I grew up in one of the South West's prettiest market towns – but tourists always overlook it for flashier neighbours

The Irish Sun

30-04-2025

FRESHLY-ROASTED coffee, a vibrant second-hand market and a medieval castle - I can't believe tourists miss this Devonshire gem.
Tucked away in the Devonshire countryside is Totnes, a medieval market town that is full of treasure.
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The market town dates back the Early Middle Ages
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Each Friday and Saturday there is a vibrant market
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Up and down the highstreet there are a number of independent sellers
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While most visitors heading to the south county beeline for the coast - and in particular the popular
Sat on the River Dart, the medieval market town of Totnes is located a short drive away from its more popular seaside
neighbours
of
But this little town has a lot to boast about.
With a central high street running up a long, gradual hill, Totnes is home to some of my favourite places to escape to, when I leave the capital.
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Starting at the bottom of the town, there is a
Pretty
next
to eateries such as the Riverside Cafe and the Waterside Bistro.
On one side of the river is also an expansive green area, which is ideal for
Back up on the street and looking up the hill, visitors are greeted with an impressive high street full of misshapen buildings and slate-grey roofs.
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It won't take you long to realise why the town was formerly dubbed 'the independent capital of the UK,' as both sides of the street are lined with independent shops, bakeries and sellers.
From organic green grocers to a crystal shop, there is something for everyone.
The Trelawney Hotel in Torquay, Devon is among the chepeates places to stay in the UK, as rated by Tripadvisor
One shop, Stag + Seer, sells different kinds of incense and skin care products that "inspire healing and wellbeing in this fast paced modern world and encourage the 'Ceremony of Healing' in our day to day lives."
And at Leftfield, a Neal's Yard Remedies heritage partner, there are health and wellbeing products inspired by the
A final shop favourite of mine is Penelopetom - a go-to for grabbing special gifts, lifestyle items or even a souvenir.
Up and down the highstreet are also a number of independent bookshops, vintage and charity shops full of hidden treasures.
Key to town's history, is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle which looks over the River Dart.
Visitors can learn about the history of the
The famous market runs on Fridays and Saturdays and comes alive with stalls with one-of-a-kind finds - like the phrenology head, vintage
Part of the market also features food stalls - be sure to check out the brownie stall and the Lebanese stall for a giant flatbread stuffed with salad items, hummus and meat or falafel.
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The town also features some great places to each
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Watching over the highstreet is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle
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Talking of food and drink, just a bit further up from the market and around the corner is The Hairy Barista.
With a brightly painted orange front, this coffee joint is hard to miss.
This pretty and
It is also great for vegans — which is a big thing in Totnes — as all the food at The Hairy Barista is plant-based, and uses mostly organic, seasonal, local, fresh and unprocessed ingredients.
Whilst it doesn't look like much from the outside, back on the main highstreet the Anne of Cleves
Nearby is also Roly's Fudge - which whilst now boasts 47 branches across the country - all started in a thatched cottage in Devon.
The family recipe which was passed down the generations, celebrates the making of fudge, with a variety of flavours and no oils or additives.
Also in Devon, is the ultimate staycation destination with two beach-fringed coasts, stargazing parks and picturesque seaside villages.
Plus, how to have a cheap holiday in Devon this summer.
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At the bottom of the highstreet is the River Dart - an ideal spot for picnics
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