hypochondriac Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 I'm going for a weekend break with the girlfriend to Newton Abbot in Devon in a month or so. Was wondering if anyone could recommend any activities or attractions? I see there is the princess theatre nearby but other than that it may be a bit chilly for any extended walks. Any help much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Suicide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 go to buckfastleigh and go to the abbey go to torbay/torquay visit sidmouth come to plymouth go to paignton zoo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Suicide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brightspark Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Walk some of the South West Coast Path. Go to Dartmoor. Both are free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Diggerland http://www.diggerland.com/visiting/AboutDevon.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smackalec Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Went week before last. Paignton zoo is awesome, really good value.Plymouth is quite nice around the barbican and the city centre now. Buckfastleigh is very nice, not just the Abby but yoou can get a steam train to totnes which has a nice castle. Also Dartmouth is stunning and well worth a visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smackalec Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Do you have kids? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdearlove Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 put your walking boots on and go to Hay Tor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Balls Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Sidmouth, Dartmouth and Babbacombe are all worth a visit. Not been to Paignton Zoo yet but sounds good. No point going into Plymouth really, just a normal city ...Unless you want to go to an aquarium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 go to buckfastleigh and go to the abbey go to torbay/torquay visit sidmouth come to plymouth go to paignton zoo There is also an Otter sanctuary in Buckfastleigh: http://www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk/ Spent many an interesting visit there, also the Steam Railway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swannymere Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 If you like beer then a visit to Tucker's Maltings in Newton Abbot is fairly interesting, aside from that the Eden Project is worth a visit.How they make malt for beer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Drink,Sh*g,Top yourself err that's about it really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raging Bull Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 go to buckfastleigh and go to the abbey go to torbay/torquay visit sidmouth come to plymouth go to paignton zoo What about the Gitcombe area, we're going there in a couple of weeks with our 2 year old? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dark Sotonic Mills Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Go to the Cider Bar in Newton Abbott. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 What about the Gitcombe area, we're going there in a couple of weeks with our 2 year old? never been really torquay is good for a pish up..but not a great deal else around there...apart from see the palm trees sidmouth is beautiful and around those little towns they have steam engine trains that are great fun and it is very very picturesque.. plymouth be en large is a dump, however the barbican/hoe area is massively historical and you learn loads if you do a river/dockyard boat tour newton abbott is ok but buckfastleigh is deffo worth a visit....where the monks have been getting glaswegians pished for years. if you stay away from plymouth/exeter/torquay, devon can be a right adventure...as is cornwall (which I can see from my bedroom window) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Fair bit to do down here for a visitor. Biased opinion from me but Paignton zoo is fantastic. Full day out too. Torquay has living coasts which is more a half day out at best. Depends if you like marine life and penguins or not. (they have just released an iPhone game called mission penguin if anyone is interested in helping out a charity) Kents cavern is worth a visit as is bygons. Both in Torquay. Cockington is a nice spot with glass blowers, blacksmiths in action, horse n carriage rides and great cream tea's. Paignton has the steam railway museum and a nice beach if the weather is kind. Hay tor is worth a shout if you like the new Forrest with hills and less tree's. Plenty of things to do for a weekend so depends on what your looking for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trader Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Go for a walk on The Cobb in Lyme Regis. You can't get much nearer to Devon than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 2 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Thanks a lot people. I liked the look of the caves for a visit and as someone has said, Paignton zoo. Maybe the cider bar too if I can persuade the other half. