Newton Abbot

Hotels in Newton Abbot
B&Bs in Newton Abbot
Self Catering in Newton Abbot

Attractions and Things To Do in Newton Abbot

A distinctly Victorian railway town, Newton Abbot is located in the heart of South Devon, giving you great access to Dartmoor National Park and the whole of the South Devon coast – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s plenty going on in and around the town to keep you and the family entertained, from horse racing to food and drink festivals, and all with that distinctive West Country charm.

History

The Newton Abbot area has been inhabited since Neolithic times and was later occupied by the Romans. Referred to as the New Town of the Abbots (from the nearby Torre Abbey) the town was renamed Newton Abbot by 1300 and thanks to its market it became a thriving centre. Both wool and leather industries prospered here during the medieval period, and later the clay industry became a major employer.

Things to do

Newton Abbot is packed with some great things to do for everyone, with cinemas, restaurants and theatres for culture-vultures as well as a popular racecourse if you fancy a flutter. If you like industrial history, the railway museum is full of pure nostalgia for the golden age of the Great Western Railway. The town’s close proximity to the resorts of Torquay and Paignton as well as the dramatic wilds of Dartmoor mean that fun and adventure are never far away.

Food and drink

With pubs packed full of character, atmosphere and charm and serving great local Devon produce, you won’t be limited to the usual ‘pub grub’ when it comes to eating out in Newton Abbot. If you’re looking for elegant sophistication, Sampson’s Farm Country Hotel is fine West Country dining at its best, serving outstanding contemporary British cuisine. Newton Abbot holds a popular food and drink festival each year, featuring a range of local products from the traditional to the exotic, such as the eye-wateringly hot and locally grown chillies.

Something a little different

If you want something more than the usual holiday diversions, Hannah’s at Seale Hayne is a vibrant, innovative and integrated learning space that encourages community development. It’s a centre for arts, music and performance, outdoor pursuits and disability opportunities, and you’ll find plenty of interesting and exciting things to do there.