24 Hours Couples Getaway in Topsham

Just a straightforward drive down from Bristol, this historic little estuary town has everything you need for 24 hours away: independent cafés, antique shops, waterside walks, brilliant food, a sandy beach just a short train ride away, and enough good pubs within a 3 min walk of each other.

Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Topsham.

Day 1: Bristol to Topsham

Brunch Stop, Coffee Break and Antique Hunting

It's only an hour and 40 from Bristol to Topsham so set off early doors and take a quick brunch detour to The Lost Kitchen in Chettiscombe, just outside Tiverton.

Set inside a restored 19th-century barn, The Lost Kitchen is a wood-fired restaurant surrounded by the Devon countryside, with seasonal food and local farmers and growers at the heart. They offer amazing brunch and coffee to wood-fired pizzas and seasonal sharing dishes.

Once in Topsham, first stop Kiln. Located on Fore Street, it's a cute new addition to Topsham, combining a ceramics studio, café and deli under one roof with an incredible selection of pastries, banana bread is on point, and the mugs make you want to take up pottery.

Exploring Topsham Quay

From Kiln, it's time to properly explore Topsham.

The town is built around its maritime history, and nowhere captures that better than Topsham Quay. Wandering the waterfront, watch boats on the River Exe and soaking up the rather lovely estuary views with a pint. Plenty of pub options to choose from.

And then there are the shops...

Antique shops & independent shopping

Topsham is brilliant for a wander because you never quite know what you’re going to find behind the next door.

The town has a particularly good collection of independent shops, including antiques dealers, galleries, bookshops, homeware stores and food shops and a Saturday market so perfect for an afternoon mooch.

One definite stop is Topsham Quay Antiques Centre, housed in a riverside warehouse and spread across three floors. With dozens of dealers selling everything from furniture and glassware to jewellery, decorative pieces and vintage finds, it’s dangerously easy to lose an hour or two in here rummaging through the treasures.

Check in at Route 2 Apartments

Route 2 Apartments, right in the heart of Topsham at 1 Monmouth Hill, directly overlooking the quay and River Exe is a great place to spend the night.

The apartments sit above Route 2 Café, so the location couldn't really be better if you want to smell bacon in the morning. You're right in the middle of town, a short walk from the station and practically on the waterfront too.

There are four self-catered apartments to choose from, including the Estuary apartment, which has views over Topsham Quay and the estuary.

A quick train to Exmouth

One of the best things about staying in Topsham is how easy it is to add a little seaside adventure to the trip. Honestly there's not loads to see in Exmouth but there is a beach...

Topsham station to Exmouth is a 10 min train ride and saves a drive and runs down the estuary so is a great way to enjoy the view.

A Quick Sea Dip

Within minutes, you're in Exmouth.

The plan is simple: head for the beach, get your feet in the sea and have a quick dip, its nippy but its worth it and gives you proper sea side holiday vibes.

After the swim, head back towards the waterfront, salty and suitably hungry and ready for the only thing acceptable to eat at the beach, fish and chips.

Dinner at Rockfish

The only place really locally recommended for date night dinner was Rockfish Exmouth, right at Pier Head overlooking the Exe.

It’s a great location, with the restaurant sitting right beside the slipway and the estuary. The menu focuses on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, with fish bought from the boats in Brixham and cooked simply grilled, fried or over charcoal and they run through all the options from the days catch.

Fish, chips, wine, and a lovely sun set view across the estuary.

Day Two: Estuary Walks, Picnic-ing & a Pint with a View

Breakie downstairs at Route 2

No need to go far for breakfast, roll downstairs to Route 2 Café.

The café has a strong local-food ethos, with ingredients sourced from Devon suppliers, and its breakfast menu includes everything from a full English to pancakes.

It's also particularly handy when you're staying upstairs, coffee, breakfast and bed are all essentially in the same building and you can ask for it to come to your room!

Walking the harbour for a bit of bird watching

Wander along the harbour and out towards the estuary, following the waterfront and enjoying the changing views across the water. You can also hire bikes locally so a great option if you'd prefer to whip on a whip.

This part of the Exe is, as we randomly discovered, an amazing for wildlife spotting. The estuary is an important habitat for birds, and the surrounding marshes are particularly good for birdwatching. The local nature routes include areas around Goosemoor, Bowling Green Marsh and the Rivers Meet area.

So bring binoculars if you have them - there's a special cabin equipped if you don't and you will end up spending an embarrassingly long time there.

Picnic supplies at Darts Farm

After the walk, head to Darts Farm to stock up on picnic goodies.

This is one of those places where you could easily spend much longer than planned. It's an absolute vortex of expensive quiche and local chocolate and warning, is massive so 'farm shop' is misleading, think artisan supermarket, but plenty of options for pulling together a Devon picnic.

Take them back towards the water to enjoy in peace.

Picnic on the harbour

Back in Topsham, find a spot beside the harbour and settled in for lunch. No restaurant booking faff. No schedule. Just good food, the River Exe and boats drifting past.

Finish with a pint at The Passage House Inn

Before you head back, find a spot for a farewell pint, The Passage House Inn sits right on the banks of the Exe at Ferry Road, making it one of those pubs where the view is almost as important as the drink.

Plenty of outdoor seating. It's also a great place for spotting wildlife, and the locals.

A pint. A river view. Boats passing by. And that slightly reluctant feeling that it's probably time to get back in the car and head home.

If you’re looking for a simple Devon escape from Bristol, put Topsham on the list.

At a glance...

Coffee: Kiln, Topsham and Circle

Explore: Topsham Quay & town

Antiques: Topsham Quay Antiques Centre

Stay: Route 2 Apartments

Fancier Dining: The Gallery

Sea swim: Exmouth Beach

Dinner: Rockfish Exmouth

Pizza: South West Pizza Co