About Totnes
Totnes School of English is situated in the historic Gate House building in the centre of Totnes, a lively market town set in beautiful countryside in the south-west of England, between Dartmoor National Park and the coast. Torbay, the English Riviera, with its glorious beaches, cliff walks and exhilarating night-life, is only 12 km away and the cities of Exeter and Plymouth for nights out or good shopping are only 30 km away, and easily accessible by bus and train.
With a population of about 8 000, Totnes is a safe, friendly town free from the distractions and impersonality of city life and the ideal environment for the serious student to study and relax.
It is a centre for music, art, theatre and natural health, and its fascinating blend of traditional and alternative cultures lends it a unique atmosphere which is reflected in the school through its teachers, tandem partners, host families and social programme. Street musicians and entertainers, markets on Fridays and Saturdays and a High Street full of charming shops, restaurants, pubs and attractive cafes give the town a vibrant life of its own.
Totnes lies on the banks of the River Dart. Up river, a short walk away from Totnes, is the progressive
Dartington College of Arts which has regular films and theatre productions, as well as hosting the well-known literature festival 'Ways with Words' and the annual Dartington International Summer School of Music. You can visit the historic Dartingon Hall, dating back to Norman times, with its wonderful Great Hall in which concerts are often held, and its beautiful gardens, where open-air Shakespeare productions are performed in July.
You can take the river boat along the Dart to the picturesque seaside town of Dartmouth, passing the former home and gardens of Agatha Christie and you can also enjoy a visit to the remarkable Dartmouth Castle. Or simply amble along the river bank in search of quiet villages or traditional pub food.
Although the weather can sometimes be wet, we have mild winters and temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees C all year round. Nearby Torquay is famous for its palm trees!
