Totnes, from Elizabethans to hippies (Totnes)

Member Name: mumps

Product:	Totnes
Date:	24/03/09 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A love town with a magical atmosphere

Disadvantages: Expensive

Totnes is a magical town with so much to recommend it. First of all I should tell you that the town centre has many Elizabethan buildings and you can often see groups of children on school trips. They all have clip boards and go around the town looking at the Elizabethan buildings. The town also has its own castle, railway station and of course the river Dart.

I suppose I should warn anyone of a nervous disposition that the main street, Fore St leading up to the High St which becomes the Narrows, is quite a steep hill and in some places the pavement is very narrow. However, you will be distrated by the many interesting places along the way, The Conker Shoe company, The Elizabethan Museum, The Costume Museum, the market on Fridays and in the summer the Tuesday Elizabethan Market where the traders all dress up in Elizabethan costumes.

Totnes is home to quite a diverse community, local people, during term time students from Dartington College and of course the "recycled hippies" (it has a very "alternative" profile and if you want some crystal therapy, Indian head massage or even gong therapy it is the place to come). I hasten to add the "recycled hippies" is an affectionate term used for the many people who come to Totnes attracted by the tolerant community. Unfortunately the college is moving to Falmouth which is going to be a big loss to the town.

If you want a picnic why not go down to Vire Island and sit by the Dart and watch the rich people in the boats, or catch the ferry down to Dartmouth.

There is lots to do in Totnes and it is well worth a visit, it is on the main railway line which goes down to Plymouth and Cornwall and there are direct trains from as far a field as Edinburgh, London, Birmingham and Bristol.

Summary: A lovely place to visit, even lovelier to stay