Places to visit:

Choose a place to visit from the list below for a brief guide to the area.

East Devon Holiday Guide

Topsham

• The austere, stone-clad St Nicholas Church. Pic ref: 12-05-7530SH Topsham

Situated on the bank of the attractive River Exe between the seaside resort of Exmouth and the City of Exeter, the picturesque town of Topsham has been featured in countless photographs and paintings over the years. It is a fascinating place to visit, with a wide variety of architectural styles to admire, and a superb range of shops and eating places.

A stroll along the main street will reward you with views of a whole range of styles, from Georgian Tearooms and Elizabethan-style buildings to the austere, stone-clad St Nicholas Church.

In the Strand is an attractive row of ‘Dutch houses’, built by Topsham merchants in the early 1700s. Also in the Strand is the fascinating Topsham Museum, situated in an original 17th century house.

Topsham features a most interesting ranges of shops, offering all the basic essentials, plus fashion, footwear, souvenirs and gifts. The Quay Centre, housed in a huge former warehouse, features everything from antiques and bygones to collectables and furnishings.

Wining and dining in Topsham is a pleasurable experience, with cafes, restaurants and pubs catering for all tastes. Many of the venues feature locally caught seafood, and if you fancy a pub meal or a drink in friendly company you are spoilt for choice with 10 pubs situated within a few minutes walk of each other. Among the most famous is the Bridge Inn, built in the 11th century.

There are many events organised throughout the year. The main event is Topsham Town Fayre, held this year from August 20 to 27. There is a whole range of events for all the family to enjoy, and one of the finest carnivals in the West Country on Saturday, August 27.

Topsham is situated on the beautiful River Exe, overlooking tranquil mudflats which attract a huge variety of birds and other wildlife. It is enclosed on one side by the estuary, and on the other side by the River Clyst.

There are bird hides in the area and, whether you decide to drive, walk or cycle, the surrounding scenery including the nearby villages is a pleasure to behold.