Renowned for its architecture, there are a large number of Dutch style houses in Topsham from the time Topsham was an important cotton port. Many of these are built using Dutch bricks, which were brought over as ballast from Holland to where the wool and cotton from South West England was exported.
Today, Topsham is a lively community enjoying many amenities, busy independent shops, some truly excellent restaurants and eateries, 9 pubs over less than a mile – (enjoyed as ‘The Topsham Ten’ – although The Salutation Inn is closed at the moment).
Most of the river traffic on the Exe estuary consists of private yachts and pleasure craft but salmon fishermen still work the river with their nets after the prized Exe Salmon. You can take the small ferry from The Passage Inn across the river to the canal and the Sea Dream runs in season from Trouts Boatyard down to the The Turf Hotel - a trip not to be missed!
Apart from glorious Estuary views, a great sea-faring tradition, interesting walks and Topsham’s little streets and secrets, we have a sailing club, a heated outdoor swimming pool (open mid May – mid September), a riverside recreational park with children’s playground and skateboarding. A bowling green, tennis courts and a traffic-free cycle path to Exeter on the banks of the Exe. This path is soon to be joined at Topsham to the Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth Cycleway along National Cycle Route 2. Apart from sailing, the Exe is popular for canoeing and other water sports.
Topsham Town Fayre is usually held in the last week of August and is a weeklong series of daily events for children, families and adults. Pavement art from children, quizzes, dog show, Topsham's famous Pub-a-Thon, outdoor music & dancing, a children's fun day culminating with Carnival day on Bank Holiday Saturday. This is the climax of the week with an evening procession of local people -many in fancy dress - and local floats all lead by our Town Criers well supported by Town Criers from other areas, who all have their own 'loud' competition at The Globe Hotel in the afternoon! A day not to be missed - the Town is closed off from lunchtime when stall holders set-up with their wares and delicacies.
But we think the charm of Topsham is its lively and friendly people!
The Exe estuary nature reserve is two RSPB areas of coastal grazing marsh that are opposite sides of the river. One side of the estuary is the Bowling Green Marsh in Topsham and the other side is the Exminster marshes. In spring, you can see lapwings and redshanks and listen for rare Cetti’s warblers. In winter, around high tide, there are thousands of waterbirds including avocets, black tailed godwits and widgeons.
The RSPB reserve’s footpaths and the hide and viewing platform at Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham are open at all times.
RSPB Winter Walks - 21 November - Exminster Marshes 10am-1pm. 12 December - Bowling Green Marshes 9am - 12 noon. 9 January 2011 - Exminster Marshes 10am - 1pm. 27 February 2011 - Bowling Green Marshes 1pm - 4pm.
River Exe Avocet Cruises - Sunday 21 November Depart Starcross 11.30am. Tuesday 23rd November Depart Exmouth 13.30pm.
Mini Cruises - Saturday 4 December, Depart Topsham, Trout's Boatyard 11.00am.
To book your walk or cruise contact RSPB 01392 432691.
Winter Guided Bird Watching Cruises. Organised by Stuart Line, 3 hour cruises with full commentary on the thousands of wintering birds. From January to March contact Stuart Lines on 01395 279693 for dates and advanced bookings.
The Exeter Golf and Country Club is about 1/2 mile away on the Topsham road into Exeter. Woodbury Park – created by Nigel Mansell –is 6 miles away. You also might enjoy the links course at Dawlish Warren.
Sandy beaches abound. Exmouth – that you can reach by train or 20 minutes drive, Dawlish Warren some 30 minutes by car, beaches at Paignton, Torquay and slightly further a field at Goodrington, Sidmouth and Seaton.
