Our amazing local sights
Things to do in Devon for Families
Miniature Pony Centre
Travel Time 38 mins via the A380 Devon Express Way from the Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbot
The Miniature Pony Centre sits on the edge of wild and magical Dartmoor in Devon and is a hidden gem of all things small, cute and cuddly.
Can you imagine being able to go into a paddock and to be surrounded by miniature ponies and tiny foals? The joy of being able to stroke and cuddle them is something to remember forever.
PennyWell Farm
Travel Time 38 mins via the A380 Devon Express Way from the Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbot
Enjoy the magic of the multi award-winning Penny Well Farm – the biggest activity park in the South West! With animals and rides, there’s lots to do and see for the whole family.
Devon Wildlife Trust
Travel Time 23 mins via the A380 Devon Express Way from the Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbot
Devon Wildlife Trust puts on over 100 local events in Devon each year, including festivals, nature reserve open days, walks, conservation work days, wildlife surveys, talks and fun days out.
Paignton Zoo
Travel Time 25 mins via the A380 Devon Express Way from the Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbot
With over two and a half thousand creatures, this zoo has more animals than anyone else in the South West, including giraffes, lions, gorillas, cheetahs, crocodiles, meerkats, snakes and monkeys. There are also indoor play areas and the Jungle Express train. You’ll need a whole day to see everything!
River Dart Country Park
Travel Time 22 mins from the Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbot
River Dart is set in 90 acres of land, with lakes, parkland, woods and the majestic River Dart flowing through the park, it is the ideal place to visit for a family day out in Devon. Children can play on the Pirate Ship lake in summer and outdoor adventure playgrounds all year round.
Crealy Adventure Park
Travel Time 21 mins from the Passage House Hotel, Newton Abbot.
Crealy Adventure Park is set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside and has over 60 rides and attractions, including thrill rides, indoor play areas and farm animals. There’s something to do whatever the weather!
Football and Rugby
Exeter City Football Club
14 miles from the hotel. Exeter City play football in the EFL League 2. Exeter City play their football at their local ground, St James Park, which plays host to a capacity of 6,087. With some big names joining Exeter in League 2, there are plenty of great days out to be had at St James Park!
Torquay United Football Club
8 miles from the hotel. Torquay United play their football in the National League South. Torquay United’s stadium is Plainmoor, which hosts a capacity of 6,500. With a rich history and loyal fanbase, you won’t be disappointed whilst watching The Gulls!
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club
14 miles from the hotel. Plying their trade in the Premiership is the Exeter Chiefs. Coming off the back of their 2017 Premiership win, The Chiefs are buoyed by a passionate fanbase of 12,600 at home games. Sandy Park hosts fantastic rugby, and with events happening before and after matches at the stadium, you can make a whole day of it!
Golf
Teignmouth Golf Club
4.5 miles from the hotel. This golf course was designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie and offers an 18-hole golf course with spectacular Devon sea views. The Clubhouse comes complete with a lounge and bar for refreshments after a day of golf!
Dainton Park Golf
4.8 miles from the hotel. This course is situated within 125 acres of rolling South Devon parkland and offers a spectacular 18-hole golf course. This course has magnificent views over Dartmoor National Park and the South Hams. Facilities include a 10-bay floodlit driving range and a PGA recognised coaching academy.
Stover Golf Club
4.4 miles from the hotel. Designed by James Braid, this is one of the most popular golf courses in South Devon. Set in 200 acres of parkland it is an example of the very best of the South West, with many holes featuring mature woodlands and water. An excellent challenge for all golfing abilities.
Local Beaches
Teignmouth Beach and Pier
5 miles from the hotel. Teignmouth is a long red sandy beach in a beautiful location, right beside Teignmouth town centre. Fishing trips and water sports are available. Dolphins can often be seen jumping and playing in the water so keep an eye out!
Shaldon Beach and The Ness
5 miles from the hotel. Shaldon is a beautiful little beach. Situated in a scenic Devon village directly opposite Teignmouth Beach, catch the water ferry across from Teignmouth and see two Devon beaches in one day! While the Ness is tucked away from sight and only accessible through a long tunnel.
Torquay
9 miles from the hotel. Just beside Torquay town you’ll find the lovely Torre Abby Sands beach that forms part of the English Riviera Coastline, with plenty of boats to see in the harbour side.
Preston, Paignton and Goodrington Sands
11 miles from the hotel. Just further along the coast from Torquay’s Abbey Sands you will find the popular seaside town of Paignton and it’s 3 red sandy Beaches.
Dawlish
8 miles from the hotel. This is a quiet and relaxing sandy beach situated within walking distance of Dawlish town centre. Follow the footpath along the top of the sea wall and walk the full length of the beach to Dawlish Warren!
Dawlish Warren
9.7 miles from the hotel. This is a long and sandy beach, right beside a nature reserve, a large arcade and local restaurant, offering a full family day out in Devon.
Location
The Passage House Hotel is in the perfect location for travelling around Devon and the South West, whether on you are visiting on business or pleasure.
On the outskirts of Newton Abbot, the Passage House Hotel is conveniently located just a 20 min drive from the M5 and Exeter via the A380 South Devon Link road.
Head south on the A380 South Devon Link Road for 20 minutes and you will find the popular tourist resorts of Torquay and Paignton with their 22 miles of stunning Devon red sand coastline.
A 10-minute drive will find you in the heart of the bustling market town of Newton Abbot, if you are going further afield, a 50-minute drive on the A38 Devon Express Way will find you in Plymouth City Centre.
The nearest Train Station to the Passage House Hotel is Newton Abbot Station which is located just a 10-minute drive from the Hotel.
By Train the following journey times apply;
From London to Newton Abbot Appx 2 hours 40 mins
From Swindon to Newton Abbot appx 2, 10 hours
From Bristol to Newton Abbot appx 1 hour 20 mins
From Birmingham to Newton Abbot 2 hours 52 mins
Exeter to Newton Abbot 20 mins.
Please note that all journey times are estimates based on direct trains and are subject to change.
If you have a question regarding traveling to or from the Passage House Hotel please contact our reception team on 01626 355515 who will be happy to help. Or, alternatively, you can check the most up to date fares and travel times with National Rail here.