Devon is full of historic market towns, each with their own special appeal. Newton Abbot’s super power is that it is not only surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is also not far from some of Devon’s best beaches and family attractions. And if that’s not enough, it’s also really well connected by road and public transport.
This makes it a great base for a holiday with plenty of places to eat, shop and explore in the town and close by.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, free things to do, or how to tackle those inevitable rainy days, this guide covers our top tips for family days out in and around Newton Abbot.
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1. Explore Decoy Country Park
If you’re looking for free things to do in Newton Abbot, Decoy Country Park is the perfect place to start.
Here, you can keep both kids and adults entertained all day long. Plus, you can even bring along your four legged friends.
Take a stroll around the lakeside walk where you’ll find an exercise trail or bring a ball and have a kick about on the sports fields. There’s even a great adventure playground and splash park.
If you’re after more tips on planning your visit, take a look at the full Devon with Kids guide to Decoy Country Park.
2. Play at Tumbling Ted’s Playhouse
Next on our whistle-stop tour of Newton Abbot is something to have in your back pocket for rainy days here in Devon.
Tumbling Ted’s in an indoor play centre that caters for children up to six-years-old. There’s a ball pool, playhouse, indoor slides, a fun bus and loads more.
And while the kids are running riot, you can sit back in the on-site cafe and enjoy a cuppa or even a meal. There’s options for fussy little ones, as well as plenty of adult-friendly dishes too.
Find out more about Tumbling Teds.
3. Role Play at iTown
Another toddler-friendly indoor activity in Newton Abbot is iTown.
With immersive play areas, your children can let their imaginations run wild – channeling their creativity all while practising some essential life skills.
As an added bonus, if you have any children who are homeschooled, iTown is aligned with the National Curriculum and EYFS, meaning that you can link your visit in with your study schedule.
Find out more about play sessions at iTown.
4. Trago Mills Leisure Park
Possibly Newton Abbot’s most famous day out is Trago Mills. That’s right, it’s not just a shop!
Alongside the brands and bargains you can also tire out the little ones in the family fun park, minature steam railway and animal park. Plus, time your trip just right to coincide with one of their events to get even more bang for your buck!
You can also grab a bite to eat the Towers Tea Room or the Staple Hill Servery.
Find out more about family activities at Trago Mills.
5. Romp around Stover Country Park
When the sun is shining Stover Country Park is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure. There’s plenty of child friendly, flat walking routes around the site as well as boardwalks around the lakes.
Don’t miss the accessible bird hide where you can wildlife spot. Or, if you’ve brought the kids bikes you can follow the cycle route all the way to Bovey Tracey where we recommend visiting the House of Marbles and nearby Jolly Roger – both are free. It’s approximately six miles away.
Want to grab a bite to eat? The coffee van in the car park serves up cakes and refreshments throughout the day.
Find out more about visiting Stover Country Park.
6. Discover Newton Abbot Museum
Newton Abbot Museum is one of the best free things to do in the town with displays about the local area as well as an art gallery to explore. It’s also really accessible for families.
Want all the detail? Pick up an audio guide. Visiting with little ones? They’ll love the sensory bags. If you are visiting with a child or adult who prefers quieter experiences, ear defenders are available to soothe overstimulated minds.
There’s also activity sheets, interactive screens and hands-on displays to entertain the whole family.
Find out more about visiting Newton Abbot Museum.
7. Beaches near Newton Abbot
And of course, one of our top recommendations for things to do near Newton Abbot is to pay a visit to a South Devon beaches.
Nearby you’ll find Teignmouth beach with its Victorian pier, Oddicombe at Babbacombe which is known for its red sands, Ness Cove with it’s famed Smugglers Tunnel, as well as Preston Sands in Paignton and all the seaside fun of Dawlish Warren.
More places to explore in South Devon
Newton Abbot is super central with plenty of places to explore within a short drive, train ride or bus journey.
Torquay is the obvious first choice with family-friendly places to visit like Torquay Museum, plenty of shops and restaurants, and of course the beach. Just next door is Babbacombe which boasts fun attractions like Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, a cliff railway and Bygones.
Then to the south there’s Paignton where top attractions include the brilliant zoo and the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, Splashdown Quaywest. You can also catch the steam railway to Dartmouth.
Where to stay in Newton Abbot
If you want to base yourselves in Newton Abbot for a holiday there’s plenty of accommodation options.
Families love Finlake Resort & Spa which has an indoor pool, family activities and sports facilities as well as an indoor swimming pool. Book a holiday home here and you’ll be spoilt for choice for fun your door step. You can also visit for the day.
If you’d like a budget hotel with family rooms and a hearty breakfast, check availability at Newton Abbot’s Premier Inn.
Or search the wide range of independent hotels and self catering accommodation in the area.
Bored kids? Rainy day? Download the Devon Activity Book!
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these and make a purchase I may earn some commission. This does not affect the price you pay.