TOTNES

The River Dart, described as "unquestionably the loveliest river in England", runs it's 46 mile course from the head at 1,840 ft on north Dartmoor to the uniquely beautiful mouth overlooked by three Tudor castles. If you are interested in history, Totnes is the place to spend time. People have lived here since Neolithic times about 6000 years ago, but the town's documented history begins in the 10th century when the fort was established by the Saxons.

In the 16th century, Totnes ranked among the 20 richest towns in the England, and over 60 houses from
this period remain in the main street. To-day, Totnes remains deeply in touch with it's history, but is also
a lively creative community which, along with DARTINGTON, rightly claims to be at the centre of the
South Devon arts scene.

On tuesdays (May to Sept.) the locals, shopkeepers, and stallholders, dress in Elizabethan costumes for
a unique market day.

Totnes is a town where shopping's like it used to be (small shops in quaint street and lanes)
and where historic England still reigns. The high street is full of shops that are unique to
Totnes and original in outlook: hand-made shoes, crafts and toys; speciality food shops selling
some of Devon's best local produce, much organically grown; wholefood and healthfood stores;
alternative medicine and therapy clinics; bookshops (new and secondhand); galleries and art/crafts;
antiques; and the shop of 1000 teddybears - in January 2005, Totnes was nominated, in the British
Airways 'High Life Magazine', as one of the world's ten 'Funky Towns' that must be visited.

This small market town can lay claim to the highest density, and greatest range, of alternative
therapies and treatment, of anywhere in the UK.

Between Totnes and Dartmouth there are many interesting villages along the river banks: Sharpham; Tuckenhay; Stoke Gabriel; and Dittisham. The visitor could easily spend a week just investigating the eight miles of this river.

Situated on a hill overlooking the wooded slopes of the gently winding River Dart,
Sharpham House was built in 1770. The Estate is now the centre of rural life and operates
a number of ventures such as the award winning SHARPHAM VINEYARD
and Sharpham Creamery which produces unique cheeses. Also operated from the Estate is
the College for Buddhist Studies and Contemporary Enquiry.

An enjoyable day can be had walking from Totnes, along the banks of The Dart, to Sharpham
before walking into Ashprington for lunch at the Durrant Arms. Retracing your steps allows
for a tour of the Estate; purchasing your wine and cheese at Sharpham; before returning to
Totnes for dinner at The Steampacket.

Tuckenhay - a tiny hamlet with a big industrial history dating from 1550. At times: 15 lime kilns;
a rope works; a corn mill; and a paper mill. Paper, manufactured from 1829 to 1962, was exported
to all the continents of the world. The speciality paper was used for the banknotes of many currencies,
and for the Proclamation of the Coronation of Elizabeth II. To-day, it is impossible to imagine this
beautiful hamlet, on the banks of Bow Creek, as an industrial centre.

Dittisham - The ham was settled in 765 by a Saxon named Dida. The village was sited on the
top of the hill overlooking the Dart, and it is here that you will find St George's Church.
Dedicated in 1333, the church boasts a redstone font dating from Norman times.
Lower "Ditts-ham" nestles on the shore, and you can enjoy a pint at the Ferry Boat Inn
whilst watching the ferry ply it's trade. Just downstream is "Anchor Stone" where reputedly,
Sir Walter Raleigh sat to smoke his pipe.


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