Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Totnes Kayaks
( 07799 403788;
www.totneskayaks.co.uk
;
The Quay, Stoke Gabriel; per 1/3/6hr £10/24/35; 10am-5pm Apr-
Oct)
The best way to explore the gentle River Dart is to head to sleepy Stoke Gabriel (5
miles southeast of Totnes), then paddle out between unspoilt hills. A top tip is to go with
the tide (owner Tom will advise), which may take you upriver to Sharpham Vineyard and
Totnes, or downriver to charming Dittisham. It's gorgeous either way.
KAYAKING
Canoe Adventures
CANOEING
Voyages in 12-seater Canadian
(
01803-865301;
www.canoeadventures.co.uk
; adult/child £22/17)
canoes - the monthly moonlit paddles are a treat.
South Devon Steam Railway
( 01364-644370;
www.southdevonrailway.org
; adult/child return £12/7; 4-9 trains daily Apr-Oct)
The
privately run South Devon Steam Railway chuffs from Totnes to Buckfastleigh, on the
edge of Dartmoor.
RAILWAY
DARTINGTON ESTATE
It was quite some wedding gift: Henry VIII gave this 800-acre estate to two of his wives (Catherines Howard and
Parr). Now it's home to B&B accommodation, the 1930s High Cross House, the Barn art house cinema, the af-
fable White Hart pub and a medieval great hall that hosts events ranging from classical music to literature fest-
ivals.
Dartington's 14th-century manor house frames a grassy space reminiscent of an Oxbridge quadrangle. In the
landscaped gardens impressive terraced banks line a tiltyard, while flower-filled borders lead down to glades,
meadows and thatched cottages. Amid the tiny paths and secret benches, hunt out the carved stone
Memorial Fig-
ure
by Henry Moore, the swirling bobbles of
Jacob's Pillow
by Peter Randall Page and the bronze donkey by
Willi Soukop. The Japanese Garden, complete with raked gravel and cedar wood shelter, is beside the ruined
church.
The estate is 1½ miles northwest of Totnes.
Festivals & Events
Ways With Words
( 01803-867373;
www.wayswithwords.co.uk
; Dartington Estate)
Key authors attend this classy lit fest
each July, where venues include the Tudor Great Hall and the restored Barn. The central,
grassy courtyard is dotted with book-signings, food stalls and people reading and chatting
in deckchairs.
LITERATURE
