Newton Abbot

Day Trips

Begin at Newton Abbot’s historic market where stalls brim with fresh local produce, artisanal breads and seasonal flowers. Wander through centuries-old arcades, chatting with stallholders about regional specialties. Savor a locally roasted coffee while admiring the lively atmosphere of the town centre.

Visit the Newton Abbot Museum to delve into the town’s industrial past, from lace-making to railway workshops. Examine interactive exhibits and original artifacts that showcase life in Devon over the last two centuries. Enjoy a guided talk on the significance of Teignbridge in regional commerce.

Dine at a cosy gastropub nearby, sampling modern takes on classic Devon dishes like crab and apple salad. Take a leisurely post-dinner stroll along Queen Street, admiring the historic architecture under warm streetlights. Pause for a nightcap at a riverside bar with gentle views of the River Lemon.

Catch a short train ride to Dawlish and start with a walk along its famous black swan-filled promenade. Feel the sea breeze and watch Victorian architecture reflect in the water-filled leats. Stop at a beachfront café for a flaky pasty and a cup of tea.

Head to Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve for birdwatching and dune exploration. Follow winding trails to spot wading birds, wildflowers and panoramic views of Lyme Bay. Pause for a seaside picnic on the dunes with local cheeses and crisp ciders.

Return to Newton Abbot for an al fresco dinner at a terrace restaurant overlooking the River Teign. Sample fresh seafood caught that morning by local fishermen. Unwind with a craft beer in a lively pub while listening to local musicians.

Explore Newton Abbot’s heritage railway station, one of the most important junctions in South West England. Take a guided tour of the locomotive sheds and marvel at steam engines undergoing restoration. Enjoy the rhythmic sounds of trains arriving and departing as you sip tea in the vintage waiting room.

Join a steam train excursion to Totnes, watching the Devon countryside glide by past rolling hills and farmland. Disembark for a short walk along the scenic River Dart before boarding for your return. Capture photographs of the iconic Brunel-designed lines and period station buildings.

Relax at a riverside inn near the station, sampling hearty Devon lamb stew and local ales. Engage in conversation with railway enthusiasts swapping stories of famous locomotives. Conclude with a moonlit walk past the illuminated signal boxes.

Drive to nearby Totnes and board a classic riverboat for a leisurely cruise along the River Dart. Pass through lush woodlands, farmland and historic riverside estates. Listen to a naturalist guide point out kingfishers, herons and ancient woodlands.

Disembark at Dittisham for lunch in a riverside café known for its crab sandwiches and homemade scones. Stroll through the charming village’s narrow lanes and browse craft shops. Return by boat as the tide rises, watching the riverbanks submerge in glassy reflections.

Back in Newton Abbot, book a table at a riverside fine-dining restaurant offering tasting menus with local seafood. Pair each course with a selection of Devon ciders. Cap off the evening with stargazing in a quiet riverside park.

Set out early for Shortmoor Woods, where ancient oaks and beech trees form a tranquil canopy. Follow winding woodland paths to hidden clearings filled with bluebells in spring. Listen to birdsong echoing through moss-covered stones.

Continue into the dramatic Teign Gorge, hiking along the riverbank and across small footbridges. Marvel at the rushing waters carving through sandstone and slate. Pause for a packed lunch on a riverside boulder while enjoying the scent of wild mint and ferns.

Return to Newton Abbot for dinner at a farm-to-table eatery showcasing hyper-local produce. Savor dishes made from game, root vegetables and freshly foraged herbs. End the day with a pint of local stout in a warm, wood-paneled pub.

Catch a train to Teignmouth and stroll along its expansive sandy beach with colourful beach huts. Dip toes in the surf or try a beginner’s stand-up paddleboarding lesson. Enjoy a seaside ice cream as gulls wheel overhead.

Wander through the town centre’s boutique shops and galleries showcasing local artists. Indulge in freshly caught fish and chips at a harbour-front chippie. Walk to the old harbour pier for panoramic views of the estuary.

Return to Newton Abbot and dine at a tapas restaurant offering small plates of chorizo, octopus and marinated olives. Share stories with fellow travellers over Spanish wines. Finish with live acoustic music in a cosy backstreet bar.

Visit local studios and workshops in Newton Abbot’s creative quarter, meeting potters, weavers and woodworkers. Try your hand at a pottery wheel with a short class led by a local artisan. Observe hand-loomed textiles being crafted on traditional looms.

Head to a community art gallery to view rotating exhibitions of contemporary Devon artists. Attend an interactive printmaking demonstration and learn about linocut techniques. Sip herbal tea while chatting with gallery curators about upcoming events.

Enjoy dinner at a café-bar that doubles as a pop-up exhibition space, surrounded by local artworks. Sample vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by Devon produce. Unwind with a craft cocktail in a vibrant, art-filled setting.

Drive south to Buckfastleigh and tour the majestic Buckfast Abbey complex, admiring its neo-Gothic architecture. Join monks in the Abbey Church for a peaceful choral service. Wander through the cloister garth and herb gardens, inhaling aromatic rosemary and lavender.

Explore the Abbey’s on-site workshops, sampling products made by the monks such as honey, cheese and the famed Buckfast Tonic Wine. Visit the award-winning gardens with water features and rare plant collections. Enjoy a light lunch of homemade soup and crusty bread in the Abbey’s tea room.

Return to Newton Abbot and dine at a riverside bistro featuring local game and foraged mushrooms. Conclude with a gentle evening walk along the Teign footpath, listening to owls and nightjars.

Set off for Haldon Forest Park, known for its panoramic ridge-top views over Dartmoor and the Teign estuary. Choose from a network of marked trails for a guided or solo hike through pine and larch stands. Pause at a viewpoint to watch the sun glitter on distant moors.

Meet a local mountain biking guide and rent a trail-ready bike to explore singletrack routes. Navigate rolling hills, woodland jumps and smooth single-lane paths amid towering Douglas firs. Rest with a picnic overlooking a mirror-like reservoir.

Head back to Newton Abbot for dinner at a rustic inn offering Tudor-themed ambiance. Order roasted venison or pork belly alongside thick-skinned chips. Enjoy a dram of single malt whisky by an open hearth.

Start the day with a leisurely brunch at a boutique café serving Devonshire cream tea with homemade scones. Chat with the barista about local coffee roasters and specialty blends. Relax on a sunlit terrace with views of the town square.

Embark on a self-guided pub crawl of Newton Abbot’s finest historic inns. Sample tasting portions of rare ales, ciders and meads paired with cheese boards and pork scratchings. Learn about each pub’s unique heritage from friendly landlords.

Conclude your itinerary with a celebratory dinner at a Michelin-reviewed restaurant in the heart of town. Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu featuring artistically plated dishes that highlight seasonal produce. Toast your adventure in Newton Abbot with a final glass of award-winning Devon sparkling wine.