Historical Sites in Newton Abbot
Step Back in Time & Discover the Town’s Rich Heritage
Newton Abbot is a town shaped by centuries of history, from its medieval origins to its role in the industrial revolution and railway expansion. Whether you’re exploring grand manor houses, historic churches, or remnants of the town’s maritime past, there’s plenty to uncover.
Use this guide to explore Newton Abbot’s most fascinating historical sites, each with its own unique story.
Uncover History, Nature & Year-Round Adventures
Bradley Manor
Location: North of Newton Abbot town centre (TQ12 6BN)
A Well-Preserved Medieval Manor in a Woodland Setting
Bradley Manor is a rare surviving example of a 15th-century manor house, now managed by the National Trust. Originally home to the influential French family, it has retained many of its medieval features, offering visitors a glimpse into Newton Abbot’s past.
Key Features:
· Great Hall & Period Interiors – Features oak-panelled rooms, original fireplaces, and historic furnishings.
· Architectural Highlights – Late-medieval timber roof structures and a charming courtyard.
· Surrounding Woodland & Meadows – Ideal for a scenic walk before or after your visit.
Visitor Information:
· Limited opening times – check the National Trust website before visiting.
· Small on-site car park, or access via the Templer Way footpath from Newton Abbot town centre.
Step inside history and explore Bradley Manor on your next visit.
Bradley Manor
Location: North of Newton Abbot town centre (TQ12 6BN)
A Well-Preserved Medieval Manor in a Woodland Setting
Bradley Manor is a rare surviving example of a 15th-century manor house, now managed by the National Trust. Originally home to the influential French family, it has retained many of its medieval features, offering visitors a glimpse into Newton Abbot’s past.
Key Features:
· Great Hall & Period Interiors – Features oak-panelled rooms, original fireplaces, and historic furnishings.
· Architectural Highlights – Late-medieval timber roof structures and a charming courtyard.
· Surrounding Woodland & Meadows – Ideal for a scenic walk before or after your visit.
Visitor Information:
· Limited opening times – check the National Trust website before visiting.
· Small on-site car park, or access via the Templer Way footpath from Newton Abbot town centre.
Step inside history and explore Bradley Manor on your next visit.
Uncover History, Nature & Year-Round Adventures
St leonard's tower Newton Abbot!
Location: Newton Abbot town centre, near Courtenay Street
A Medieval Tower & One of the Town’s Oldest Landmarks
The solitary tower is all that remains of the medieval Chapel of St Leonard, once a significant meeting place for traders and travellers. This site played a key role in Newton Abbot’s civic life, hosting public proclamations and market gatherings.
Key Features:
· 14th-century stonework, showcasing medieval craftsmanship.
· Interpretation plaques nearby, detailing the tower’s history.
Visitor Experience:
· The tower itself is only open on selected days, but its central location makes it easy to admire as part of a town walk.
· Occasional historical displays in the area provide more insights into its past.
Look up as you stroll through the town centre – history is all around you!
See Newton Abbot Museum website for opening times
St leonard's tower Newton Abbot!
Location: Newton Abbot town centre, near Courtenay Street
A Medieval Tower & One of the Town’s Oldest Landmarks
The solitary tower is all that remains of the medieval Chapel of St Leonard, once a significant meeting place for traders and travellers. This site played a key role in Newton Abbot’s civic life, hosting public proclamations and market gatherings.
Key Features:
· 14th-century stonework, showcasing medieval craftsmanship.
· Interpretation plaques nearby, detailing the tower’s history.
Visitor Experience:
· The tower itself is only open on selected days, but its central location makes it easy to admire as part of a town walk.
· Occasional historical displays in the area provide more insights into its past.
Look up as you stroll through the town centre – history is all around you!
See Newton Abbot Museum website for opening times
Uncover History, Nature & Year-Round Adventures
Old Forde House
Location: Brunel Road, east of the town centre (TQ12 4XX)
A Jacobean Manor with Royal & Political Connections
Built in the early 1600s, Old Forde House has hosted royalty and historical figures, including King Charles I and William of Orange during the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Key Features:
· Grand Jacobean architecture, with decorative plaster ceilings and a historic oak staircase.
· Beautiful landscaped grounds, offering a peaceful setting.
· Rich Civil War history, as the house played a role during this turbulent period.
Visitor Information:
· The house is primarily used for civic functions and events, so public access is limited.
· Check for open days and guided tours, as these are available at certain times.
Keep an eye out for special open days – it’s a rare chance to step inside Newton Abbot’s most historic house.
Old Forde House
Location: Brunel Road, east of the town centre (TQ12 4XX)
A Jacobean Manor with Royal & Political Connections
Built in the early 1600s, Old Forde House has hosted royalty and historical figures, including King Charles I and William of Orange during the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Key Features:
· Grand Jacobean architecture, with decorative plaster ceilings and a historic oak staircase.
· Beautiful landscaped grounds, offering a peaceful setting.
· Rich Civil War history, as the house played a role during this turbulent period.
