About Dartington Trust Hall
Dartington Trust is a historic cultural estate and arts centre set within the rolling landscapes of South Devon, near Totnes. At its heart lies the medieval Great Hall and courtyard, part of an estate dating back to the 14th century with a rich heritage of creativity, learning, and cultural exploration. Today, the Trust’s estate blends history, nature, and artistry, hosting performances, exhibitions, live music, theatre, and community events against a backdrop of scenic gardens, riverside walks, and woodland trails.
The estate provides a unique atmosphere for audiences and artists alike—where light-filled historic spaces and heritage architecture enrich the listening experience, and the tranquil grounds offer a restorative setting before and after performances.
KalaSudha has proudly brought Indian classical music to this inspiring venue as part of our festival journey:
August 2023: The Great Hall at Dartington hosted an unforgettable evening of raga and rhythm, bringing leading South Asian classical musicians and an attentive audience together in the intimate acoustics of this historic space.
September 2025: Kala Festival returned to Dartington with another celebration of South Asian classical traditions, featuring master artists whose performances resonated beautifully within the estate’s acoustic and architectural character.
Together, these events underscore Dartington’s role as more than a venue, a place where cultural exchange, artistic depth, and community come alive in a setting that inspires both listeners and performers.
Quick Facts
Contact information
Location & Directions
Dartinton Trust, Totnes, TQ9 6EL
- On-site paid parking is available near the Hall and Gardens, and at The Cider Press Centre—payment via machines or the RingGo app.
- EV charging points are available in the core estate and the Cider Press car park.
- Motorcycle parking is free in designated areas (core estate).
- Blue Badge bays available (check signage on arrival).
Past Events
Previous KalaSudha performances at this venue
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Dartington Trust Hall near Totnes by train, bus, on foot or by car?
Dartington Trust Hall, the Great Hall, is in the centre of the Dartington estate near Totnes (TQ9 6EL). The nearest railway station is Totnes, 1½ miles away: about a 35-minute walk along a footpath from the station, or a 10-minute taxi ride. Bus 165 runs from Totnes to Dartington Hall and stops on the central estate. Drivers take the A385 to the signposted Upper Drive entrance and park near the Hall and Gardens; the Lower Drive entrance closes at night.
Where can I park for a KalaSudha concert at Dartington Trust Hall on the Dartington estate near Totnes, how do I pay, is there Blue Badge parking, and is it wheelchair accessible?
For Dartington Trust Hall near Totnes, park on the estate in the car parks near the Hall and Gardens or at The Cider Press Centre. Parking is cashless: pay at the machine or with the RingGo app. Blue Badge bays sit near key locations on the estate, so check the signs for their terms.
Accessible toilets are in the Courtyard next to the Welcome Centre and in the Hotel East Wing. The gardens have wheelchair-friendly routes, and you can hire a Tramper through the Countryside Mobility Scheme. The estate's walking trails can be uneven and slippery. Contact the venue about specific access needs.
What is the connection between Dartington Hall near Totnes, Rabindranath Tagore and Indian classical music?
Dartington Hall, on the Dartington estate near Totnes, owes its link with Indian music to Rabindranath Tagore. Leonard Elmhirst worked with Tagore in India from 1922 to 1925, and in 1925 he and Dorothy Elmhirst founded Dartington Hall as an institute modelled on Tagore's Sriniketan.
Indian artists including Ravi Shankar have visited and performed on the estate. The former Dartington College of Arts taught Indian music: Imrat Khan taught there from 1968 to 1970, and Sharda Sahai joined as Senior Lecturer in 1984.
Where can I hear live Indian classical music near Totnes in Devon, and has KalaSudha held concerts at Dartington?
KalaSudha has presented Indian classical music near Totnes at Dartington Trust Hall, on the Dartington estate (TQ9 6EL): an evening concert in August 2023, and the full-day Dartington Ragas Festival in September 2025, with Kathak dance, dhrupad singing, sitar, Indian slide guitar, piano, sarangi and tabla. Festival artists included Pandit Jonathan Mayer on sitar, Pandit Debasis Chakroborty on Indian slide guitar, the raga pianist Deepak Shah and Ustad Akram Khan on tabla.
KalaSudha is also launching a streaming player on its own platform soon, with live concerts and edited recordings of past concerts in up to 4K. To hear about new Totnes dates, press Register for updates on the KalaSudha Totnes page.
Have more questions? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to help!