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Newton Abbott is known as Newton Scabbott by people from Devon. My advice would be to stay in the South Hams which is far more civilised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 the Eden Project is worth a visit. Been and I thought it was boring as f/ck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 I'm going for a weekend break with the girlfriend to Newton Abbot in Devon in a month or so. Was wondering if anyone could recommend any activities or attractions? I see there is the princess theatre nearby but other than that it may be a bit chilly for any extended walks. Any help much appreciated. Stand on a lay-by on the A303 with a sign saying "Come get it here, trucker big boys". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 2 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Newton Abbott is known as Newton Scabbott by people from Devon. My advice would be to stay in the South Hams which is far more civilised. Hotel already booked using groupon though I can always drive further afield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976_Child Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 have a cream tea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swannymere Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Been and I thought it was boring as f/ck. Nobody takes any notice of a trolls opinion, but thanks for participating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 2 October, 2011 Share Posted 2 October, 2011 Nobody takes any notice of a trolls opinion, but thanks for participating. Have you been? Tell me what was the most interesting aspect? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LVSaint Posted 3 October, 2011 Share Posted 3 October, 2011 Was there a couple of years ago. Fantastic part of the country. Dartmouth to explore, Dartmoor for a drive/walk, Bigbury/Burgh Island or Salcombe for a beach. Into Cornwall, Tintagle castle is worth the trip too...if you like castles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 3 October, 2011 Share Posted 3 October, 2011 Newton Abbott is known as Newton Scabbott by people from Devon. My advice would be to stay in the South Hams which is far more civilised. True we do call it Newton Scabbott. It used to have lots of rough pubs full of knobs that couldnt get into the pubs and clubs in Torquay. These days there are only 2 clubs in Torquay and all the pubs are concentrated down the bottom of town so a Torquay night out is not like it used to be. Newton Abbott's nightlife has improved loads. Only 1 club that is not worth going to but the pubs are good enough and the knobs are outnumbered by people out for a good night. By Day in Newton there is a market and a fairly decent main street for shopping if thats your thing plus the brewery that has already been mentioned and its even got its own country park. Not the same standard as Hamble or Netley but nice enough to walk round. For only a weekend trip some of the suggestions on here mean you will be driving more than relaxing so its worth looking up the suggestions and check out traveling times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint1977 Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Fair bit to do down here for a visitor. Biased opinion from me but Paignton zoo is fantastic. Full day out too. Torquay has living coasts which is more a half day out at best. Depends if you like marine life and penguins or not. (they have just released an iPhone game called mission penguin if anyone is interested in helping out a charity) Kents cavern is worth a visit as is bygons. Both in Torquay. Cockington is a nice spot with glass blowers, blacksmiths in action, horse n carriage rides and great cream tea's. Paignton has the steam railway museum and a nice beach if the weather is kind. Hay tor is worth a shout if you like the new Forrest with hills and less tree's. Plenty of things to do for a weekend so depends on what your looking for Good suggestions Jay, you must live near me. Pick a clear day for Haytor but the views are fantastic, easily accessible from the main road and climb isn't too bad. You could visit the brewery and prison at Princetown and there is a wonderful pub called the Rugglestone Inn at Widecombe. Lydford Gorge is spectacular (but please wear proper footwear as it can be slippery with the waterfalls). East Devon, including Sidmouth is lovely and quite unspoilt, there are some great walks near Branscombe and Beer. Topsham is a pretty little town near Exeter and Dart's Farm has a great beer and food selection, Tucker's Maltings in Newton Abbot is great for this as well. Salcombe is very pretty and in terms of Torbay, Berry Head is stunning if the wind isn't up too much and the best hidden gem is Broadsands. Plymouth is quite interesting, the NMM plus the Gin factory on the Barbican. Further afield, in North Devon the Valley of the Rocks is spectacular at any time of year. It's a great region to live in but I do need to become a full member on here and car share for games with some of you as my fuel bills are getting too much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 I lived and worked in S Devon many years ago and, more recently, did a lot of work in Torquay. I just love that area. A couple of years ago we spent a week just outside Exeter in a pretty little National Trust cottage and one of the places we visited was this http://www.canonteignfalls.co.uk/ We liked the old part of Exeter too - near the Cathedral (worth a visit) and there are lots of pubs alongside the river. A ride on the Seaton Tramway was good too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Good