Totnes Castle
Devon, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Totnes, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle St, Totnes TQ9 5NU
Telephone 01803 864406
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A textbook motte-and-bailey above Totnes, with a 13th-century crenellated shell keep added onto the original earthwork - small as castles go, but a clean example of the form, and English Heritage keeps it staffed. The climb up rewards you with a proper view over the town and the River Dart below.
Worth the trip
The shell keep on top of the motte - one of the clearest surviving examples of the classic Norman castle layout, best appreciated from the walk around the wall.
Before you go
It's a quick visit - reviewers pair it well with a wander down the historic High Street or a stop on the Dartmouth steam railway round trip, rather than treating it as a destination on its own.
Reviewers consistently praise the views from the keep and the castle's compact motte-and-bailey design, often pairing a visit with a wander round the town or a stop on a wider Devon day out. Most describe it as a small site that only takes a short while to see, with a couple of reviewers noting the tiny castle car park (better to use the riverside town car parks) and one flagging the lack of onsite toilets.
Classic motte-and-bailey with shell keep
“Pleasant stop if you’re doing the Dartmouth steam railway round robin. Nice view. It’s a small monument”- David Tee, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Use the main riverside car parks as the Castle one is quite small.” - Dandang
- Terrain & accessibility
- “This is accessed by a curving flight of stone steps, well worth ascending for the views from the keep.” - Andrew Thomas
- Facilities
- “On-site facilities include a gift shop with cold drinks for sale.” - Andrew Thomas
Common questions about Totnes Castle
Where is Totnes Castle?
Totnes Castle is in Devon, England, at Castle St, Totnes TQ9 5NU.
Do you need a ticket to visit Totnes Castle?
Yes - Totnes Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Totnes Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Totnes Castle - one reviewer noted: “…a gift shop with cold drinks for sale. Dogs on leads are welcome. There's no onsite parking or toilet facilities.”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Totnes Castle?
The shell keep on top of the motte - one of the clearest surviving examples of the classic Norman castle layout, best appreciated from the walk around the wall.
Is Totnes Castle a ruin or still intact?
Totnes Castle is a partial ruin - Classic motte-and-bailey with shell keep.
