Living in Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot has a community-focused atmosphere, with many local initiatives and organisations supporting social cohesion. The presence of the historic weekly market and seasonal events—such as the Christmas street fair and summer carnival—encourages town-wide participation and a sense of belonging. The town’s community centres and clubs offer a variety of activities for all ages, from fitness groups to art classes and youth clubs.

Many residents take advantage of the nearby South Devon countryside, with walks along the River Teign, Decoy Country Park, and nearby Stover Country Park providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Newton Abbot is also home to local allotments, garden societies, and a growing number of eco-friendly initiatives. Sports are popular, with active football, rugby, and cricket clubs bringing locals together on weekends.

The local library, arts venues, and farmer’s markets further foster community engagement and contribute to the welcoming and inclusive character that defines Newton Abbot life.

Newton Abbot is generally perceived as a safe town within Devon, reflected in lower-than-average crime rates compared to urban centres in the region. Most reported incidents tend to be non-violent and related to petty crime, which is typically associated with town centre locations.

The town benefits from active neighbourhood policing and the presence of a local police station. Community initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch groups and youth engagement projects work alongside Devon & Cornwall Police to maintain a sense of safety and discourage antisocial behaviour. Areas outside the immediate town centre, particularly the suburban residential neighbourhoods, are often regarded as especially peaceful.

Recent regeneration efforts and investment in public spaces have contributed to improved safety, with increased street lighting and community facilities. Newton Abbot’s location in a generally rural county adds to its overall reputation as a secure and community-minded place to live.

Parking in Newton Abbot is relatively convenient, with multiple options for residents and visitors. The town offers several public car parks in and around the centre, including long-stay and short-stay options. Restricted on-street parking is available in some residential streets, often regulated by resident permit schemes, especially near the railway station and popular shopping areas.

Congestion is generally moderate, though the town centre and main approach roads (A380, A381, and A383) can experience busy periods during peak times or local events such as market days. The proximity to major trunk roads means Newton Abbot is well placed for drivers accessing South Devon’s major towns and cities.

• Exeter – approx. 25 minutes via A380 (16 miles)
• Torquay – approx. 20 minutes via A380 (8 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 40 minutes via A38 (30 miles)
• Totnes – approx. 20 minutes via A381 (10 miles)

For regular rail commuters, park-and-ride and secure parking options are available at the railway station. Cycling is also well supported with designated routes and secure bike storage facilities around town.

Newton Abbot offers a diverse food and drink scene, with choices ranging from traditional pubs and local independent restaurants to well-known cafés and takeaways. The town centre is home to an array of family-friendly dining options, together with cuisines that include British, Indian, Italian, and Thai.

Pub culture is a core part of Newton Abbot life, with establishments such as the Locomotive, Cider Bar, and the Railway Brewhouse offering a selection of local ales and ciders in welcoming settings. The historic market area around Courtenay Street regularly features food stalls and pop-up events, giving locals a taste of regional produce and street food.

Nightlife tends to be relaxed rather than lively, with a focus on pubs, wine bars, and occasional live music at local venues. For a wider selection of bars or late-night options, residents often travel to nearby Torquay or Exeter. Newton Abbot also hosts occasional theatre performances and film screenings at venues such as the Alexandra Theatre.

School quality: Newton Abbot has several well-rated primary and secondary schools, including both state and independent options.

Parks and green space: Residents benefit from Decoy Country Park, Bakers Park, and riverside walks, ideal for family outings and children’s play.

Childcare: A range of nurseries and childminders operate within the town, providing flexible childcare solutions.

Safety: Generally regarded as a low-crime area with peaceful neighbourhoods ideal for raising children.

Family activities: The town offers a leisure centre with swimming facilities, local sports clubs, play parks, regular family events, and proximity to outdoor attractions such as Dartmoor National Park and the beaches of South Devon.

Pet-friendly living in Newton Abbot is well supported by the abundance of open spaces such as Bakers Park, Decoy Country Park, and the Templer Way footpath—popular with dog walkers. Many housing developments offer access to communal green areas, and the general attitude toward pets is accommodating, with many rental properties permitting well-behaved animals.

There are several veterinary clinics and pet shops in and around the town, ensuring easy access to pet care and supplies. A number of cafés and pubs in Newton Abbot are dog-friendly, making it convenient for pet owners to socialise with their animals. Further, being close to Dartmoor and the South Devon coast, residents have extensive options for countryside and coastal walks.

Newton Abbot benefits from excellent transport connections, making it an ideal location for commuters and those wishing to explore the Devon region. Its mainline railway station sits on the Exeter to Plymouth branch of the Great Western Main Line, providing frequent direct services to Exeter, Plymouth, and London Paddington. The station is conveniently located close to the town centre, making rail travel straightforward for residents.

The town is well connected by road, with the A380 bypass providing rapid access to Exeter and Torbay, and the A38 (Devon Expressway) linking Newton Abbot to Plymouth and the M5 motorway. Local and regional bus services operate from the centrally located bus station, offering routes across Teignbridge and into Exeter, Torquay, and Totnes.

• Exeter – By rail: approx. 20 minutes; by car via A380: approx. 25 minutes (16 miles)
• Plymouth – By rail: approx. 45 minutes; by car via A38: approx. 40 minutes (30 miles)
• Torquay – By rail: approx. 15 minutes; by car via A380: approx. 20 minutes (8 miles)
• London Paddington – Direct trains, approx. 2 hours 30 minutes

Exeter International Airport, offering domestic and European flights, is about 23 miles away and accessible via the A380 and M5 in around 30 minutes by car. For cyclists and pedestrians, National Cycle Network routes connect Newton Abbot to nearby towns.

Newton Abbot is well served by a range of educational establishments, offering options for families at every stage. The town and its surrounding area feature several primary schools, a handful of secondary options, colleges, and are well positioned with access to nearby university campuses.

Primary Schools in Newton Abbot

• Canada Hill Community Primary School – Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ (2023), noted for its inclusive approach and strong academic results.
• Highweek Community Primary and Nursery School – Ofsted ‘Good’ (2022), valued for its supportive environment and extracurricular opportunities.
• Decoy Community Primary School – Ofsted ‘Good’ (2023), offers excellent facilities and a broad curriculum.
• Milber Community Infant School – Ofsted ‘Good’ (2019), praised for its nurturing setting for early years.

Secondary Schools in Newton Abbot

• Newton Abbot College – Ofsted rated ‘Good’ (2022), known for high academic standards, a comprehensive sixth form, and wide extracurricular choice.
• Coombeshead Academy – Ofsted ‘Good’ (2023), offers a vibrant arts and technology programme.
• South Devon UTC – Specialises in engineering and science education for 14–19 year olds, awarded ‘Good’ by Ofsted (2022).

Independent & Further Education

• Stover School – A leading independent co-educational day and boarding school just outside Newton Abbot, catering for ages 3–18.
• South Devon College – While based in nearby Paignton, it is easily accessible from Newton Abbot, and provides further education, apprenticeships, and adult learning programmes.

Universities Near Newton Abbot

• University of Exeter – The Streatham and St Luke’s campuses are around 25–30 minutes by train or car, offering world-class higher education across a broad range of disciplines.
• Plymouth University – Accessible within 40–50 minutes, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

The diversity and quality of schools in Newton Abbot have made it a popular place for families seeking well-rated education options in Devon.