suggestions Jay, you must live near me. Pick a clear day for Haytor but the views are fantastic, easily accessible from the main road and climb isn't too bad. You could visit the brewery and prison at Princetown and there is a wonderful pub called the Rugglestone Inn at Widecombe. Lydford Gorge is spectacular (but please wear proper footwear as it can be slippery with the waterfalls). East Devon, including Sidmouth is lovely and quite unspoilt, there are some great walks near Branscombe and Beer. Topsham is a pretty little town near Exeter and Dart's Farm has a great beer and food selection, Tucker's Maltings in Newton Abbot is great for this as well. Salcombe is very pretty and in terms of Torbay, Berry Head is stunning if the wind isn't up too much and the best hidden gem is Broadsands. Plymouth is quite interesting, the NMM plus the Gin factory on the Barbican. Further afield, in North Devon the Valley of the Rocks is spectacular at any time of year. It's a great region to live in but I do need to become a full member on here and car share for games with some of you as my fuel bills are getting too much! I live in Torquay and work at Paignton Zoo. (hence the biased bit) Think its fair to say that this area has some nice spots and plenty to see. Living here means I sometimes need reminding but I dont think I would live anywhere else without a massive lotto win. This thread has pointed out some great shouts though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 I live in Torquay and work at Paignton Zoo. (hence the biased bit) Think its fair to say that this area has some nice spots and plenty to see. Living here means I sometimes need reminding but I dont think I would live anywhere else without a massive lotto win. This thread has pointed out some great shouts though. I love paignton zoo the crocodile dome thing is very good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 4 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 4 October, 2011 I love paignton zoo the crocodile dome thing is very good Cheers. Definitely will look into that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 I love paignton zoo the crocodile dome thing is very good Yeah I love croc swamp. I got to tickle a Tapir last week which was fantastic. Dont think I have had a job that I loved this much to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Yeah I love croc swamp. I got to tickle a Tapir last week which was fantastic. Dont think I have had a job that I loved this much to be honest. what do you do there...? how did you get into what ever it is you do..? like I said, paignton zoo is very good and I really enjoyed my day out there the last time I went Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpbury Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Noodwn Aaaaaaaaabaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhttt. Say that and the locals will know what you're talking about. Having grown up round there, all I can say is go arcades, do some shoplifting and cycle to Cockington! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 what do you do there...? how did you get into what ever it is you do..? like I said, paignton zoo is very good and I really enjoyed my day out there the last time I went Im the IT Manager here. I was at BAE in Plym for years and had enough of IT. Took Vol redundancy and lived off that for a while, then went for maternaty cover at the zoo thinking I could jump into Keeping or something. The previous IT manager didnt come back to do the IT so I was kept on. I get to manage everything IT'wise here and get to see behind the scenes and stuff. Put the Meercat cam up and same with Tigers and Rhino's so end up being able to see the animals up close where they are more interested in you. I look after Living Coasts too and sometimes help out down at Newquay Zoo which is always a nice little jolly. Sounds like a doss but IT is the least funded part of a zoo down this way so I Manage a department with only me in it! It has its plusses as well as its negatives! I was talked into being the human on a few signs round the zoo so my fugly mug pops up around the place and I also ended up being the face on the Fathers day leaflet this year. Face to face with a giant tortoise lol. Not a bad job eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landford.saint Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Lived in East Devon for a number of number of years. Sidmouth, is most definately Gods waiting room. Seaton and Beer are full of Hemeroids (tourists, bright red...walk about in bunches...and a pain in the arse) only get lively in the winter when everyone else has gone and the locals haved time to enjoy themselves. Honiton is just a dive. By the way, Honiton is famous for its lace. However it doesn't come from Honiton but Beer where the tradition was started by survisors from the spanish Armada . Get a high number of unusually dark haired, dark skinned people from there so might be some truth in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Us Somerset folk be wary of youm Devon folk. Some days I wanders up to the border hedge and looks over to see wat 'tis youm up to. Then I wanders off again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Is that monkey sanctuary still in business anyone know? They used to get you to sit in a big room then let the little monkeys in through hatches, very very cool and although some