Where to Base
Stay in the town center or near the River Teign for easy walking access to shops, dining, and historical sites. Residential areas on the outskirts offer tranquility for travelers seeking relaxation.

Newton Abbot is a historic market town situated on the River Teign in Devon, England. Once the hub of the South Devon Railway locomotive works, it retains a strong industrial heritage visible in its architecture and the Brunel Industrial Estate. Today, it serves as a gateway to the region, offering proximity to England’s most westerly racecourse and the scenic Decoy Country Park. For hotel travelers, the town provides a quiet yet connected base, blending Victorian history with easy access to Devon’s natural landscapes. Its compact center and surrounding districts offer convenient lodging options for those exploring the area.
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Stay in the town center or near the River Teign for easy walking access to shops, dining, and historical sites. Residential areas on the outskirts offer tranquility for travelers seeking relaxation.
Key attractions are within walking distance. Nearby venues like the racecourse and Decoy Country Park are accessible via local transport or taxis.
Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor visits to Decoy Country Park. Winter is ideal for experiencing the town's historic atmosphere and indoor activities.
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Anglican cathedral, and the seat of the Bishop of Exeter in England, UK

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Grade I listed historic house museum in South Hams, Devon, England, UK

tor in Dartmoor National Park, England

Grade I listed historic house museum in Teignbridge, United Kingdom

Grade I listed English country house in South Hams, United Kingdom

show cave in Devon, England, UK

country house in the form of a castle near Drewsteignton, Devon, England, UK
Roman settlement in Devon, England, UK

Grade I listed castle in Totnes, United Kingdom

tor in Lustleigh, Devon, England, UK
The northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna provides the inspiration behind this classic osteria set within a former bank in the centre of town. The daily changing menu is chalked on the door of the old vault, which now houses the wines, and from the tiny kitchen comes forth flavoursome and generously priced dishes that you feel are doing you good. There’s a daily offal dish and the pasta is made in-house.
WebsiteSimon Hulstone’s bright, laid-back restaurant looks out over Torquay Harbour. Low-backed wooden chairs sit at stone tables – backed by moody coloured walls – and elephant-themed decorations are dotted about the place. The hugely appealing dishes are led by Simon's selection of local, seasonal produce, including some grown and reared on their 96-acre farm. Accompaniments are designed to enhance each main ingredient, and the tasting menu best demonstrates the breadth of his skill.
WebsiteAs you drive down the narrow, winding lane leading to Gidleigh Park, just know that you will be handsomely rewarded at the end of your journey. Situated inside a grand Edwardian mansion, this is the epitome of country house dining; the setting, both inside and out, is beautiful, while the cooking is underpinned by superb premium ingredients from lobster to venison. Their delicious natural flavours are showcased in classically based dishes with the odd dash of international flair. Any visit here is a joy, but staying over in the hotel makes it feel all the more special.
WebsiteLocal chef Michael Caines is behind this tastefully restored Grade II listed Georgian house, which sits in peaceful grounds dotted with sculptures. In summer, the pretty veranda makes the perfect place for a drink before you enjoy the sophisticated, well-balanced cooking. Michael's experience and abundant technical skill shine through in classical dishes elevated by his fine judgement and exceptional produce – such as Sladesdown duck with an exemplary jus providing great complexity of flavour. The bedrooms are beautifully furnished and some even come with a firepit and hot tub.
WebsiteThe team behind Emilia, situated just a few doors down, have imparted another gift to the residents of Ashburton with this delightful rustic bistro. Where its sister operation is all-Italian, Le Vin Perdu is full-blooded French in its approach, so don’t be surprised to find the likes of pork terrine or rotisserie chicken on the menu. The décor is understatedly chic, with the bar making a great place for a cocktail or a glass of wine from the blackboard list. If you’re sweet of tooth, the tarte Tatin is a great note to end on.During autumn and winter, Le Vin Perdu runs limited opening hours.
WebsiteWith stints as both a cobbler’s and a theatre for the Mayor of Totnes, this lovely 18th-century building has lived many lives over the years. Its latest incarnation is a friendly sharing plates restaurant with a bistro buzz, bringing a dose of welcoming hospitality to the charming Totnes High Street. The menu displays a modern outlook in its sharing plates format and incorporation of both fermented elements and open-flame cooking. The service has a genuine warmth to it, with the owners keen to ensure you’re having a good time.
WebsiteIn the older part of this delightful town, not far from the River Exe, you'll find this cosy, rustic bistro that comes with a cheery atmosphere. Seafood from the southwest coastline is the primary focus of the fixed-price menu, sometimes paired with punchy accompaniments and global influences. Examples could include the likes of tiger prawn wontons with crispy leeks or Cornish octopus with salsa verde, potato rosti and picked shallots. If you aren’t a local, this taste of the region will make you wish you were one.
WebsiteHold your nerve when navigating the narrow country lanes here and you’ll be rewarded with a simply delightful country pub. Situated next to the village church, it’s a wonderfully bucolic setting and inside the pub ticks all the soul-warming boxes with wooden beams, open fires, two pianos and even a snooker table. The daily changing menu is in the St. JOHN style with British, produce-led and minimal-fuss dishes such as salt cod fritters or pork chop with braised savoy cabbage. Communal dining at their long tables is encouraged.
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