Unique, diverse and cosmopolitan (Totnes)

Member Name: emminently

Product:	Totnes
Date:	29/07/09 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything - the location, the shops, the food, the people

Disadvantages: The town is on a hill so not good for elderly/ disabled & not ideal for pushchairs to access shops

Totnes is my favourite town in the country (closely followed by Dartmouth). It is a market town in the South Hams, South Devon - an absolutely stunnning location with the River Dart running by. 15 minutes drive from the English Riviera (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) and 20 minutes from Plymouth. It is unique in its thriving character - once you've been, you'll know what is meant by this. One of the best descriptions was given nearly four centuries ago by the Devon writer Thomas Westcote, who called it 'this city-like town, with pleasant soil, fruitful country and healthful air'. All these attributes are as true today as ever. My mum also says 'you can recognise a local in Totnes by their footwear' - again, you'll know what this mean when you visit; it certainly houses a diverse and interesting range of people. Very cosmopolitan!

Totnes has a regular market - fridays and saturdays throughout the year. It's great for festival-style hippie/ bohemian clothing at a good price. You can also pick up furniture and other knick-knacks. Totnes is one of few towns locally not to appear hit by the credit crunch - the shops are still alive and bustling, each individual and usually quirky, with an eclectic mix of goods on sale (homeware, shoes, clothes, art, therapies, gifts, books, toys, fudge...) You will always find that perfect gift in Totnes and it's fab for Christmas shopping. The architecture is fabulous and the main street is reputed to have more listed buildings per head of population than any other town in Britain, each uniquely beautiful and full of character. Don't forget a visit to the Totnes Castle - a beautiful sight as you approach the town from the Newton Abbot direction.

From Totnes, you can sail down the River Dart, past Agatha Christie's home until you arrive at the small town of Dartmouth. It is then possible to take the steam train to Paignton and the bus back to Totnes - this is called the Round Robin and tickets can be purchased for just £17.50. A fabulous and varied day out with the three towns being so wonderfully diverse.

If you're eating out, there's a fine choice available - i'd recommend the steampacket (pub on the riverside with outdoor heaters) or the waterside bistro (again on the river, younger and trendier) or Rumour (most delicious food and unique, friendly, chilled atmosphere).

I can't recommend Totnes highly enough - part of me was in two minds whether to review it as i like to think of it as a local secret, but then i thought it'd be selfish not to share!

Summary: Once you've been there, you'll never forget it!