By Air
London, Bristol, or Exeter Airports and then train to Totnes or Paignton (depending on your hotel).
https://www.thetrainline.com is a useful site to look up and book trains.
There is a bus from Bristol Airport to Bristol Templemeads Train Station.
https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/to-and-from-the-airport/by-airport-flyer
By Train
The nearest rail station to Dartington is Totnes (on the main Paddington – Penzance line). London Paddington to Totnes is a 3-hour journey. Totnes Station is approximately 1½ miles from Dartington (approx. 35 min walk uphill or a 10 min taxi ride). There is a taxi rank at Totnes Station but it is advisable to book a taxi in advance (see the list below). Devon is mostly rural with limited capacities so booking in advance is always a good idea. Royal Seven Stars Hotel in Totnes is a 5 minute walk from the train station.
If you are staying at Premier Inn, take the train directly to Paignton and a taxi to the hotel. There are two Premier Inns in Paignton, so make sure you are going to the right one (Paignton South, Brixham Road).
London Paddington to Paignton, most trains require a change at Exeter St David’s, journey time c 3h 20m.
Bristol Templemeads to Paignton, most trains require a change at Newton Abbot, journey time 2h.
By Car
From the A38: Take the exit signposted to Totnes, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge via the A385. After 5 miles, the estate’s Upper Drive entrance is signposted on your left, just before Dartington village.
From Totnes/the coast: Follow the A385 though Totnes and Dartington village until you see the signposted entrance to the Upper Drive on your right. Please note that the Lower Drive entrance between Totnes and Dartington is closed at night.
Car parks are located at the core estate (near to the Hall and Gardens) and at The Cider Press Centre. If you are staying at Dartington, parking is free but you need to enter your registration number at the Welcome Centre. If you are not staying at Dartington, you will need to pay for parking (clamping is in operation). You can find parking details here in the ‘By Car’ section.
Local Taxis – Dartington
South Hams Cabs 07772744598
And Some Cabs 01803840009
Badger Cabs 01803840400
Marathon Taxis 07799111231
Bob’s Taxis 01803611311
Happy Cabby 01803559292
Eagle Cabs 07412841214
Roadrunner Taxis 01803732834
Sam’s Taxis 01803220406
South West Taxis 07803126396
Go 2 Taxis 07496163747
Local Taxis – Paignton
Anna’s Taxis, Totnes 07815 883805
Biffs Taxis https://biffstaxis.co.uk 01803 200500
Dash Taxis https://dash-taxis.co.uk bookings@dash-taxis.co.uk
Some of the Dartington taxis will also serve Paignton.
Shuttle Buses
We will be in touch with more detailed information on Shuttle Buses in your delegate’s pack.
In outline, Bob the Bus (yellow community bus) will meet some of the trains at Totnes Station on Thursday and Friday and shuttle you up to Dartington (or take a taxi).
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Bob the Bus will run from the Royal Seven Stars to and from Dartington Hall once at the beginning and once at the end of the day’s conference activities.
Wood Bros coaches will run from Premier Inn (Paignton South) to and from Dartington Hall once at the beginning and once at the end of the day’s conference activities.
If you are going on the Greenway trip and staying at Premier Inn, that excursion bus will pick you up from Premier Inn.
Local Bus – 165
The 165 bus runs (around every two hours between Totnes, Dartington Hall, Staverton Sea Trout Inn). The bus does not run late in the evening or on Sundays.
Timetable: https://countrybusdevon.co.uk/165-totnes-broadhempston/
There are buses running from Paignton to Totnes but they take an hour.
The Historical Novel Society UK 2024 conference 