Newton Abbot: History, Markets and Trails

Newton Abbot combines historic landmarks with markets, theatre and a variety of ways to get around on foot or by bike. When planning your stay, it is worth distinguishing between fixed visiting hours, seasonal events and routes with different focuses. This makes it easier to choose a hotel based on the aspects of the town that interest you most—without assuming that individual activities are available at all times.

Town History and Landmarks

St Leonard’s Tower, also known locally as “The Clock Tower”, is considered Newton Abbot’s best-known landmark. Originally, the tower was part of a larger chapel building; its history points to the town’s early beginnings in the 13th century. Another point of reference is the Royal Charter granted to Newton Abbot by King Henry III in 1220. The tower and the charter therefore tell different chapters of the town’s history: one is a landmark that still bears its name, while the other is a historical event.

All Saints Highweek is another historically significant name: the medieval parish church is a Grade I listed building and was consecrated in 1428. Those interested in the history of trade can find a different perspective at Town Quay. It recalls Newton Abbot’s trade with the world, including the cod trade with Newfoundland in the 16th and 17th centuries. The exhibitions at Newton Abbot Museum also explore what the Romans left behind in Highweek.

Museum, Markets and Events

Newton Abbot Museum is free to visit and open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you are planning your visit, check the opening hours beforehand, as they may change. The interactive Newton Abbot Town Trail takes you on a walking route through the town’s historic places and stories. The museum and trail therefore offer different ways to explore: indoors through exhibitions, and outdoors through places and stories along the route.

Market times vary depending on what you want to visit. The indoor market and Food Halls are open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The outdoor market runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Plan your visit for the right day of the week and check the times in advance if the market is to be a fixed part of your day’s plans.

Alexandra Theatre was built in 1871 and is the only fully operational theatre in Newton Abbot. Summer jump racing takes place at Newton Abbot Racecourse; individual race days vary. The theatre and racecourse therefore raise different scheduling considerations: for a theatre visit, it is the particular performance that matters; for the races, it is the specific event day. Check the dates if you are planning your trip around an event.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The Newton Abbot Town Trail combines a walk with historic places and stories. For a longer walk with a different perspective, there is the 18-mile Templer Way. It follows the historic route along which granite was transported from the quarries near Haytor to the docks at Teignmouth, and passes through Newton Abbot. The two routes therefore have different focuses: the Town Trail highlights the town’s history, while the Templer Way follows the story of granite transport over a longer distance.

The Teign Estuary Trail also has a clearly defined section: its first part connects Town Quay in Newton Abbot with the centre of Kingsteignton and opened in March 2013. If you prefer cycling, you could consider the Stover Trail, a traffic-free cycling route between Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot. These routes differ both in the activity and in the connections they cover. So first decide whether a historically focused walk, a longer hike or a cycling route is the main priority for your stay.

Nature and Outdoor Recreation

Most of Decoy Country Park is designated either as a County Wildlife Site (CWS) or a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Activities listed there include walking with dogs, wildlife watching, feeding ducks and picnicking. An on-site windsurfing and canoeing centre offers opportunities for water sports; as operators’ offerings may change, check availability if you are planning a visit for this reason. Nature watching and water sports are two different reasons to consider including the park in your plans.

Bakers Park has four free tennis courts that can be used without booking in advance. As facility availability may change, it is worth checking if you are counting on a game. For planning your time in Newton Abbot, the museum and markets also have clearly defined days of the week, while the jump races take place in summer and their dates vary. These differences can help you align your travel dates with your preferred activities and look for a hotel for your stay in Newton Abbot.

Discover more destinations: Wotter, Upottery, Yarcombe, Stoke Rivers, Spreyton, Bottreaux Mill, Brixton, Dunkeswell

For the wider travel overview: Devon.