Newton Abbot Museum - Exploring the Architecture of a Market Town

Newton Abbot has been a market town for many hundreds of years and St Leonard's Tower is our most well-known architectural feature.

Explore Newton Abbot's medieval tower as you immerse yourself in 800 years of history.

The tower of St. Leonard dates to the 1200s. On Weds 17th and Sat 20th we will be opening the doors and welcoming visitors in for a tour of the tower, between 10:00 and 1pm. There is also a video tour showing what it is like upstairs. Free entry!

Thanks to Brickideas, you can get stuck in and help to build a model of the tower.

Newton Abbot Museum welcomes Lady Katherine:

Step back in time and meet the Tudor Lady Katherine, mother to the famous explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Immerse yourself in history by talking to a costumed interpreter, researcher and author of ‘A Woman of Noble Wit’ and her newest publication ‘The Dartington Bride’.

Visit the Museum throughout September to take part in the architecture themed trail – can you find the Notable Newtonian who designed the decoration of the ballroom at Blackpool Tower, or identify parts of the Museum that date from when it was a Church? There is lots to discover during your trail, and you can also collect your unique sticker for your Pastport!

Timings & Tours

Saturday 20 September:

We have lots going on and timings vary depending on activity, check the 'additonal information' section

Location & directions

Newton Abbot Museum, Newton's Place, Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 1JQ

Directions:

The Clock Tower is in the middle of town opposite Austins toy shop. The museum is just a short walk from the tower. Cross the road near Carpetright (be safe use the pedestrian crossing) and we are the big church shaped building on the corner. The nearest car park is Newfoundland Way. Museum entry and all activities are free. Get the latest updates on activities at https://museum-newtonabbot.org.uk/visiting/whats-on/

Contact on day:

Charlotte Dixon, curator

Telephone number:

+441626201121

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Tower Tours: The ground floor of the tower is accessible and there will be a video tour you can watch to see upstairs. Due to the nature of this ancient building, there is no wheelchair access to the upper floors. Under 5s are not permitted upstairs. The spiral staircase is narrow with steep steps so access to the upper floor is at your own risk and is unsuitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Museum site: Fully accessible with accessible toilet. Disabled parking bays in nearby car park

Additional information

Newton Abbot Museum's Heritage Open Day is taking place in two locations- the clock tower, and the museum itself...... Tower Tour Weds 17th and Sat 20th 10-1pm, no booking needed....... Build a Tower with Brick Ideas upstairs in the museum (lift access available). 20th September 9.30am-1.30pm. Drop in no booking required....... Complete an Architecture Quest! Trial available all September- Museum open 9.30-1.30....... Meet Lady K (mother of Sir Walter Raleigh) times TBC in the main museum

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