Guest Blog Post - Teignbridge Tourist Information Centre

No trip to Newton Abbot would be complete without a visit to St Leonard’s Tower which is right in the centre of the pedestrianised shopping area, it was here in 1688 that William of Orange declared his right to the British throne, on his way through from Brixham. There are a number of plaques detailing this event at the base of the tower.

Old Forde House was the Courtenay Family home and dates from the Reign of Elisabeth1, is still used by the local authority and regular tours are made throughout the year.

Historically the importance of Newton Abbot to the South West was industrial rather than tourism, but visitors will be pleasantly surprised of what lies within this Devonshire market town.

Lying at the head of the Teign Estuary Newton Abbot is well served by dual carriageway from Exeter, Torquay and Paignton and has ample car parks. The bus services are frequent with the main drop off point right in the Town Centre next to the famous Pannier Indoor Market which houses our Tourist Information Centre. Visitors could consider arriving by train, as this mode of transport was the making of Newton Abbot and during the last century the station would have been surrounded by sidings, railway sheds and more platforms. A visit to the Railway section of the Town’s museum will reveal the full extent of the railways influence. For dedicated rail buffs the town Library situated in the imposing Passmore Edwards building has a railway studies room.

Newton Abbot is famous for its parks with the award winning floral displays in Courtenay Park and Forde Park which are havens of peace and tranquillity whilst Osborne and Bakers have a more active feel with sports activities taking place. Decoy Park is a wondrous combination of the two with a sailing lake at its centre, cycling trail, way marked walks and angling facilities. There is also a competition standard BMX track on its boundary.

An engaging and interesting walk would be to start from the Town Quay which is found just past Tuckers Maltings (open for tours in the season) and where the river Lemon meets the river Teign. From here follow the Lemon upstream past the Recreation Ground and into Victoria Gardens where it goes underground at Hero Bridge to emerge opposite The Passmore Edwards building and on past Asda under Union Bridge and finally into Bakers Park. Here you could visit Bradley Manor the National Trust property or carry on following the river into Bradley Woods.

For the cyclist again start at the Town Quay and you have options of a proper cycle path over the Teign and along side of Newton Abbot’s famous race course to the town of Kingsteignton. Otherwise follow the Lemon upstream and a Balls Corner (near B&Q) there is a cycle trail which will take you all the way to Bovey Tracey and beyond.

As a market town retail therapy is very much a top choice for visitors. There are many unique independent shops in the town along with a M&S outlet and Austins, a large family run departmental store with long established roots in the town, as well as a wide range of supermarkets. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday with a Produce Market on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Finally of course you need to eat and drink and you are spoilt for choice with many cafes, pubs and takeaways to cater for you.

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Newton Abbot
Town
Newton Abbot st Leonard's Tower

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