Living in London, life can feel rather frenetic at times. I adore city living, but I do make an effort to escape at least a few times each year to properly switch off.
One of my favourite spots I've discovered is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and delightful high street.
Discovering Totnes
Totnes is a market town in Devon, celebrated for its artistic community and flourishing bohemian spirit. It also boasts, in my view, one of the finest high streets in Britain.
If you begin at the lower end of the street, you can cross the bridge spanning the River Dart and really absorb the character of the town from there.
A Vibrant Summer Scene
During the warmer months, the town comes to life with colour. Vibrant bunting adorns the streets, and small vessels glide across the water. There's verdant riverside greenery, and the town buzzes with energy.
Once you've crossed the bridge, pop in for a coffee at The Curator - the first of countless independent shops scattered along the high street. The coffee is excellent, and they offer a wonderful range of pastries if you fancy settling in for a spot to eat - though don't overdo it, there's plenty more to discover.
Exploring the High Street
The high street meanders gently uphill and is flanked by hundreds of independent boutiques, charity shops and tea rooms. Further up the high street, there's the Cornish Bakery, which fills the air with the mouthwatering savoury aroma of pasties. They cater for everyone - even my vegan brother discovered something he adored.
As the high street sweeps round to the left, you'll come across Butterworth's Vintage Co — a compact yet impressive second-hand shop stocking everything from knitwear to workwear and even vintage magazines.
Relaxing at The Bull Inn
Once you've had a good rummage through the shelves, you might fancy a swift pint or another bite to eat — and you're in luck. Just a short stroll from Butterworth's sits The Bull Inn — a stunning pub boasting an extensive organic food menu, along with nine rooms available should you need somewhere to rest your head.
The highlight for me at The Bull Inn is its delightful garden, where you can unwind in the sunshine and watch the world go past. Tucked just across the carpark, and much like the rest of the town, it's frequently adorned with gorgeous bunting.
On a sunny day, it really is hard to beat — and if you're anything like me, you'll be more than ready to take the weight off your feet after all that retail therapy along the high street.
