Our Recommendations
Waterside Bistro
Riverside venue offering the best of fresh local produce with
seafood speciality. Guests of the Old Forge can enjoy their Autumn special deal whilst still receiving their 10% off. View Menu
Open 7 days a week, lunch 12-3pm, dinner 6-9.30pm, ‘light bites’ all day.
Visit Site
Tel 01803 864069
Staying at the Old Forge? Remember your 10% off voucher
The Curator Kitchen
A modern Italian Osteria – dinner Tues-Sat, 6-9.15pm.
Excellent local produce with authentic Italian menu.
Excellent coffee house on ground floor.
The Plains Totnes, TQ9 5DR
Visit Site
Tel 01803 865570
Staying at the Old Forge? Remember your 10% off voucher
Steam Packet Inn
Excellent riverside terrace
Open 7 days a week 11am- 11pm
Food service Mon – Sat 12-9.30 Sunday 12-8pm
St Peters Quay, Totnes TQ9 5EW
Visit Site
Tel 01803 863880
Staying at the Old Forge? Remember your 10% off voucher
The Cott Inn
Recommended in Telegraph’s top 30 Pubs
Best of local produce, beer garden, live music Wed & Sun
Dartington TQ9 6HE (2 Miles)
Visit Site
Tel 01803 863777
Church House Inn
13th Century Inn
Fresh local produce, authentic Italian wood, stone-baked pizza oven Wed & Sun 6-8pm.
Food service Mon & Tue 6-9pm, Wed-Sat 12-2pm, 6-9pm
Harberton, (3 Miles) TQ9 7SF
Visit Site
Tel 01803 863707
New Inn
Traditional rustic country pub – food service 7days 6.30 – 9pm
Steaks a speciality.
Morleigh, TQ9 7JH, (5 Miles)
Visit Site
Tel 01548 821326
Seahorse Restaurant
Award winning seafood restaurant, char-grilled seafood.
Tue-Sat 12-2.30pm and 6-9.30pm
Dartmouth Embankment, TQ6 9BH
Visit Site
Tel 01803 835147
Rockfish
Excellent award winning seafood, fish and fish & chips restaurants
Brixham, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay
Visit Site
Tel 01803 835147
Round Robin Circular Tour
Between April and end of October, take a leisurely one and a quarter hour river trip from Totnes to Dartmouth, along one of Britain’s most beautiful waterways.
Times vary according to tidal conditions. It is not always possible to do a return boat trip so please check before you travel.
Visit Site
Town Market
The independent shops and markets in Totnes are pivotal to the town and have a reputation as some of the best and most unusual in Devon.
The general market takes place on Friday and Saturday throughout the year and is held on the Civic Square, just off High Street in the centre of the town. Here you can buy anything from vintage boxes to fresh fish from a fishmonger.
China Blue
Step into our home accessories store and experience the excitement of entering Aladdin’s cave. Visit the Ceramic Studio and make all your creative dreams come true. Our Ceramic Studio is the largest of its kind in the South West and offers a fantastic range of pottery to choose from.
Visit Site
Tel 01803 860906
Totnes Castle
A classic Norman motte and bailey castle, founded soon after the Conquest to overawe the Saxon town. A later stone shell-keep crowns its steep mound, giving sweeping views across the town rooftops to the River Dart.
Climb to the top of the keep to enjoy stunning views over the town of Totnes and across to the River Dart.
Visit Site
Tel 0370 333 1181
Rare Breeds Farm
Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is a family owned attraction which relies on the work of volunteers and the great support of its customers. It aims to preserve endangered species of farm animals and the diversity of British wildlife.
It is also a fantastic day out! Totnes Rare Breeds is small enough to provide a friendly and personal service.
Visit Site
Tel: 01803 840387
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Set in beautiful woodland, the English Heritage castle is romantic and reputedly the most haunted in Devon.
Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours.
Visit Site
Tel 01803 866618
Salcombe Brewery
Salcombe Brewery’s sits on the site of an old water reservoir, looking towards the Salcombe Ria. Sourcing local ingredients, the site has its own water source and offers Brewery Tours and tasting sessions.
