Totnes Castle
Totnes, Devon
A classic Norman motte and bailey at the top of a Devon hill town, with a dog bowl on site and a waste bin in the garden by the entrance.
Textbook Norman, and unusually well kept. Totnes is a classic motte and bailey castle raised soon after the Conquest at the highest point of the hilltop town, and the motte is unusually high and steep sided. At the top is the later stone shell keep ringing the summit, and the wall walk lets you count the thirty odd crenellations of the battlements, most pierced with slots for the defenders' crossbows.
As you climb for the view over the roofs of Totnes and down the Dart valley, your dog is properly catered for: English Heritage provide a dog bowl on site and a dog waste bin in the garden outside the castle entrance, and dogs on lead are allowed with assistance dogs welcome.
Totnes itself is a good town for a day out, with the Dart, the steam railway and plenty of dog friendly cafés. Parking is limited pay and display 64 metres away, cars only, not managed by English Heritage. There is a café, shop, toilets, gardens and picnic seating. The motte climb is steep, so factor that in for an older dog.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs on lead allowed, assistance dogs are welcome. There is a dog bowl on-site and a dog waste bin in the garden outside the entrance to the castle.
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- £7.65 adult
- £3.82 child · £19.12 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 01803 864406
- Parking
- Limited Pay and Display parking (64 metres away), suitable for cars only. Not managed by English Heritage. From Station Road, turn South onto Castle Street, signposted 'Historic Town Centre'. After approximately 200m, turn left onto North Street, signposted 'North Street for Historic Town Centre'. Easy route from main town car parks to site.
English Heritage Membership
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Planning Your Visit
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 17:00
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Totnes Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Totnes Castle with leads on throughout the site, and assistance dogs are welcome too. English Heritage have gone a step further than most by providing a dog bowl on site and a dog waste bin in the garden just outside the castle entrance, which is a thoughtful touch.
Are dogs allowed at Totnes Castle year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so they appear to be welcome whenever the castle is open. It's always worth checking the English Heritage website for opening times before you travel, as hours can vary by season.
What should I know before visiting Totnes Castle with my dog?
The climb up the motte is steep, so if your dog is older or less mobile, factor that in before you head to the top — though the views over Totnes and the Dart valley are worth it if your dog is up for it. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the site, and parking is limited pay and display around 64 metres away, so plan ahead during busy periods. The good news is that Totnes itself is a great base for a dog-friendly day out, with the River Dart, a steam railway, and plenty of cafés nearby.
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