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Totnes Information Centre |
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Totnes is surrounded by many beautiful villages and hamlets, deeply rooted
in the secure South Devon landscape and evoking centuries of traditional rural
life. Grey church towers, ancient farmhouses, idyllic cottages and famous inns
await you at the end of winding lanes, and you will find that the villages are
not just showplaces, but living, active communities embracing long-term
residents and new settlers. Berry Pomeroy - small village full of well-kept cottages and gardens, part of the Duke of Somerset’s estate. About a mile away, Berry Pomeroy Castle (English Heritage) is reputedly the most haunted castle in England, romantically situated in a wood on the edge of a cliff. Broadhempston - large village deep in the country, with interesting church and lively pubs. Cornworthy - set amidst rolling hills on the way to Dittisham with the ruins of a Medieval nunnery. Dartington - less a single village than a group of widely spread hamlets and modern developments. Dartington Hall, built in the 14th century by the Duke of Exeter, has been the home since 1925 of a diverse and ambitious experiment in rural regeneration involving education, the arts, business and crafts. The gardens are amongst the finest in Devon. The Cider Press Centre, on the main road to Buckfastleigh, is a complex of quality gift shops, while the thatched Cott Inn (15th century) is noted for its food. Dittisham - steep, narrow streets and atmospheric cottages winding high above the River Dart, and dropping down to the water’s edge. Once famous for its plums, now for its famous residents, including the Dimbleby family. Harberton - a classic Devon village with church and pub adjacent to each other, and with old and new houses denoting a varied and active population. Harbertonford - on the main road to Dartmouth and Kingsbridge. Once a mill village, it now boasts a pleasant riverside area. Halwell - further on the same road, with an old inn by the church. Two ancient hillforts stand guard over it. Halwell Camp and Stanborough Camp. Littlehempston - deep in a valley, with flowing streams and pretty cottages, and an enjoyable pub near the church. Staverton - the station on the South Devon Railway has been used frequently for films and TV programmes. A short way along the road is the village, with riverside walks and a famous inn. Stoke Gabriel - large riverside village on the Dart, traditionally known for its salmon fishery and apple orchards. Spend time exploring the narrow streets, atmospheric pubs and marvel at the huge yew tree in the churchyard. George Jackson Churchward, the steam locomotive designer, was born here. Tuckenhay - on Bow Creek, the largest tributary of the Dart. This was once an important industrial village, with mills, busy quays and limekilns. Now a delightful waterside retreat, well-known for its two famous inns. Dartmoor National Park - with its stunning landscapes and picturesque villages is within striking distance of Totnes. Using local buses, it is possible to reach the several of the towns on the southern edge of the park on a daily basis (excluding Sundays). With careful planning, it is also possible to travel futher afield. |
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