Visit Site
Tel 01548 854888
Sharpham Vineyard
Locally produced cheese and wine,
tastings, vineyard tours, restaurant open 10-5pm
Sharpham Estate, riverside walk from Totnes
Visit Site
Tel 01803 732178
Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands, set in a sheltered bay surrounded by evergreens and pines, is one of South Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures.
An award-winning, privately managed ‘Blue Flag’ family beach with turquoise blue sea giving it an almost Mediterranean feel.
Visit Site
Dartmoor National Park
Start your journey in one of Dartmoor’s towns or villages and discover what makes them so special. They include a market town, a medieval Stannary town and are just great places to start a walk or ride… and you can be sure of a warm welcome and the quality of the food and drink.
Visit Site
Greenway House
Agatha Christie and her family spent their glorious summer holidays at Greenway, relaxing by the river, playing garden games and spending quality time together. Why not follow in their footsteps?
Visit Site
The Shops at Dartington
A great place for all the family, whatever the weather. With 10 shops, 2 cafes, a beauty spa and much more. So whether you’re looking for gifts or fine food, come to Dartington with its stunning location, family events and late night shopping at Christmas.
Located 1.5 miles from Totnes in the heart of South Devon known as the South Hams and set within the grounds of the Dartington Hall Estate.
Slapton Sands
Slapton lies midway between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth and is half a mile inland from the famous Slapton Sands. Slapton Ley Nature Reserve justifiably attracts visitors from all over the world, be it for scientific, educational or recreational purposes.
Visit Site
Dartmouth Castle
One of the most beautifully located fortresses in England. For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth. It offers stunning views of the estuary and out to sea and offers a great family day out, whatever the weather.
Visit Site
Salcombe Coast
The town itself is small and hugs the steep hillsides that surround it – a passenger ferry crosses to the sandy beaches on the far side of the river at East Portlemouth. Salcombe lies on the west bank of the Kingsbridge estuary which is a large area of sheltered water that attracts both wildlife and sailors.
Glass Fusing Classes
Join Steve Robinson in our fully equipped and spacious studio near Totnes in South Devon, and learn about the techniques that go into designing and crafting fused glass with enamels. You’ll get to try these out yourself and create your own piece of glass art to keep.
Visit Site
Leather School
Their aim is inspire participants to get hands-on with leather and to enable them to learn skills that they will continue to use in creating leatherwork, whether it be for the pleasure of learning a craft or in their professional lives.
Over the years they have successfully taught people of all ages and experience, from those who want to dip their toes in on an introductory class, to others who want to learn and develop ways of working with leather that will last a lifetime.
Visit Site
Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary
At Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary see first-hand exotic butterflies and moths from around the world free flying in a tropical landscaped garden, plus beautiful birds, fish and terrapins can also be found.
Visit Site
Tel 01364 642916
Paington Zoo
Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting attractions. It’s a place to roam, discover and get in touch with your inner animal.
Get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world across our specially designed habitats – from the savannah to the wetlands and the tropical forest.
Visit Site
Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands, set in a sheltered bay surrounded by evergreens and pines, is one of South Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures.
An award-winning, privately managed ‘Blue Flag’ family beach with turquoise blue sea giving it an almost Mediterranean feel.
Visit Site
Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm is a farm tourist attraction just outside the town of Buckfastleigh in South Devon, England. It is an organic farm 600 feet above sea level with views over Dartmoor National Park
Half hourly hands-on animal activities form the basis of the experience and there are also activities such as a tractor and trailer ride and pig racing.
Visit Site
Dart Rock Climbing Centre
Dart Rock is one of the South West’s leading indoor climbing facilities. Dart Rock has over 800sqm of roped climbing and 300sqm of bouldering, 11m high walls, auto belays, artificial cave system and abseil station – there is something for every level of climber.
Visit Site
Woodlands Theme Park
Woodlands Family Theme Park is the largest family theme park in Devon, a fun filled family day out for everyone. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for anyone and everyone! With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine.
Visit Site
Round Robin Circular Tour
Between April and end of October, take a leisurely one and a quarter hour river trip from Totnes to Dartmouth, along one of Britain’s most beautiful waterways.
Times vary according to tidal conditions. It is not always possible to do a return boat trip so please check before you travel.
