A Day Out in Topsham

A charming estuary town rich in maritime and architectural history

This article was written on 21 August 2022
and is a 1 minute read

Topsham is a beautiful and sophisticated town situated between Exmouth and Exeter. Located just a 30-minute drive from Forest Glade Holiday Park, we highly recommend you make a visit!

History

We could spend this whole article discussing Topsham’s rich history and would still only just be scraping the surface. Two thousand years ago the Romans visited Topsham and supplied the garrison at Isca Dumnoniorum. There, they constructed a fort and built the straight road we still use today.

Topsham was formerly one of the busiest ports in the country. It’s historic estuarial background dates back to 1566, when The Exe Estuary first opened. Also in the 1500s, ships launched from Topsham Quay to fight the Spanish Armada, settle the Americas, trade with the continent and fish off of Newfoundland. It became central to local life, and has remained that way ever since.

To delve deeper into Topsham’s interesting history, we commence our pick of ‘things to do’ with a trip to Topsham Museum.

Topsham Coastal View: Photo Credit – Steve Knight – Flickr

Things To Do in Topsham

Topsham Museum

Featuring a wealth of local history of the town and port, The Topsham Museum showcases the area’s fascinating story of shipbuilding and ship owning, as well as abundance of wildlife in the Exe Estuary.

Free Topsham Trails leaflets are available and attached to the Museum’s Riverside Garden Gate. They detail two walking trails, with historical information and puzzles for children. This Museum is a lovely day out for all the family!

Food and Drink

Topsham is hailed for having some of the best food and drink spots in Devon. It is the place to go for independent eateries, watering holes and shops. Whilst there is a great choice of chain cafés and restaurants in the local area, the estuary town can also be proud to claim a ‘fiercely independent’ offering of highly individual and welcoming places to eat and drink for all styles and occasions.

Pebblebed Vineyard

Devon is blessed with a fantastic selection of vineyards and wineries, and if you’re looking for one near Topsham you’re in luck! Situated on Darts Farm, Pebblebed Vineyard in Topsham is hailed for producing award-winning sparking and still wines. Starting in 1999 as a community project, it has grown into a 22-acre vineyard. Darts Farm recently acquired control of the quaint and beautiful Devon vineyard. When discussing their ethos, they said “we want to help Pebblebed to grow and showcase how incredible English wine is”.

Visit the Exe Estuary

Exe Estuary is the perfect place to wind down and take in the panorama of thatched houses, sand dunes and boats bobbing by. With a number of excellent eateries in the quay, a visit to Topsham’s charming, tranquil estuary is a must.

A View Across The River Exe: Photo credit – Alison Day – Flickr