of the monkeys could basically roam free, they never strayed. cant recall exactly where it is as we went about 20 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Is that monkey sanctuary still in business anyone know? They used to get you to sit in a big room then let the little monkeys in through hatches, very very cool and although some of the monkeys could basically roam free, they never strayed. cant recall exactly where it is as we went about 20 years ago. Think your talking about the place in looe? Think it was run by gypsies years ago that pretty much lived with the monkeys. It's still going but I've never been. Not seen them at any of the conferences the world governing bodies run either so not sure if they are in that circle or independent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilsburydoughboy Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Visit the Highwayman Pub in Sourton near Dartmoor it is chuffing mental Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Visit the Highwayman Pub in Sourton near Dartmoor it is chuffing mental yes it is.....and haunted (i think) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 Think your talking about the place in looe? Think it was run by gypsies years ago that pretty much lived with the monkeys. It's still going but I've never been. Not seen them at any of the conferences the world governing bodies run either so not sure if they are in that circle or independent. Yep, found it; themonkeysanctuary.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 things to do in devon....go to st marys according to matt le god Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Red Posted 4 October, 2011 Share Posted 4 October, 2011 I thought we called nabbot, Newton armpit?! Anyway, recommend haytor, canonteign, becky falls, south hams and not Torquay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint1977 Posted 5 October, 2011 Share Posted 5 October, 2011 Im the IT Manager here. I was at BAE in Plym for years and had enough of IT. Took Vol redundancy and lived off that for a while, then went for maternaty cover at the zoo thinking I could jump into Keeping or something. The previous IT manager didnt come back to do the IT so I was kept on. I get to manage everything IT'wise here and get to see behind the scenes and stuff. Put the Meercat cam up and same with Tigers and Rhino's so end up being able to see the animals up close where they are more interested in you. I look after Living Coasts too and sometimes help out down at Newquay Zoo which is always a nice little jolly. Sounds like a doss but IT is the least funded part of a zoo down this way so I Manage a department with only me in it! It has its plusses as well as its negatives! I was talked into being the human on a few signs round the zoo so my fugly mug pops up around the place and I also ended up being the face on the Fathers day leaflet this year. Face to face with a giant tortoise lol. Not a bad job eh? Sounds fantastic and well done, like I say I need to join this site full time and I'll PM you and buy you a pint. In terms of pubs, we use the Manor Inn at Galmpton - that's a good one for food as well as beer Hypo when you are in the area and it is near the lovely Broadsands too. Exeter has some good ones as BTG alluded to - Old Fire House Tavern is my favourite and you've got the Well House Tavern opposite the Cathedral. The one I want to visit badly is the Tom Cobley Tavern at Spreyton - 26 cask ales or thereabouts. Like having a beer festival every week! Only the Fat Cat in Norwich has a selection that I've ever seen to rival that although I've heard it's namesake in Sheffield is pretty hot as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LVSaint Posted 5 October, 2011 Share Posted 5 October, 2011 Visit the Highwayman Pub in Sourton near Dartmoor it is chuffing mental Freaky and eccentric place. We were staying just up the road in Lydford and popped in for a drink. Crap pints though...poured out of a big commercial plastic bottle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 5 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 5 October, 2011 Freaky and eccentric place. We were staying just up the road in Lydford and popped in for a drink. Crap pints though...poured out of a big commercial plastic bottle. What is freaky and mental about it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 5 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 5 October, 2011 Sounds fantastic and well done, like I say I need to join this site full time and I'll PM you and buy you a pint. In terms of pubs, we use the Manor Inn at Galmpton - that's a good one for food as well as beer Hypo when you are in the area and it is near the lovely Broadsands too. Exeter has some good ones as BTG alluded to - Old Fire House Tavern is my favourite and you've got the Well House Tavern opposite the Cathedral. The one I want to visit badly is the Tom Cobley Tavern at Spreyton - 26 cask ales or thereabouts. Like having a beer festival every week! Only the Fat Cat in Norwich has a selection that I've ever seen to rival that although I've heard it's namesake in Sheffield is pretty hot as well. Excellent! Will check out the major inn. I'm staying here BTW: http://www.laterooms.com/en/hotel-reviews/94573_passage-house-hotel-newton-abbot-exeter.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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