially on market days, you can find a fantastic selection of local produce, artisanal foods, and baked goods. Instagram

Yes, pubs like The Bull Inn are popular for both drinks and food, offering a great spot to relax after exploring the town. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The colourful independent shopfronts on the High Street, the bustling market stalls, the scenic River Dart, and the historic Totnes Castle are all highly photogenic. Instagram+2

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and capturing a softer glow on the town and river. Market days offer vibrant scenes. Instagram

Walking along the River Dart offers various viewpoints, especially during the Totnes to Sharpham walk. The elevated positions around the castle also provide good perspectives. Instagram

Yes, the South Devon Railway is a fantastic subject for photography, with its vintage steam trains and scenic route through the Devon countryside. Instagram

Totnes is ideal for street photography, capturing its unique character, architectural details, and vibrant community life. It's also great for landscape and nature photography along the river. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Totnes offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The South Devon Railway is a huge hit with children, offering a fun steam train ride through the countryside. Instagram Exploring the independent shops can also be an adventure, with many offering quirky toys and treats. Consider a picnic by the River Dart for a relaxed family outing. Instagram

While the town's alternative vibe might be more adult-oriented, the novelty of the shops, the excitement of the steam train, and the open spaces for walking make it an enjoyable destination for families looking for something a little different. Market days can be busy but offer a lot to see and taste for curious young minds.

💰 Budget Travelers

Totnes can be very budget-friendly, especially if you focus on its free attractions. Exploring the independent shops, wandering through the market (even if just window shopping), and enjoying the scenic walks along the River Dart are all free activities. Instagram+1 Packing a picnic from local market finds can save on dining costs. Instagram

For accommodation, consider looking for campsites or affordable guesthouses outside the immediate town centre. If you're travelling by van, there are options for overnight stays that are reasonably priced. Instagram The South Devon Railway offers a memorable experience that, while ticketed, provides good value for a unique journey.

couples

Totnes offers a charming and unique escape for couples. Spend a day browsing the eclectic independent shops, perhaps finding a special memento of your trip. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the town's many independent cafes or pubs, many of which offer a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Instagram+1

For a romantic outing, a walk along the River Dart, especially during sunset, is highly recommended. Instagram Alternatively, a ride on the South Devon Railway can be a nostalgic and enjoyable shared experience. The town's bohemian vibe also lends itself to relaxed exploration and discovery together.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Culture of Totnes

Totnes is famously known as the 'hippie capital' of the UK, a title that reflects its strong alternative culture and independent spirit. This isn't just a label; it's woven into the fabric of the town, evident in its numerous independent shops, organic cafes, and community-led initiatives. Visitors often remark on the town's unique vibe, describing it as a place that marches to its own beat. Instagram+1

This alternative ethos is particularly visible on the High Street, which is a treasure trove of independent businesses. Unlike many high streets dominated by chain stores, Totnes champions local entrepreneurs selling everything from sustainable fashion and ethical goods to handmade crafts and artisanal foods. This focus on purpose-driven businesses, like Green Fibres and Earth Food Love, fosters a sense of collaboration and community among local traders. Instagram+1

When visiting Totnes, embracing this unique culture is key to a fulfilling experience. Be prepared for a town that values creativity, sustainability, and a slower pace of life. It's a place where you can discover something truly different and connect with a community that prioritizes its values.

Exploring Totnes by Foot and Rail

Totnes is a wonderfully walkable town, with its compact centre and scenic riverside paths making it ideal for exploration on foot. The High Street itself is a delight to wander, lined with an eclectic mix of independent shops and cafes. For those seeking more nature, the River Dart offers beautiful walking opportunities. The Totnes to Sharpham walk is a popular choice, providing gentle undulations and picturesque views of the Devon countryside and the river. Instagram+1

Complementing the walking experience is the charming South Devon Railway. This heritage steam railway offers a nostalgic journey from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, passing through lovely rural landscapes. The station is conveniently located a short walk from Totnes mainline station, making it easy to combine a scenic train ride with exploring the town. Many visitors enjoy a leisurely lunch in Totnes before catching a return train. Instagram

Combining walking with a steam train ride provides a comprehensive way to experience Totnes and its surrounding beauty. Whether you're strolling along the riverbanks or chugging through the countryside, these modes of transport offer a relaxed and immersive way to discover what makes this part of Devon so special.

Market Days: The Heartbeat of Totnes

Market days are a quintessential Totnes experience, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of activity. Typically held on Fridays and Saturdays, the markets are a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover a wide array of goods. From fresh, local produce and artisanal foods to unique crafts, clothing, and handmade jewellery, there's something to catch everyone's eye. Instagram+1

The atmosphere on market days is electric, with stalls lining the streets and a lively buzz of shoppers and vendors. It's not just about buying; it's about the experience – chatting with local producers, discovering unique items you won't find anywhere else, and soaking in the energetic community spirit. Many visitors highlight market days as a must-do when in Totnes, emphasizing the town's lively character during these times. Instagram

If you're planning a visit, aiming for a Friday or Saturday will undoubtedly enhance your experience of Totnes. It's the perfect time to sample local delicacies, find unique souvenirs, and truly feel the pulse of this distinctive market town.

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