Living in Totnes

Community life in Totnes is distinguished by its inclusivity, activism, and creativity. There is a pronounced focus on sustainability, showcased by community gardens, repair cafés, and the high prevalence of ethical, eco-friendly businesses in the town centre. Residents actively support the local economy through regular food and craft markets as well as the iconic Totnes Pound initiative that promotes spending within Totnes itself.

The town boasts several community centres, such as Totnes Civic Hall and KEVICC’s Ariel Centre, which host events, workshops and exhibitions. Artisans, musicians, and writers all contribute to a thriving creative scene. Outdoor activities are abundant, with the River Dart offering canoeing, wild swimming, and riverside walks, while the expansive Dartmoor National Park lies just to the north for hiking and nature lovers.

Totnes is generally perceived as a safe and welcoming town, benefiting from a strong sense of community and low levels of serious crime. Like many rural and semi-rural areas, Totnes experiences mostly minor offences, such as occasional anti-social behaviour or petty theft, rather than major incidents.

The police are visible in the community and there is an active Neighbourhood Policing Team working alongside local councils and residents' groups. Community-led initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and Transition Streets further strengthen a sense of responsibility and vigilance among residents. Recent regeneration projects have contributed to improved lighting and public spaces, helping to keep the town centre vibrant and secure in the evenings.

Parking in Totnes can be limited, especially in the historic town centre where narrow, winding streets and increased visitor numbers during weekends or tourist seasons can present challenges. Several public car parks, including The Plains and Heath's Nursery, offer short- and long-stay parking. Resident permit schemes operate in some core streets, while time-limited on-street parking is available in other areas. Traffic congestion is most noticeable near schools and during market days.

Totnes is set on the A385, giving direct access to the A38 (the main route between Cornwall and Exeter), making it easy to reach adjacent towns and the rest of Devon. Nearby towns and cities:

• Paignton – approx. 20 minutes via A385 (7 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 35 minutes via A38 (24 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 40 minutes via A38 (29 miles)
• Dartmouth – approx. 30 minutes by road (13 miles)

Totnes is celebrated for its diverse food scene which leans heavily on independent businesses and local produce. The town hosts a wealth of cafés, artisan bakeries, and organic food shops, as well as restaurants serving everything from traditional Devon cream teas to international cuisine. Notable establishments include The Bull Inn, renowned for its organic fare, and The Royal Seven Stars, a historic coaching inn with a lively bar and restaurant.

The nightlife in Totnes tends to be relaxed and community-focused, centring around traditional pubs, wine bars, and live music venues. Unique establishments like The Barrel House Ballroom host gigs, poetry readings, and cultural events, reflecting the artistic spirit of the area. Totnes has a handful of intimate cocktail bars and the occasional club night, but the emphasis is more on convivial gatherings than late-night revelry. For theatre and arts, the nearby Dartington Hall estate offers diverse live performances.

School quality: Totnes offers respected primary and secondary options, including the well-regarded KEVICC and local alternative schools. The education provision ensures families have access to supportive and varied learning environments.

Parks and green space: The town features scenic riverside paths, Victoria Park, and easy access to Dartmoor National Park for picnics, play, and outdoor adventures.

Childcare: A range of nurseries, playgroups, and after-school clubs provide flexibility for working parents and support for young children. Childminders and community run play schemes are also available.

Safety: Low crime rates and an active community create a reassuring environment for families. Community initiatives bolster safety in and around schools and play areas.

Family activities: Totnes Museum, the castle, regular community festivals and nature-based workshops offer plenty of enrichment for all ages, while swimming pools and youth clubs cater to leisure interests.

Totnes is highly regarded for its pet-friendly ethos, with local attitudes welcoming of dogs and other animals in both public spaces and businesses. Owners enjoy scenic riverside walks along the Dart, as well as rambling on footpaths leading into the countryside. Victoria Park and Follaton Arboretum provide safe open spaces for exercising pets, and the proximity to Dartmoor broadens options for longer adventures.

Several local vets, groomers, and pet supply stores are based in the town centre. Many cafés and pubs tolerate well-behaved dogs, and Totnes’s community spirit is reflected in events such as pet-friendly markets and dog shows held during summer months.

Totnes is well-served by public transport, making it accessible for commuters and visitors alike. Totnes railway station sits on the Exeter to Plymouth mainline, with regular direct services to both cities as well as to London Paddington in under three hours. Local and regional bus networks connect Totnes to surrounding villages, Dartmouth, Paignton, and the South Hams. Seasonal riverboats operate between Totnes and Dartmouth along the scenic Dart estuary.

The A385 links Totnes to the A38 Devon Expressway, providing road access to Exeter, Plymouth, and the wider South West. Exeter International Airport is around 45 minutes away by car, with connections to UK and European destinations.

Example commute times:

• Exeter: approx. 40 minutes by train or car
• Plymouth: approx. 35 minutes by train or car
• London (Paddington): approx. 2 hours 50 minutes by direct train

Primary Schools:

St John’s Church of England Primary School, situated on Pathfields, is a core option for younger pupils and focuses on a well-rounded curriculum. The Grove School is a popular choice for local families and is especially noted for its nurturing environment. For those seeking alternative methods, the Steiner School at Dartington offers a distinctive educational ethos with a creative orientation.

Secondary Schools:

King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) is the principal secondary school in Totnes, offering comprehensive education from age 11 to 18. KEVICC is well-established and emphasises both academic achievement and personal development. South Devon Steiner School, though technically in nearby Dartington, provides a Waldorf education up to sixth form.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:

KEVICC includes a sixth form with a broad A-level and BTEC offering. South Devon College, situated in nearby Paignton, provides extensive further education courses and apprenticeships for school leavers and adults.

Universities:

While Totnes itself does not have a university, the area is closely linked with Schumacher College, internationally renowned for its postgraduate and short courses in sustainability and ecology. The University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter are both accessible and popular among Totnes students seeking higher education opportunities.