Pictures of Topsham

About Topsham

Topsham is a town with a rich and varied history. The atmosphere of the town is distinctly nautical and the preservation of old buildings, inns and pubs have ensured that the town retains it's charm and remains at the centre of tourism in this attractive region of Exeter.

History records Topsham as a Roman Settlement, it was granted a charter as a town in the year 1300 by King Edward I when it became an important shipbuilding centre and major port. Wealthy merchants who traded from Topsham with the Low Countries in the 17th-century are largely responsible for the many Dutch influenced properties interspersed throughout the town.

Topsham, from its position on the River Exe, is a lively bustling little town. It's narrow streets are lined with fine examples of architecture ranging from georgian and victorian times to the present day. It has a museum which celebrates the maritime history and life of the town and nearby on the river, there is an RSPB site.

A visit to this 700 year old town can be very rewarding and although the port no longer exists there are visible reminders of the thriving maritime community that once existed. There are pleasant riverside walks and the town offers excellent shopping facilities with several interesting antique shops and the weekly market attracts a good crowd from closeby towns and villages. In both the town and surrounding countryside you will find high quality restaurants and inns all offering tasty dishes, wines and ale. If you are lucky you might stumble upon the pub visited by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, our present Queen, who graciously visited Topsham in the year 2000 when the town celebrated it's 700th anniversary.

At the point where the River Exe rushes out to the sea is the East Devon Heritage Coast which is as beautiful a coastline as anywhere in the country. Here you have wide sands and towering cliffs and the town of Exmouth offers the Wonderful World of Miniture and a museum that commemorates the world of Country Life. Other attractions in the area are Bicton Park and Otterton Mill.