Real, curated ideas for Totnes — the castle, the river, the steam railway and where to eat, filtered by who's actually with you.
Totnes is not a beach town, and that is the point of it. It sits at the tidal head of the Dart, eight miles inland, and is the alternative-minded market town of the South Hams — independent shops the whole way up Fore Street, a Norman castle at the top, and a market that has been running for centuries.
It is also the transport hub for the area in a way that is genuinely useful. The South Devon Railway steam line runs from here to Buckfastleigh, river boats go down to Dartmouth, and the mainline station puts it within reach without a car — one of the few places on this coast where that is true.
For a day out with children, the two things to know are the Rare Breeds Farm beside the steam railway station, and Woodlands, the big theme park fifteen minutes south. Between them and the castle you have a full day that has nothing to do with the weather.
Listings last checked: September 2026
A classic Norman motte and bailey at the top of the town, and the best view over Totnes and the Dart valley you will get. Not much survives beyond the shell keep, so it is half an hour rather than an afternoon, with steep steps up and a lawn for a picnic.
A small family-run farm reached through the steam railway station — pigs, goats, owls, guinea pigs, reptiles and ponies, most of which you can feed for a pound a bag. The paid animal experience is well worth it and staff are excellent with anxious children. Wheelchair accessible.
The big one — rides, water attractions, indoor play, a falconry and farm section, set in woodland fifteen minutes south. The indoor areas make it work in poor weather, which is why north Devon families drive down for it. The arcades are cash only.
A packed local museum in a genuinely remarkable Elizabethan building on Fore Street, run by volunteers, with a room on Charles Babbage among the local history. Free with a suggested donation. Upper floors are hard going with limited mobility. Open Tuesdays and Fridays only.
Riverside pub on St Peter's Quay with outdoor tables right by the Dart and a cosy interior for winter. Good ales, a well-regarded Sunday roast, and dog friendly. Book for evening meals; the kitchen can be inconsistent at busy times.
Old beamed country pub at Littlehempston just outside town, and the best-rated place to eat in the Totnes area — a long menu, daily specials, a strong low-and-no alcohol list, and free parking. Small, so book. Dog friendly.
A riverside café and wood-fired pizza place down at Stoke Gabriel quay, doing excellent breakfasts and hash stacks by day and pizzas into the evening Thursday to Saturday. Large car park, £6 for the day. Closed Mondays. Book at busy times.
Bistro on the Plains right by the river with a patio, open ten till ten every day and good with young children — clean baby-changing and a welcoming attitude. Standards vary between dishes; the pizzas draw the most complaints.
Comfortable, quirky all-day café bar on the Plains with a careful allergy menu, live music some evenings and good coffee. Order at the table by QR code. Food is variable — the flatbreads and tapas rate better than the fried dishes.