Topsham
From World travel guide
Topsham is a small town in Devon in England's West Country.
Contents |
Understand
Topsham is now a part of Exeter, but was formerly a town in its own right. Before the arrival of the railway, situated as it is on the Exe estuary, it was a busy port concerned with fishing and shipbuilding and the import and export of goods of all description.
Get in
The M5 motorway crosses the Exe estuary just north of Topsham. Exit 30 is a couple of miles away. From Exeter there is a rail link running down the Exe estuary to Exmouth. Topsham has its own station. There is a frequent bus service from the Quay into Exeter.
Get around
Topsham is small enough to walk everywhere.
See
On a sunny day it's enough just to stroll around. Take a turn to the end of the Strand, as far as the Goatwalk. Venture up some of the side streets, perhaps Higher or Lower Shapter Street. If you choose Monmouth Street, walk as far as Monmouth Avenue on the left and cross the bridge over the road which once was the spur rail link to the Quay. Walk a few yards and find your way into White Street, where many of the fishermen used to live. Follow it back to the shore. Stroll along the Underway where, near the spot where the fishermen used to dry and repair their nets, you might like to climb the steps to St Margaret's Church. Or go further, past Trout's boatyard to the ferry. Make your way out to Fore Street and do a little window gazing. Check out http://www.topsham.org/photos.html for photographs.
- Topsham Museum where you can get a real feel of Topsham's nautical past. It's open 2pm-5pm Mo,We,Sa,Su from Apr to Oct inc,and is free. http://www.topsham.org/museum.html
- RSPB Exe Estuary Nature Reserve http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/e/exeestuary/index.asp
Do
Sit and enjoy.
Buy
- Antiques - on the Quay is a large warehouse converted into an antiques market.
Eat
- Lighter Inn, The Quay, Tel: 01392 875439 - The former Customs House. Sit out on the Quay with your meal when the sun shines - lovely!
Drink
- Salutation Hotel 68 Fore St, Tel: 01392 873005.
Sleep
- Globe Hotel, Fore Street, room and breakfast from £45 inc VAT, Tel: 01392 873471 mailto:sales@globehotel.com
- Reka Dom, 43 The Strand, Tel: 01392-873385, emailto:beautifulhouse@hotmail.com
- B&B at No 7, Parkfield Way, from £20-£25 per night Tel: 01392 874960, mailto:ianandjane@topshambedandbreakfast.co.uk
Get out
- Exeter - the big city. 5 miles to the center. Forget the car and use the train or bus.
- Exmouth - a traditional seaside place. 9 miles away. Use the train.
- Lympstone - a pretty place about 5 miles away downstream. Another former port and fishing village. Use the train.
External links
- http://www.topsham.org/ is the official Topsham town website.
