Totnes is a historic town on the River Dart, retaining many of its Tudor features. Although not on the main renaissance route from Exeter to Plymouth, Totnes is well-situated, not far from Ashburton, on the main road to Dartmouth.

The guildhall stands on ground formerly owned by the Benedictine priory, founded in the 11th c. and dissolved in 1536. St Mary's parish church lies to the W, its churchyard directly across the narrow lane from the guildhall. The approach along the S is by a narrow lane running alongside the churchyard wall or, from the W end, via a similar narrow lane leading from the High Street and market area past the entrance to the parish church. The medieval guildhall that was superseded was at the site of #8 High Street.

A low rectangular building of rubble patched with red sandstone, the original facade of the guildhall is now largely hidden. Some of the walls and foundations of the Benedictine refectory are incorporated. Other buildings are attached to the W (guildhall cottage, former priory bakery and alehouse) and E (former 16th c. schoolhouse, now council offices on the ground floor, private residence above).