Blackawton might be a small countryside village with no high street, but don’t be alarmed. If you want to do some shopping during your stay, head into the nearby towns of Totnes or Dartmouth. Both towns have an excellent selection of independent and British names to peruse. For the best shopping near Blackawton, keep reading.
Dartmouth
Local boutiques, high-street names and an old market, Dartmouth has a bit of everything. With an eclectic mix of specialist shops and big high street names in a charming historic setting the town is popular for all kinds of shoppers, especially those looking for a bit of retail therapy. Whether it’s a gift, homeware, art, memorabilia, or a special item of clothing you will find it in here.
What sets it apart from other towns is its art and craft culture. Set in wonderful scenery, it is hard not to appreciate the towns array of beautiful art galleries. Or if shopping for gifts and souvenirs, there is a tremendous choice for special ways to take home a little piece of Dartmouth and unique items not available anywhere else. If you need a break, be sure to check out one of the fabulous eateries and drinking establishments on Your Devon Escape.
Foss Street and Duke Street
Spend some time on Foss Street, the oldest street in Dartmouth. Browse the galleries and boutiques along the cobbled street amongst the beautiful architecture. Or head to Duke Street, home to the infamous Butterwalk building. Explore the unique shops and the learn the history of the town in the Dartmouth Museum.
The Old Market Square
The Old Market Square is the ideal place to find everything from gifts to take home, to pet food, fantastic local produce, health products, hardware, household goods, children’s clothes, plants, jewellery and more. It was built as a pannier market in 1828, where fresh dairy produce was sold for goods arriving on the backs of ponies every day from local farms. Many things have changed since then, but delicious food still arrives from the same farms. The permanent market shops are open Monday to Saturday, with a weekly market on Tuesdays and Fridays. There is an artisan market on the 4th Saturday of every month selling beautiful handmade arts and crafts. It is one of the most iconic shopping areas and a great place to unwind and enjoy. Be sure to check it out on Your Devon Escape.
The Quay and Higher Street
The Quay and Higher Street are full of traditional high street shops, and specialist water sports, sailing and nautical shops. There is a selection of art galleries to browse or purchase a local piece to take home, or maybe the perfect homeware item to remind you of your trip to Devon.
Totnes
Totnes prides itself on being a fairtrade town with a very independent vibe. The ancient town is a magnet for artists, alternative types and London expats seeing simplicity in country life. It is home to an eclectic range of independent shops, quirky cafés, and galleries, as well as a thriving marketplace. The colourful high street is built into a steep hillside where you can discover many products, handmade, local, and fairly sourced. Whether you are after jewellery, clothing, fresh food, skincare, or something else entirely, you will find it here.
The High Street
As you pass under the clock tower, take your time as you meander up or down the high street. Check out the range of unique and independent shops, cafés, and restaurants at your disposal. Whilst having some high street names, Totnes prides itself on having mostly independent shops. Get your fashion fix, buy some one-of-a-kind jewellery or something to take home to remember your trip. Maybe stop into the fashion and textile museum, the historic cinema, or for a bite to eat on your journey.
Totnes Markets
Totnes is a historic market town and, despite some changes over the years, the markets have never left. From fresh local produce and the best street food to vintage collectables and handcrafted gifts, there is a lot to discover when you visit a market in this town.
The weekly market is every Friday and Saturday in the Civic Square, where you will find an eclectic mix of stalls from street food and baked goods to plants jewellery and clothes. Whatever you might be looking for, you will find it here created with love and local energy. The Totnes Elizabethan Market is each Tuesday from May to September. It is a charity market with stallholders dressed up in Elizabethan costumes, where you can find knitted goods, jewellery, local crafts and more.
The Totnes Sunday Food and Craft Market is the third Sunday of every month. Expect delicious takeaways and food from local producers as well as handmade crafts. The Indoor Artisan Market is every second Tuesday from April to October and was first organised to give local artists and makers the opportunity to sell and exhibit their handcrafted products next to the bustling high street.
Christmas Markets
Every year in the lead up to Christmas, the high street becomes pedestrianised on a Tuesday evening for the Christmas markets and late-night shopping. Make magical memories and get into the festive spirit with delicious food and drink, artisan shopping and more. Enjoy free music and entertainment as you sip on mulled cider and savour the special Christmas atmosphere. Feast on food from a choice of curated street food stalls and Totnes’ fabulous choice of cafés and restaurants. It is the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape or tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.