Topsham

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West England : Topsham
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Topsham [1] is a small town in Devon in England's West Country.

Exe Estuary from Topsham Quay (looking towards Exeter)
Exe Estuary from Topsham Quay (looking towards Exeter)

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Get around

Topsham is small enough to walk everywhere.

[edit][add listing] 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.

[edit][add listing] Do

Sit and enjoy.

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • Antiques - on the Quay is a large warehouse converted into an antiques market.

[edit][add listing] 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!

[edit][add listing] Drink

Topsham has 9 pubs (or 10, depending on what you class as a pub) and several more within walking distance.

  • Salutation Hotel 68 Fore St, Tel: 01392 873005.
  • The Bridge Inn, a proper old fashioned ale pub owned by the same family for over 111 years.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] 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.

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