The museum
With more than 17,000 items in the collection, there’s plenty to discover – from ancient tools to Victorian trade and twentieth-century migration. Explore what a Thwirting Iron is, find out what was lost on the banks of the River Teign 3,500 years ago, and learn about Newton Abbot’s ‘Little Poland’.
Among the most popular displays are the Railway section, complete with working signals, and the Early History area. The dramatic Sandford Orleigh wood carvings and Lethbridge’s remarkable diving machine are two striking centrepieces.
Fun activities
There are hands-on activities for all ages to help bring local history to life. Design your own Aller Vale pot, tap out a code on the signal bells, make a length of rope, or feel the difference between rich and poor Victorian fabrics. More than 20 interactive activities are available throughout the museum.
Digital displays help trace how Newton Abbot has changed over time. Scroll through old maps, explore photo highlights, view archive films or listen to voices from the age of steam.
Newton’s Place
Newton Abbot Museum is part of Newton’s Place – an accessible community building that celebrates the area’s heritage and people.
The £2.2 million project began in 2016 to bring together the Town Council, the Museum and shared spaces for events, workshops and exhibitions. A dedicated ‘Your Space’ area showcases community collections, and artwork made by local groups is woven into the fabric of the building.
The project was made possible thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, generous local donations, and the involvement of many heritage organisations and businesses.
Newton’s Place occupies the former St Leonard’s Church, a Grade II listed building originally completed in 1835. After standing empty for years, the building has been carefully restored. We’ve worked hard to preserve its features while transforming it into a welcoming and accessible space.
To find out more about how the museum came to be, including our oral history archive, online town trail and local history blog, visit our History page.
Newton’s Place sponsors
Many individuals, businesses and organisations contributed to making Newton’s Place a reality. Their generous support helped turn a long-held community ambition into a working museum, council base and event space.
News and blog
From behind-the-scenes insights to reflections from volunteers, our blog shares regular stories from around the museum. Find out what we’ve been working on and meet the people who make it all happen.
St Leonard’s Tower
Newton Abbot’s most iconic landmark, St Leonard’s Tower – or the Clock Tower – is a vital part of the town’s story. Managed by the museum, the tower opens seasonally for public visits and plays a central role in Newton Abbot’s historical identity.
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