THINGS TO DO
DISCOVER IN AND AROUND TOTNES
The Tally Ho is located in the village of Littlehempston, just a short distance away from Totnes in South Devon. With stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, it really is a beautiful part of the world.
If you're staying in the area for a few days and would like to know what's around - we've compiled a list of the places we recommend you visit in and around Totnes. If you've been somewhere near but it's not on the list, let us know and we'll include it!
Please contact us if you want to know more about the places to visit around Totnes.
TOTNES
The Tally Ho is only a short drive away from Totnes. This historic town is overlooked by its Norman castle and by the 12th century, the mediaeval market town was flourishing.
As you walk through Totnes, you will also see many examples of Elizabethan architecture and we recommend that you make time to visit the market on Tuesday mornings (May-September) to witness traders in Elizabethan period costumes.
If shopping is your thing, there are many unique and individual boutiques in the town as well as places to enjoy refreshments and a rest before the next purchase!
ENJOY THE RIVER DART AT TOTNES
If you love being on or around the river and you enjoy river cruises, we recommend you head down to the bottom of Totnes. Here you will find the Old Steamer Quay which is the centre for local river cruises. You can cruise 6 miles downstream to Dartmouth - both there and back.
Alternatively, paddle boarding is a gentle and relaxing way to enjoy the River Dart under your own steam. On a beautiful summer's day, savour the scenery and truly immerse yourself in nature.
TOTNES CASTLE
Originally a Saxon castle (and also rumoured Roman), Totnes Castle is a wonderful example of Norman architecture. With its motte and bailey, this fortification offers wonderful views across the town of Totnes and the River Dart.
Spend some time learning of its history or take a picnic and simply relax within the castle grounds. You may even find the 'graffitti' on the trees left by the POWs during WW2.
BERRY POMEROY CASTLE
If you're a keen walker, Berry Pomeroy Castle is a must. Situated only 11 minutes from Tally Ho, the castle is hidden away in woodland and dates back to the 15th century when it was built by the Pomeroy family who had owned the land since the 11th century.
By 1547, the lands were sold to Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset due to Pomeroy's financial difficulties. Despite ambitious plans for a Tudor mansion to be built within its confines, the project was never completed and abandoned by 1700.
Why not enjoy a walk in the grounds and head to us for a relaxing lunch afterwards?
DARTMOOR
Tally Ho is 20 minutes from the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Renowned for its wildness, it boasts wide, open moorlands and deep river valleys and some fantastic walks. Walks range from a couple of mile to over 12 miles so it's worth doing some research before you go. Here are a selection of Dartmoor walks.
Dartmoor spans 386 square miles so if you want to enjoy other activities, you can bike it, go pony trekking or for the more adventurous go kayaking and climbing. There's also fishing to do and wild swimming!
DARTMOUTH
Dartmouth is just under 20 miles from Tally Ho. For boat enthusiasts, the harbour town is steeped in history and listed in the Domesday Book as an agricultural settlement. It was also used during the Crusades as the sailing point in both 1147 and 1190. Follow the narrow lanes and spot the medieval and Elizabethan buildings.
If you're planning on staying in the harbour town there is plenty to do all year round. There are festivals, events and attractions. These include the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta (August), beer festivals (February and July), food festival (October), music festival and an art and craft weekend (June).
DARTMOOR OTTERS & BUCKFAST BUTTERFLIES
This amazing otter sanctuary and butterfly farm is only just over 15 minutes away from Tally Ho just off the A38 at Buckfastleigh. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the otter sanctuary is hoping to be fully open by the 1 August.
There are 3 resident and rescued otters species: the native British otter, the Asian short clawed otter and the large North American river otter.
The team running the butterfly farm concentrates on making visits a learning and fun experience. Discover the butterfly's life cycle and sample the rainforest atmosphere designed for these tropical insects.
BUCKFAST ABBEY
Buckfast Abbey is a working community of Benedictine monks on the edge of Dartmoor. It welcomes thousands of people every year and is located between Plymouth and Exeter at Buckfastleigh.
It really is a place of tranquility and peace. Visitors are able to enjoy the Abbey Church and gardens and during the summer months, the Lavender Garden truly is a sight to behold with its 50 varieties of lavender. In addition, the Monastic Way Exhibition is well worth a visit and gives visitors real insight into the monks' lives.
TOTNES RARE BREEDS FARM
Totnes Rare Breeds farm is a treat for both children and adults. Set beside the South Devon Steam Railway, the farm was originally wasteland. Cleared by its original owners who had retired to the area, the farm's first inhabitants were a few rescue animals.
As it expanded, the farm was finally opened to visitors in 2002. Focus is on the conservation of rare breeds and you can find chickens and ducks as well as Welsh Mountain sheep and Golden Guernsey Goats. The nearest car parking is in Totnes but we advise you to go to the website for directions.
PAIGNTON ZOO
Tally Ho is only 6 miles from Paignton Zoo. If you've spent a day at the zoo, why not round off the day and relax over a lovely meal with us?
The Zoo has over 2,500 animals across 80 acres and offers visitors the chance to get up close and experience the specially designed habitats. Also a registered charity, Paignton Zoo is part of the Wild Planet Trust which is dedicated to conservation through field projects and campaigns.
PENNYWELL FARM
Pennywell Farm is close to Tally Ho, only 3 minutes off the A38 and 1 mile south of Buckfastleigh. The farm packs a full day of activities which rotate every 30 minutes.
Very popular are Pennywell's miniature pigs and the farm recommends that you get in touch before you visit to check if they have them. Other animals include miniature donkeys, highland cattle and lots of small furry animals. Definitely a place to visit if you're an animal lover.
DARTINGTON
Dartington is a beautiful 1,200 acre estate which is only 5 miles from Tally Ho. It is the HQ of the Dartington Hall Trust which is a charity focusing on the arts, social justice and sustainability.
Throughout the year, there is a full programme of arts and crafts. Theatre, music and dance is also celebrated and the Barn Cinema hosts a choice of films. Visitors can also enjoy walks through the woodlands, follow river trails and relax at its cafés and restaurants.
RECOMMENDED BEACHES
We are very fortunate to boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Devon. We recommend that you visit:
A HISTORIC PUB
Whatever the occasion, don't miss the opportunity to come at visit us at the Tally Ho. If you've already sampled our hospitality, mention us to your friends or follow us on Facebook.
We're strictly following government guidelines regarding the COVID-19 situation so please be assured that both the safety of our staff and customers is our priority.
We're easy to find and only a short 5 minute drive from Totnes.