The Cider Press Centre at Shinner's Bridge, Dartington, is a place to wander. It has a handful of independent shops, pop-up shops and markets that change through the year, and a riverside walk to Totnes that starts right by the centre. Grab a coffee from Designs Café, look round, and walk on to Totnes if you fancy it. The first two hours of parking are free.
Where is the Cider Press Centre?
Shinner's Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ, at the bottom of the Dartington estate. Designs Café is in Unit 3A. Totnes is about two miles away along the River Dart path.
What shops are at the Cider Press Centre?
All independent, and good for a slow browse:
Mooch Art & Makers: local art and handmade work
The Orchard Carving Studio: wood carving
Go Deer: a needlecraft workshop
TOG24: an outdoor clothing outlet
The Shed: a hair salon
CLASH: a taproom
Wildwise: outdoor events
Designs Café: coffee, cake, pottery painting and art workshops
Opening times differ from shop to shop, so check each one's website before you travel.
Are there pop-up shops and markets?
Yes, and they change, so there's often something new. The farmers' market runs on the first Saturday of every month, 11am–4pm. This Christmas, Miss Ivy's Christmas Emporium, a pop-up of independent gifts and handmade goods, is open Thursday to Sunday until 20 December, then Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 December, 10am–4pm. The Christmas Wishes Fair is on Saturday 28 November, 10am–4pm. Both are free to visit.
Can I walk to Totnes from the Cider Press Centre?
Yes. It's a lovely walk. The Totnes–Dartington Access for All Path follows the River Dart for about two miles, past Queen's Marsh and Bidwell Brook, to Borough Park in Totnes. Take a coffee from Designs Café with you. The path is shared with cyclists, has gentle slopes and benches, and was designed for wheelchair users, older people and people with sight loss. Totnes Pavilion has accessible toilets.
What other walks are there?
The Dartington estate has about eight miles of paths. The central estate is about 30 minutes uphill on foot, past Foxhole to Upper Drive. It's steep, which matters with a pushchair. Up there are the 26-acre Grade II* listed gardens and the Deer Park trails: a one-mile short loop and a 2¼-mile circuit along the river. The Welcome Centre has a free trail map.
Where can I get coffee and cake?
At Designs Café. Our coffee comes from Voyager Coffee in Buckfastleigh and our cakes from Exploding Bakery in Exeter, with gluten-free and vegan options. We have decaf and oat milk, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Can I paint pottery while I'm there?
Yes. Pieces are between £7 and £50+, plus a £5 studio fee per piece that covers paints, brushes, glazing and firing. A session takes about two hours, and your piece is ready to collect within two to four weeks. Walk in if there's space, or book online to be sure of a table. Painters get 10% off hot drinks. Groups of more than six, email info@designscafe.uk first.
Painting a Christmas present? Paint by Saturday 12 December to collect it before Christmas.
We also run workshops and classes, from Watercolour Club to seasonal workshops.
What are Designs Café's opening hours?
Seven days a week:
Monday 10am–3pm
Tuesday to Thursday 9am–4pm
Friday 9am–5pm
Saturday 9am–4pm
Sunday 10am–4pm
Is there parking?
Yes. The Cider Press Centre car park is free for the first two hours, then normal rates apply. It uses number plate recognition: pay at the cashless machine or with the RingGo app. There are three electric vehicle charging points, paid through the evcharge.online app.
Is it accessible?
Designs Café is wheelchair accessible, with a step-free way in. The Cider Press Centre has accessible toilets.
Plan your visit
Start with a coffee at Designs Café in Unit 3A. Look round the independent shops and whatever pop-up or market is on. If you want a longer walk, follow the river path to Totnes. When you're back, stay for cake or a piece of pottery to paint. Questions? Email info@designscafe.uk or message @designscafeuk on Instagram.
