Totnes

Totnes is a historic market town and civil parish in Devon, England, located at the head of the River Dart estuary in the South Hams district. The town has a population of around eight thousand and serves as a local center for the surrounding rural area.

The town’s origins lie in the medieval period. Totnes Castle, a Norman fortress dating from the 11th century, dominates the skyline and overlooks a traditional town center. The High Street retains a medieval character, with timber-framed houses and a central market square that has long hosted local trade and civic events.

Nearby Dartington Hall estate hosts a long-running arts and education programme through the Dartington Hall Trust. In 2006, Totnes became notable as the site of the Transition Town movement, one of the first initiatives aimed at building community resilience to energy and climate challenges, and it has since influenced broader sustainability efforts in the town and region.

The town is also known for the Totnes Pound, a local currency introduced to encourage spending within the community and support local businesses. Totnes is connected by rail via Totnes railway station on the Exeter–Plymouth line, and it is linked to the road network, including the nearby A38. Administratively, Totnes is governed by a town council within the South Hams district and Devon County. The town lies within reach of Dartmoor National Park, positioning it near a landscape of woodland and upland moorland.