Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Topsham
POP 5520
Topsham stretches languidly down the banks of the River Exe, its atmospheric Fore St
flanked by heritage buildings, and its long waterfront providing picturesque views of an
estuary widening towards the sea. Despite being just 4 miles south of Exeter, this appeal-
ing settlement has retained a market-town feel. Add an exceptional selection of places to
dine and sleep, an irresistible vineyard and some compelling boat trips, and you have a
very attractive edge-of-Exeter base.
Sights
Historic Topsham
Topsham has been an important port since the medieval era, and its wealth is evident in
the Dutch gable merchants' houses that march through the middle of town. Explore by
heading down the dog-legging Fore St into the Strand, before heading back beside the wa-
ter. You'll encounter independent shops, eateries, the town museum and ferry trips along
the way.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Pebblebed Vineyard
( 07814 788348;
www.pebblebed.co.uk
;
Clyst St George, near Topsham; per person £15)
You get more than a
whiff of southern Europe on these winery tours - south-facing slopes, neatly staked vines
and the heady aroma of fermenting grapes. The hour-long strolls end with a tutored tasting
of four wines: a fruity red, fresh rosé, dry white and Devon sparkling. Tours only run in
the summer and a few times a week - book ahead. If you do miss out, head for their Top-
sham wine cellar and sample the vintages there.
WINERY
Topsham Museum
(25 Strand; 2-5pm Sat-Mon & Wed Apr-Oct)
Artefacts from Topsham's salty past fill this
17th-century, waterfront building, including model sailing ships, shipwrights' tools and
tub-like historic boats. And there is also a surprise: a Vivien Leigh Room (she was the
sister-in-law of the museum's founder), where the memorabilia includes the nightdress the
film star wore in
Gone With The Wind
.
MUSEUM