Visit Site
Living Coast
Welcome to Living Coasts, an all weather attraction, located on Torquay seafront in South Devon, where there’s plenty to see and do: mingle with the playful penguins, get up close to the otters, octopus and seals, and much more. Visit Penguin Beach to walk with the African and macaroni penguins and catch our entertaining feeding time talks.
Visit Site
- + Eating out
-
Waterside Bistro
Riverside venue offering the best of fresh local produce with
seafood speciality. Guests of the Old Forge can enjoy their Autumn special deal whilst still receiving their 10% off. View MenuOpen 7 days a week, lunch 12-3pm, dinner 6-9.30pm, ‘light bites’ all day.
Visit Site
Tel 01803 864069
Staying at the Old Forge? Remember your 10% off voucher
The Curator Kitchen
A modern Italian Osteria – dinner Tues-Sat, 6-9.15pm.
Excellent local produce with authentic Italian menu.
Excellent coffee house on ground floor.
The Plains Totnes, TQ9 5DRVisit Site
Tel 01803 865570
Staying at the Old Forge? Remember your 10% off voucher
Steam Packet Inn
Excellent riverside terrace
Open 7 days a week 11am- 11pm
Food service Mon – Sat 12-9.30 Sunday 12-8pm
St Peters Quay, Totnes TQ9 5EWVisit Site
Tel 01803 863880
Staying at the Old Forge? Remember your 10% off voucher
The Cott Inn
Recommended in Telegraph’s top 30 Pubs
Best of local produce, beer garden, live music Wed & Sun
Dartington TQ9 6HE (2 Miles)Visit Site
Tel 01803 863777
Church House Inn
13th Century Inn
Fresh local produce, authentic Italian wood, stone-baked pizza oven Wed & Sun 6-8pm.
Food service Mon & Tue 6-9pm, Wed-Sat 12-2pm, 6-9pm
Harberton, (3 Miles) TQ9 7SFVisit Site
Tel 01803 863707
New Inn
Traditional rustic country pub – food service 7days 6.30 – 9pm
Steaks a speciality.
Morleigh, TQ9 7JH, (5 Miles)Visit Site
Tel 01548 821326
Seahorse Restaurant
Award winning seafood restaurant, char-grilled seafood.
Tue-Sat 12-2.30pm and 6-9.30pm
Dartmouth Embankment, TQ6 9BHVisit Site
Tel 01803 835147
Rockfish
Excellent award winning seafood, fish and fish & chips restaurants
Brixham, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay
Visit SiteTel 01803 835147
- + In the Town
-
Round Robin Circular Tour
Between April and end of October, take a leisurely one and a quarter hour river trip from Totnes to Dartmouth, along one of Britain’s most beautiful waterways.
Times vary according to tidal conditions. It is not always possible to do a return boat trip so please check before you travel.Visit Site
Town Market
The independent shops and markets in Totnes are pivotal to the town and have a reputation as some of the best and most unusual in Devon.
The general market takes place on Friday and Saturday throughout the year and is held on the Civic Square, just off High Street in the centre of the town. Here you can buy anything from vintage boxes to fresh fish from a fishmonger.China Blue
Step into our home accessories store and experience the excitement of entering Aladdin’s cave. Visit the Ceramic Studio and make all your creative dreams come true. Our Ceramic Studio is the largest of its kind in the South West and offers a fantastic range of pottery to choose from.
Visit Site
Tel 01803 860906
Totnes Castle
A classic Norman motte and bailey castle, founded soon after the Conquest to overawe the Saxon town. A later stone shell-keep crowns its steep mound, giving sweeping views across the town rooftops to the River Dart.
Climb to the top of the keep to enjoy stunning views over the town of Totnes and across to the River Dart.Visit Site
Tel 0370 333 1181
Rare Breeds Farm
Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is a family owned attraction which relies on the work of volunteers and the great support of its customers. It aims to preserve endangered species of farm animals and the diversity of British wildlife.
It is also a fantastic day out! Totnes Rare Breeds is small enough to provide a friendly and personal service.
Visit SiteTel: 01803 840387
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Set in beautiful woodland, the English Heritage castle is romantic and reputedly the most haunted in Devon.
Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours.Visit Site
Tel 01803 866618
- + The Local Area
-
Salcombe Brewery
Salcombe Brewery’s sits on the site of an old water reservoir, looking towards the Salcombe Ria. Sourcing local ingredients, the site has its own water source and offers Brewery Tours and tasting sessions.
Visit Site
Tel 01548 854888
Sharpham Vineyard
Locally produced cheese and wine,
tastings, vineyard tours, restaurant open 10-5pm
Sharpham Estate, riverside walk from TotnesVisit Site
Tel 01803 732178
Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands, set in a sheltered bay surrounded by evergreens and pines, is one of South Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures.
An award-winning, privately managed ‘Blue Flag’ family beach with turquoise blue sea giving it an almost Mediterranean feel.Visit Site
Dartmoor National Park
Start your journey in one of Dartmoor’s towns or villages and discover what makes them so special. They include a market town, a medieval Stannary town and are just great places to start a walk or ride… and you can be sure of a warm welcome and the quality of the food and drink.
Visit Site
Greenway House
Agatha Christie and her family spent their glorious summer holidays at Greenway, relaxing by the river, playing garden games and spending quality time together. Why not follow in their footsteps?
Visit Site
The Shops at Dartington
A great place for all the family, whatever the weather. With 10 shops, 2 cafes, a beauty spa and much more. So whether you’re looking for gifts or fine food, come to Dartington with its stunning location, family events and late night shopping at Christmas.
Located 1.5 miles from Totnes in the heart of South Devon known as the South Hams and set within the grounds of the Dartington Hall Estate.Slapton Sands
Slapton lies midway between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth and is half a mile inland from the famous Slapton Sands. Slapton Ley Nature Reserve justifiably attracts visitors from all over the world, be it for scientific, educational or recreational purposes.
Visit Site
Dartmouth Castle
One of the most beautifully located fortresses in England. For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth. It offers stunning views of the estuary and out to sea and offers a great family day out, whatever the weather.
Visit Site
Salcombe Coast
The town itself is small and hugs the steep hillsides that surround it – a passenger ferry crosses to the sandy beaches on the far side of the river at East Portlemouth. Salcombe lies on the west bank of the Kingsbridge estuary which is a large area of sheltered water that attracts both wildlife and sailors.
- + Family Days Out
-
Glass Fusing Classes
Join Steve Robinson in our fully equipped and spacious studio near Totnes in South Devon, and learn about the techniques that go into designing and crafting fused glass with enamels. You’ll get to try these out yourself and create your own piece of glass art to keep.
Visit Site
Leather School
Their aim is inspire participants to get hands-on with leather and to enable them to learn skills that they will continue to use in creating leatherwork, whether it be for the pleasure of learning a craft or in their professional lives.
Over the years they have successfully taught people of all ages and experience, from those who want to dip their toes in on an introductory class, to others who want to learn and develop ways of working with leather that will last a lifetime.Visit Site
Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary
At Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary see first-hand exotic butterflies and moths from around the world free flying in a tropical landscaped garden, plus beautiful birds, fish and terrapins can also be found.
Visit Site
Tel 01364 642916
Paington Zoo
Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting attractions. It’s a place to roam, discover and get in touch with your inner animal.
Get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world across our specially designed habitats – from the savannah to the wetlands and the tropical forest.Visit Site
Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands, set in a sheltered bay surrounded by evergreens and pines, is one of South Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures.
An award-winning, privately managed ‘Blue Flag’ family beach with turquoise blue sea giving it an almost Mediterranean feel.Visit Site
Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm is a farm tourist attraction just outside the town of Buckfastleigh in South Devon, England. It is an organic farm 600 feet above sea level with views over Dartmoor National Park
Half hourly hands-on animal activities form the basis of the experience and there are also activities such as a tractor and trailer ride and pig racing.Visit Site
Dart Rock Climbing Centre
Dart Rock is one of the South West’s leading indoor climbing facilities. Dart Rock has over 800sqm of roped climbing and 300sqm of bouldering, 11m high walls, auto belays, artificial cave system and abseil station – there is something for every level of climber.
Visit Site
Woodlands Theme Park
Woodlands Family Theme Park is the largest family theme park in Devon, a fun filled family day out for everyone. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for anyone and everyone! With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine.