Visitor Information:
· The house is primarily used for civic functions and events, so public access is limited.
· Check for open days and guided tours, as these are available at certain times.
Keep an eye out for special open days – it’s a rare chance to step inside Newton Abbot’s most historic house.
Uncover History, Nature & Year-Round Adventures
Newton Abbot Museum
Location: Newton's Place
A Museum Showcasing Newton Abbot’s Railway & Local History
Newton Abbot Museum is a free entry museum that explores the history of the town and the local environs. From early settlement to the coming of the railway and beyond, the museum tells the stories of local lives, industries and places that have helped to shape Newton Abbot over time.
Key Features:
· Great Western Railway (GWR) Collection – Historic timetables, photographs, and model trains.
· Local Industry & Trade Exhibits – Displays covering Newton Abbot’s clay, wool, and agricultural history.
· Interactive & Family-Friendly Displays, with regularly updated exhibitions.
Visitor Information:
· Free entry, donations welcome to support preservation efforts.
· Ideal for families and history enthusiasts.
Take a journey through time and explore Newton Abbot’s railway past.
Newton Abbot Museum
Location: Newton's Place
A Museum Showcasing Newton Abbot’s Railway & Local History
Newton Abbot Museum is a free entry museum that explores the history of the town and the local environs. From early settlement to the coming of the railway and beyond, the museum tells the stories of local lives, industries and places that have helped to shape Newton Abbot over time.
Key Features:
· Great Western Railway (GWR) Collection – Historic timetables, photographs, and model trains.
· Local Industry & Trade Exhibits – Displays covering Newton Abbot’s clay, wool, and agricultural history.
· Interactive & Family-Friendly Displays, with regularly updated exhibitions.
Visitor Information:
· Free entry, donations welcome to support preservation efforts.
· Ideal for families and history enthusiasts.
Take a journey through time and explore Newton Abbot’s railway past.
Uncover History, Nature & Year-Round Adventures
Stover Canal & Templer Way
Location: North-east of Newton Abbot, connecting to the Teign Estuary
An Industrial-Era Canal & Heritage Walking Route
Constructed in the late 18th century by James Templer, the Stover Canal was once a vital transport route for ball clay exports. Today, it’s part of the Templer Way, a historic walking trail stretching from Dartmoor to the Teign Estuary.
Key Features:
· Original canal locks and bridges, showcasing early engineering.
· Scenic walking and cycling routes, following the historic granite tramway.
· Ongoing restoration efforts, preserving the canal’s industrial heritage and wildlife habitat.
Visitor Experience:
· A great choice for walkers and history lovers.
· Accessible year-round, though some areas may be muddy in wet weather.
Lace up your walking boots and follow the footsteps of history along the Templer Way.
Stover Canal & Templer Way
Location: North-east of Newton Abbot, connecting to the Teign Estuary
An Industrial-Era Canal & Heritage Walking Route
Constructed in the late 18th century by James Templer, the Stover Canal was once a vital transport route for ball clay exports. Today, it’s part of the Templer Way, a historic walking trail stretching from Dartmoor to the Teign Estuary.
Key Features:
· Original canal locks and bridges, showcasing early engineering.
· Scenic walking and cycling routes, following the historic granite tramway.
· Ongoing restoration efforts, preserving the canal’s industrial heritage and wildlife habitat.
Visitor Experience:
· A great choice for walkers and history lovers.
· Accessible year-round, though some areas may be muddy in wet weather.
Lace up your walking boots and follow the footsteps of history along the Templer Way.
Uncover History, Nature & Year-Round Adventures
Passmore Edwards Centre
Location: Newton Abbot town centre, near Market Street (TQ12 2RJ)
A Victorian Landmark Built for Education & Community Use
Commissioned by philanthropist John Passmore Edwards, this Edwardian Baroque-style building originally served as a library and technical school. Today, it remains an important cultural hub for the community.
Key Features:
· Striking architectural details, including decorative stonework and grand archways.
· Houses Newton Abbot Library, with a range of historical and modern collections.
· Regular events, workshops, and exhibitions.
Visit today and uncover a legacy of learning and culture.
Start Your Journey Through Newton Abbot’s History
Passmore Edwards Centre
Location: Newton Abbot town centre, near Market Street (TQ12 2RJ)
A Victorian Landmark Built for Education & Community Use
Commissioned by philanthropist John Passmore Edwards, this Edwardian Baroque-style building originally served as a library and technical school. Today, it remains an important cultural hub for the community.
Key Features:
· Striking architectural details, including decorative stonework and grand archways.
· Houses Newton Abbot Library, with a range of historical and modern collections.
· Regular events, workshops, and exhibitions.
Visit today and uncover a legacy of learning and culture.
Start Your Journey Through Newton Abbot’s History
Newton Abbot’s rich heritage is waiting to be explored, from medieval landmarks to industrial-era engineering. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, casual visitor, or local resident, these sites offer a fascinating look into the town’s past.
Which historical site will you explore first?
