Last Updated on February 11, 2021 by Sophie Nadeau
Topsham is a beautiful town that’s an easy day trip from Exeter and has more of a small-town village-like feel than that of a bustling metropolis. Once a thriving fishing community, today the Devonian settlement lies along the River Exe and boasts a wealth of quaint cafés and quirky stores. Here’s an independent guide to Topsham shops you’ll love to visit next time you’re in South West England!
Nest, 60 Fore St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HL
Set close to the Globe pub and ever-so-quaint, The Nest shop sells a variety of vintage and second-hand clothing as well as a wide range of indoor furnishings. On a central table in the heart of the shop, there’s a selection of quirky stationery pieces and some pretty vases and the like.
The Botanist & Cooks Aweigh, 21 Fore St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HB
Plant enthusiasts and home decor lovers (not to mention budding chefs) will be delighted by the low-ceiling shop in the very heart of Topsham high street. Part of the shop is home to a cookery store, while another area is dedicated entirely to houseplants and pots.
Out the back, there’s even a pretty courtyard where further plants (both indoor and outdoor) are on sale, as well as larger garden furniture pieces and other plant accessories such as terrariums. Each time I venture into The Botanist, I always end up leaving with a plant or two thanks to the unusual selections on offer!
Fleming and Sell, 25 Fore Street Topsham EX3 0HD
Situated along Fore Street and close to many of the other independent Topsham shops listed here, Fleming and Sell vends a unique selection of bespoke paintings and handcrafted items. There are also seasonal goods for sale as well, including beautiful ornaments for Christmastime.
The Topsham Bookshop, 27 Fore St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HD
For bibliophiles and book lovers alike, there is only one place to head into in Topsham: The Topsham Bookshop. Set across three levels and countless rooms, each space is more delightful than the last. Throughout the store, there are shelves stacked from floor to ceiling with tomes and novels.
The sign in the front room says ‘this way to paperback paradise’. There’s every type of book imaginable, set at different price points and you’ll find it hard to walk out with a souvenir or two! For those in search of local interest books, there’s more books than you could ever hope to read about Devon, Cornwall, and the South West as a wider region.
Topsham Quay Antiques Centre
For the ultimate independent shopping experience in Topsham, be sure to head into the Antiques Centre along the quayside. There’s even parking right outside the front door! Otherwise, this expansive space is ever popular among visitors and locals alike.
Step inside at any given moment and you’ll be greeted by a vast former warehouse turned antique shop selling a wide range of things from antique furniture to vintage toys. There are items at every price point and to suit every budget, meaning that this is the place to come if you’re in search of a special souvenir or unique gift.
Country Cheese, 26 Fore St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HD
For those who are in search of a more gourmet experience, the Country Cheeses Cheese Shop can be found close to The Topsham Bookshop and sells a large array of various cheeses sourced locally. Look out for offers on various types while in store as there are often some good deals to be had!
Topsham Pharmacy, 18 Fore St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HE
A trip down memory lane for some, Topsham Pharmacy is reminiscent of a chemist shop of old and can be found along Fore Street in the heart of all the action. Close to the Shoppers car park (a convenient place to park your car if you want to stay longer than the hour-long street parking allows), the independently run and owned pharmacy even has a vintage display in the curved shop windows.
Open from Monday through to Saturday (and closed on Sundays), the Topsham Pharmacy is stocked in the same way you’d expect of any modern-day chemist shop. Nearby, Sara’s Petite Cuisine is ever so ‘Instagrammable’ (thanks to a flower window announcing the entrance to the shop) and serves a delicious selection of cakes and beverages.
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Nikki Greenleaf says
Hi Sophie, enjoyed reading this, but curious to know why you chose these shops over others? E.g.none of the fashion shops for example? We are also an independent selling original work by British designer makers, as well as a large range of fine art paintings. We’re called ‘artenax’…a splash of colour by British designers
Fiona Mills says
Hi
I work at Country Cheeses. We sell only English Cheese, mostly West Country, which is sourced directly from the artisan producers. The owners make their own cheese and have several cheeses made specifically for them. They also have a cave where they mature cheese, so that it is sold in prime condition.
Can you remove reference to cheeses from abroad?
Thanks