A historic town with a proud trading heritage
Newton Abbot has been a hub of trade and commerce since gaining its Royal Charter from King Henry III in 1220. In the 800 years that have followed, we’ve not rested on our laurels but instead developed our trading heritage to become the area’s principal centre for shopping and industry.
The flat and largely traffic-free town centre is still home to market stalls, and you’ll find an excellent range of high street and independent businesses, complemented by regular free events and street entertainers.
We enjoy a strategic position on the main rail, bus and road networks with easy access to Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth. The wide open spaces of Dartmoor National Park are only a stone’s throw away, with the dramatic granite heights of Haytor visible from many parts of town.
Affordable mobility scooter and wheelchair hire are available to those who need a little help getting out and about.
There are many characterful villages and small towns within easy reach, all worth exploring before returning to town.
A town rich in history and beautiful green spaces
Newton Abbot boasts an enviable number of great places to eat and drink, with a burgeoning café culture and foods from the four corners of the globe – although Devon pasties remain a firm favourite!
Our historic streets have much to be discovered, such as the 15th century St Leonard’s Tower. A plaque next to the landmark building records the spot where William III, Prince of Orange, was declared King in 1688.
Our amazing new museum, delivered by Newton Abbot Town Council with generous support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and others, can be found in Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street. It’s a £2.2 million reimagining of a redundant Victorian church and admission is completely free. There are also community rooms to hire.
A few steps away is our library, home to the nationally recognised Railways Study Collection, founded by David St. John Thomas of publishers David and Charles fame.
Our award-winning Decoy Country Park and numerous other green spaces offer peace and tranquillity amid the busy streets, as does Bradley Manor, a medieval manor house cared for by the National Trust.
Heritage, leisure and local pride
Another historic building, the Grade I Listed Jacobean Forde House, provides a wonderful venue for weddings and other ceremonies, while nearby Town Quay bears witness to a time when Newton Abbot traded with the world, in particular the Newfoundland cod trade of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Today the quay lies on the route of the 18-mile Templer Way, which offers walkers and cyclists a direct link to Dartmoor and the coastal communities of Teignmouth and Shaldon.
Also on our doorstep is a superb leisure centre, tennis courts, a cinema, bowls, angling, several golf clubs and Newton Abbot Racecourse, one of the country’s leading summer jumps venues.
Visitor accommodation is plentiful in the area thanks to South Devon’s longstanding history of welcoming visitors.
We look forward to meeting you.
Find out more
Tour Newton Abbot
Discover the town’s iconic buildings from the air in a specially produced video, complete with original music and sweeping drone footage.
More DetailsTwin Towns
Find out more about Newton Abbot’s twinning links with Besigheim in Germany and Ay-Champagne in France – friendships that span decades.
More DetailsSt Leonard's Tower
Visit the town’s most recognised landmark and learn about its place in Newton Abbot’s medieval history.
More DetailsCommunity Interest Company
See how the CIC is supporting local groups and delivering projects that benefit residents and the wider community.
More DetailsNewton Abbot Security Trust
Read how this unique partnership helps keep the town centre safe and maintains Newton Abbot’s CCTV infrastructure.
More DetailsNewton Abbot Neighbourhood Development Plan
Explore how the community is helping to shape future development through Newton Abbot’s Neighbourhood Development Plan.
More DetailsCommunity Heritage Register
Discover the buildings, features and landmarks that may not be listed – but are still loved and locally valued.
More Details
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