Newton Abbot lies at the head of the Teign Estuary. This busy market town is accessible by car (approximately 20 minutes from Sandays), train or bus. The journey itself is a treat with beautiful views all along the Teign estuary to be enjoyed along the way. The town is sometimes known as “the gateway to moor and sea” and it is worthwhile popping in to the tourist information centre in the market square to find out about local events.
There is a racecourse at Newton Abbot that is one of the country’s leading summer jumps course.
Markets are very much a feature of the town with Farmers and Produce, and other outdoor markets usually held several days a week.
There are some beautiful older buildings with interesting histories. Forde House, now also known as Old Forde House, is a Grade I listed Jacobean former manor house now owned by the council. Look out for Open afternoons when it is possible to have a tour and learn about the fascinating history of this beautiful building.
Summer events include a summer street festival in June and a Carnival in July.
Visitors often drive to Newton Abbot in order to find Trago Mills (www.trago.co.uk) for a shopping expedition, or to visit Plant World (www.plant-world-gardens.com). The latter is open March to Oct and has 4 acres of (hilly) landscaped gardens with fabulous views. For those unable to manage the garden paths there is the option of enjoying the view from the cafe and having a look around the nursery sale area, some very unusual plants & seeds available to buy here.
Another popular spot is Stover Country Park, originally part of the Templar estate and now managed by Devon County Council. Stover provides 114 acres of woodland, heathland, grassland, lake and marsh for a wide range of activities from an afternoon picnic to serious
nature study.