Holiday rentals in Totnes

Located just outside the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southwestern England, Totnes is a small market town nestled amongst lush, rolling hills, a landscape featuring some of the country’s most stunning scenery. The remains of the 11th-century Totnes Castle overlook medieval streets lined with homes and holiday cottages found along the River Dart. Dating to the early 10th century, Totnes has more than its fair share of historical sites throughout the village, like St Mary’s Church and the Totnes Town Mill. Here you’ll also find weekly Friday markets with vendors selling locally produced food and goods, and people relaxing on the wide banks of the river, watching riverboats and paddlers traverse the tranquil waters.

Totnes’ central Devon location makes it easy to access the nearby cities of Exeter and Plymouth, as well as Dartmoor National Park.

Totnes’ coastal climate is characterized by mild and temperate conditions throughout the year, with only moderate swings between the seasons. Summers tend to be short and moderately warm with average levels of rainfall, while winters bring an uptick in precipitation and colder conditions that rarely, if ever, approach freezing.

The shoulder seasons are lovely times to visit as well, due to the moderately brisk temperatures and the lowest levels of rain. Regardless of the time of year, however, pack a waterproof jacket and some layers, as rainfall can be expected in all seasons.

For music lovers, South Devon hosts several events throughout the year. One of the more popular events in the region is the Tunes on the Sands Festival in July. Set along the sprawling golden beaches of Blackpool Sands with the wooded rolling countryside in the background, this musical event attracts regional and international artists for days of waterside revelry and performance.

Totnes Castle

This 11th-century Norman castle towers over the town. Climb the winding stone steps for stunning vistas overlooking the rolling wooded countryside. Grassy moats and centuries-old trees are spread throughout the area, providing opportunities to sit with a picnic and enjoy a sunset vista over the medieval village below.

Town Trail

This walking trail takes you through several cultural and historical sites in and around Totnes. Restored Victorian mills, 18th-century Gothic homes, Elizabethan museums, and medieval churches are just a few of the highlights. If you’re walking the entire loop, the trail will take several hours to complete — or you can jump in and pick a handful of the sites scattered around town.

St Mary’s Church

Sitting adjacent to Totnes Castle, the dramatic stone and brick architecture of this 15th-century parish church dominates the scenery. You can marvel at the restored oak beam roof and original stained glass, and wander its grounds.