Visit Site
Round Robin Circular Tour
Between April and end of October, take a leisurely one and a quarter hour river trip from Totnes to Dartmouth, along one of Britain’s most beautiful waterways.
Times vary according to tidal conditions. It is not always possible to do a return boat trip so please check before you travel.Visit Site
Living Coast
Welcome to Living Coasts, an all weather attraction, located on Torquay seafront in South Devon, where there’s plenty to see and do: mingle with the playful penguins, get up close to the otters, octopus and seals, and much more. Visit Penguin Beach to walk with the African and macaroni penguins and catch our entertaining feeding time talks.
Visit Site
Our Totnes Recommendations – all within walking distance.
All very close to The Forge—to gain your 10% discount –please show your hotel key upon arrival at the restaurant (In Town)—during seasonal busy periods and weekends advisable to book to avoid disappointment.
IN TOWN
Waterside Bistro
The Plains, Totnes, TQ9 5YS. Tel 01803 864069 Riverside venue,
Offering the best of fresh local produce, with seafood a speciality.
Open 7 Days a week; Lunch 12-3pm Dinner 6-9.30, Light Bites all day.
The Curator Kitchen
The Plains Totnes, TQ9 5DR Tel 01803 865570
A modern Italian Osteria,Lunch/snacks/coffee 9am-5pm.
Dinner Tue- Sat 6 – 9.15 pm. (Out of Season closed Sunday-Wednesday evenings – inclusive.)
Excellent local and imported produce with authentic Italian menu.
Excellent coffee house ground floor and outside area.
Steam Packet Inn
St Peters Quay, Totnes TQ9 5EW Tel 01803 863880
Excellent river side terrace, Open 7 days a week 11am- 11pm.
Food service Mon – Sat 12-9.30 Sunday 12-8pm.
The Wild Fig Deli & Café
Seasonal, homemade, famous for gluten-free and vegan food.
Open Monday to Saturday 8.30am- 5.00pm.
Great for snacks, snacks/ picnics for your walk, ‘day-out’, brunch, lunch, teas…..
All the above offer guests at The Old Forge – 10% discount by producing your key upon arrival to the establishment.
OUT OF TOWN
Durrant Arms Ashprington TQ9 7UP 01803 732240
Welcoming village local, Best local Beer and produce, excellent Sunday Lunch, closed Monday.
Beautiful walk approx.. 3 miles along River dart…..
Sharpham Vineyard Tel 01803 732178
Locally produced Cheese and Wine, Tastings, Vineyard Tours, Restaurant Open 10-5pm.
The Cott Inn, Dartington TQ9 6HE 3 Miles Tel 01803 863777.
Recommended in Telegraph’s top 30 Pubs
Best of local Produce, Beer Garden, Live Music Wed & Sun.
Another good walk along the river Dart.
Churchouse Inn, Harberton, TQ9 7SF – 3 Miles – Tel 01803 863707
13th Century Inn, Local Beers.
Food Service Mon & Tue 6-9pm, Wen – Sat 12-2pm, 6-9pm
Fresh local produce, Authentic Italian Wood, stone baked Pizza Oven Wen & Sun 6-8pm.
Seahorse Restaurant Dartmouth Embankment, TQ6 9BH Tel 01803 835147
Award Winning Seafood Restaurant, char grilled seafood.
Tue – Sat 12-2.30 6pm-9-30.
Rockfish – Excellent award-winning seafood/ fish restaurants/ fish & chips.
Brixham, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay.
www.therockfish.co.uk
Anchorstone Café, Dittisham
Alfresco dinning by the river Dart, Fresh Seafood and Fish a speciality. 10-am – 4-pm
Yoga-Well Being For YOU—in Totnes.www.monibyoga.com and Arturusclinic—Enjoy and experience yoga whilst staying with us—and experience treatments to suit your needs and emotions…at the Arturusclinic.
Local Castles to Enjoy—
The Sharpham Trust—Wine and local cheese tasting and vine yard tour—superb experience to taste enjoy.
Barrell House—Totnes—What’s On.
Gin Experience , Dartington Shops, Barn Cinema at Dartington.