Get outdoors Archives - Visit Totnes

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Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat

Based on the glorious South Devon coastline in South West England, enjoy your days out in Devon on our steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamer - the only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!

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Dartington Hall

Dartington Hall, a stunning Grade I listed heritage property set within a 1,200-acre estate near the ancient market town of Totnes. 50 distinctive bedrooms located around a medieval 14th-century courtyard offer a superb mix of heritage and comfort where you can remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Experience a sense of tranquillity at our impressive Grade II* listed gardens, which have been shaped and inspired by the remarkable custodians of this special place for over 1,000 years. On your visit to the 26 acres of tended grounds, you’ll find a range of stunning features with beautiful vistas and creative sculptures, including ancient trees and impressive plant species, fabulous walks and a newly restored 700-year-old deer park. Don’t miss our weekly gardens tours, every Wednesday, at 11am-12 noon from the Visitor Centre or a guided tour of our newly restored 700-year-old deer park; every Friday, 11am-12 noon. Tours run from March to mid-October. We have all kinds of craft courses too, covering everything from beekeeping, printmaking to artisan baking. Meanwhile, Dartington Live moves into its second season this autumn, with a host of exciting, original live art events– watch out for this year’s family-friendly Christmas show, which was a great hit last year. There is a wide film programme including independent, world and mainstream cinema, seven days a week at the 14th-century Barn cinema located within the grounds. Kids Trail Families can enjoy our all-new children’s nature trail within the gardens, with inspired nature activities including bug hotels, den building and more. Our gorgeous new trail map is included in your ticket price – make sure you pick one up on arrival! Food and Drink at Dartington With a range of options to suit all tastes and appetites and an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The White Hart restaurant offers a delicious seasonal menu with a fine selection of local ales and wines. Check their website for current opening times. The Green Table Café is open Mon-Sun, 9am-4pm, Breakfast: 10am-12 noon, Lunch: 12 noon-4pm The Barn Cinema Cafe - A beautiful space where you can enjoy alcoholic & non-alcholic tipples, hot popcorn, pick ‘n’ mix and more. Open Mon -Thurs: 4-8pm, Fri-Sun 12-8pm

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Sharpham Estate Parkrun

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

When is it?

Every Saturday at 9:00am.

Where is it?

The event takes place at Sharpham Estate, Sharpham Drive, Totnes, TQ9 5EW (w3w: ///vent.removal.midwinter).

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Sea Kayak Devon

Guided trips... Skills courses... Kayak expeditions! Individuals, groups and families are all welcome and no experience is required. There is no better way to explore Devon's stunning coastline than by kayak! Based in Dartmouth, let Sea Kayak Devon’s highly qualified guides take you on an unforgettable journey: • Explore spectacular rocky islands and secret coves • Get up close to amazing wildlife • Discover incredible sea caves from your kayak! • Relax on a secluded sandy beach and roast marshmallows on a driftwood fire Sea Kayak Devon use the very latest equipment to ensure that you are comfortable and their kayaks are stable and glide easily through the water. Big double kayaks are available so that parents with children as young as 5 can join in the fun! Try a half day trip or a full day adventure and picnic in a beautiful spot away from the crowds. Sea Kayak Devon also offer fully catered overnight trips where you can relax by a campfire and learn bush craft skills from your guide. For those looking to take their kayaking to the next level Sea Kayak Devon has several of the UK’s most experienced coaches, who offer a large selection of skills courses. Check the website for more details. A sea kayak is the ultimate way to explore the unique environment where the sea meets the cliffs and rocks of Devon’s coast. You will be amazed by what you discover!

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Dynamic Adventures CIC

Choose from a range of activities from 1-hour mini adventures to a weekend packed with activities. Dynamic Adventures CIC is a not-for-profit company based in Totnes, the heart of Devon, providing access to adventure for all. We do all we can to encourage a sense of adventure in all our work, making it safe, fun and inspiring.

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Sandridge Barton Wines

Sandridge Barton is the new home of Sharpham Wine and sits in a south-facing bowl on the edge of the River Dart, the perfect terroir for growing grapes and producing renowned English wines. They offer a range of experiences including guided and self-guided wine tours and tastings, and you can dine in their restaurant Circa or enjoy more casual bar snacks in the tasting barn, walk the woodland trail to visit their new vineyard or simply pop into the cellar door shop to purchase your favourite wines and other local produce. Their self-guided tastings are perfect for those wanting to select their own wines and taste casually with friends, with the help of the accompanying tasting notes leaflet, and you can even pair with some specially-selected bar snacks from Circa. The guided tastings offer more insight into the winemaking processes, where a guide will explain the techniques used from start to finish and take you on a tour around the winemaking facilities. There’s even an interactive nature trail through woodland to the new vineyard, which is a perfect activity for kids.

