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Topsham
The quaint historic estuary port of Topsham has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an eclectic cluster of specialist shops and fine restaurants, plus wonderful sunsets above the estuary.
Once a thriving port and shipbuilding centre, Topsham still retains a strong maritime flavour. Distinctive buildings include elegant 17c Dutch-style merchant houses in The Strand like attractive Topsham Museum where interesting exhibitions include Vivian Leigh memorabilia of Gone With The Wind fame, linked to Topsham through her first marriage.
Good food is a Topsham speciality with many historic pubs, and award-winning restaurants including the Galley Restaurant (Best Restaurant in Devon), La Petite Maison (Taste of the West Silver Award) and The Georgian Tea Room (Taste of the West Gold Award). On Topsham's outskirts, you will also find Darts Farm, a treasure trove of delicious local produce.
Topsham shopping also offers a vibrant mix of boutiques, interior design, galleries, gifts, cookware, fine wines and foods, and antiques including several floors to browse at the former Customs House on the quay.
Further along, the narrow Goat Walk beside the Exe estuary offers wonderful views and sunsets. These estuary mudflats and Bowling Green Marsh RSPB Reserve are home to a vast array of water-birds including avocet, dunlin, little ringed plover, and little egret.
Topsham's charming passenger ferry deposits passengers (and bikes) across the Exe for pleasant walking and pub lunches at two idyllic waterside pubs, the Turf Hotel and Double Locks. You can also take short or long cruises to discover the wildlife of the Exe estuary or to Exmouth's sandy beaches.
At nearby Powderham Castle, explore the historic family home of the Earls of Devon with a fascinating tour, while children will enjoy meeting animals in the Secret Garden and playing in the Courtenay Fort. The castle also hosts many exciting events including jousting tournaments and open-air concerts.
For more information please contact the local Tourist Information Centre:
Exeter Tourist Information Centre
Dixs Field
Exeter
EX1 1GF
Tel: 01392 665700
Email tic@exeter.gov.uk