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01 Sharpham Estate view Visit Totnes pix April 2022 770 x 500

The Sharpham Trust

An internationally-renowned centre for mindfulness sits on the edge of Totnes, on the beautiful Sharpham Estate. There are several retreat venues on the Estate, where participants stay and learn mindful meditation techniques amid breathtaking natural scenery. Grade I-listed Sharpham House is a Palladian villa high on the banks of the River Dart, at the centre of the Estate, and it hosts retreats all-year-round. Visitors can also stay in Sharpham’s Woodland Campsite, meditating close to nature, or within our Coach House nature-retreat venue, or at the acclaimed Barn Retreat Centre, or even on solo retreat in our off-grid Kuti. Sharpham’s retreats have featured in national and international media. The whole Estate is certified organic, run using sustainable and organic practices and is within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is home to rich flora and fauna – including the endangered Cirl Bunting - and parts of the land are being rewilded. The Estate is also home to the award-winning Sharpham Cheese and the beautiful hideaway holiday let, The Bathing House. Sharpham House is only open to the public on certain days (see our events listing here). You can walk or ride to Sharpham from Totnes, taking the National Cycle Route 28 towards Ashprington. The Sharpham Trust, a registered charity administering the Estate, also operates Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground. You can get married in Sharpham House too, as various rooms and spaces are licensed for weddings. The Sharpham Trust is LGBTQ+ friendly. The Trust also runs a riverside campsite at Point Field which is best accessed via canoe. If you’re interested in volunteering weekly on the Sharpham Estate, read more here or email [email protected] We have been awarded the Visit England Good to Go Industry Standard Certificate. Google map for The Sharpham Trust: https://goo.gl/maps/qdAee8PQEFo Google map for Sharpham Meadow Natural Burial Ground: https://goo.gl/maps/SNCpumtuHjr

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Vineyard Nature Trail at Sandridge Barton

Some of the greatest childhood memories are made when exploring outside, which is why Sandridge Barton’s free Vineyard Nature Trail looks sure to be top of parents’ bucket lists.

The trail starts from Sandridge Barton’s Visitor Centre at Lower Well Farm and is great fun for kids, and informative for adults too. It's set in the countryside on the edge of the River Dart close to Stoke Gabriel in south Devon where an idyllic landscape of wildlife, trees, hedgerows, and woodland is also home to 32 acres of vineyards which produce grapes for Sandridge Barton Wines and the well-known Sharpham Wine.

As children scurry about searching for wildlife, parents can learn why this rolling countryside is perfect for growing grapes. Fascinating interpretation boards offer insightful information on grapevines, while children are encouraged to see if they can spot any creepy crawlies and to try the half dozen brass rubbings, including grapes, fossils and cows, which are set in the vineyard.

Stonyfield is a unique site as it boasts South Devon’s only raised limestone bed, a key feature in some of the world’s best wine regions such as Burgundy, St-Émilion and parts of the Southern Rhone. It was planted in May 2021 and the first harvest of grapes is expected to take place in 2024.

The trail is 1.3 miles long and takes about 40 minutes to complete, and after there are refreshments to be enjoyed at Sandridge Barton, where a gorgeous outdoor area has plenty of space to sit and soak up this beautiful place.

Created with funding from South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the trail starts at Sandridge Barton (Lower Well Farm, Waddeton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Devon, TQ9 6RL) where parking is free. Well-behaved dogs are welcomed.

If you’d like to try the brass rubbings, head to the visitor centre before starting your walk to collect paper and crayons.

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The Gardens at Dartington Trust

Experience a sense of tranquillity at our impressive Grade II* listed gardens, which have been shaped and inspired by the remarkable custodians of this special place for over 1,000 years. On your visit to the 26 acres of tended grounds, you’ll find a range of stunning features with beautiful vistas and creative sculptures, including ancient trees and impressive plant species. Our gardens team have been working hard to bring some of the hidden secrets of the gardens to life. On arrival, you’ll pick up a beautifully design gardens guide (included in the ticket price), and there’s also an activity trail for children to engage in with hidden paths to explore. Stay awhile and enjoy delicious food from The White Hart Restaurant or The Green Table café. Great for kids; Families can enjoy our all-new children’s nature trail within the gardens, with inspired nature activities including bug hotels, den building and more. Our gorgeous new trail map included in your ticket price – make sure you pick one upon arrival! Open Year round 9am - 5pm. GARDEN TOURS Join one of our highly popular, volunteer-led Garden Tours (duration: 90 minutes) to learn more about the heritage, beauty and historical features of the Gardens. See our dedicated garden web page here We are hugely grateful to our wonderful volunteers for offering these tours. (free for Dartington Members).

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Paddle Devon

We at Paddle Devon are a small family run business based in Totnes & Teignmouth. Join us for guided trips and kayak hire on the stunning River Dart from Totnes, Long Marsh Car Park. We offer Sea kayak trips along the coast, overnight camping trips , Paddleboarding and lessons. Beginners, Families and Dogs welcome! All of our friendly instructors are highly British Canoeing qualified, DBS checked and insured. We are open every day from 9 until 6pm (pre book only)