A Day Out In Teignbridge

Teignbridge is a stunning corner of South Devon, where wild Dartmoor rises in the north, rolling down to green valleys and ending in the sparkling coastline and sea to the south.

Teignbridge is bursting with character, home to an array of beautiful towns and villages such as Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Dawlish, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth. Each offers its own charm, from historic market streets to lively seaside promenades. With so many places to explore and experiences to enjoy — from coast to countryside — you’ll never be short of things to do in this vibrant part of South Devon.

Food and drink are at the heart of Teignbridge life. Whether it’s sampling the catch of the day in the coastal towns of Teignmouth, Shaldon and Dawlish, or savouring hearty, home-cooked dishes in cosy country pubs inland, the area is a food lover’s dream. Add in local producers of everything from cheeses to craft drinks, and you have the perfect recipe for a truly delicious visit.

No trip to Teignbridge would be complete without experiencing its world-famous railway line between Exeter and Newton Abbot. Hugging the edge of the Exe Estuary and sweeping along the seafront at Dawlish Warren, Dawlish and Teignmouth, it’s one of the most scenic and most photographed stretches of railway in the country. The journey continues along the stunning Teign Estuary before arriving in Newton Abbot — a day out by train that guarantees unforgettable views.

To the north, the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park awaits. With its dramatic granite tors, wide open moorland and ancient woodlands, it’s a haven for walkers, cyclists and adventurers alike. Whether you’re chasing breathtaking views, discovering hidden villages or soaking up the wild, unspoilt landscape, Dartmoor offers a striking contrast to the golden beaches and gentle estuaries further south.

For family fun, Dawlish Warren is a must-visit. This much-loved seaside resort sits on a golden sand spit between the estuary and the sea, offering safe beaches, rolling dunes, traditional holiday entertainment and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Nature lovers will also be delighted by the 500-acre nature reserve, a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Teignbridge truly has it all — rugged Dartmoor, stunning coastline, charming towns, rich heritage and incredible hospitality — making it the perfect Devon destination for a day out to remember.

The Foot Store is an independent high street shoe shop with a difference. It combines the most sought-after, fabulous footwear brands, with an in-house HCPC registered podiatry clinic that has developed an excellent reputation over the last 18 years, for the high standard of treatment and personal care provided.

The family run business focuses on stylish, comfortable, quality footwear. The beautifully presented shop and professional care combined, were a major influence in the decision of the major footwear brands to select The Foot Store as their independent stockist in Newton Abbot.

The care and patience at the heart of the clinic runs throughout the shoe shop, with knowledgeable staff taking the time to help customers find their ideal footwear. Buying a new pair of shoes is very personal and trying on shoes is essential to ensure a comfortable fit. The shoes sold are carefully picked by Amanda and the team to achieve a selection that superbly combines comfort and style.

The Foot store is fortunate to represent some of the most desired footwear brands such as Reiker, Remonte, Josef Seibel, Ecco, Fly London, Caprice, Tamaris, Strive and Waldlauafer, all of which have an exceptional reputation and loyal following amongst customers.

Find The Foot Store at the bottom of Courtenay Street between Lloyds bank and Percy’s fabrics and follow them on Facebook.

Bovey Tracey is known for its connection to the crafts, with the MAKE Southwest gallery and a big Craft Festival in June, for its position right on the corner of Dartmoor but also for something else. Because Bovey is also home to The Cheese Shed, a unique shop which enjoys a reputation as the county’s number one destination for cheese enthusiasts, drawing in customers from a wide area.

Born as an online mail order company in 2006, The Cheese Shed later expanded to include an actual bricks-and-mortar shop (painted an eye-catching bright blue) and a cafe, all on one site conveniently opposite the town’s main car park in Station Road. Founders James Mann and Ian Wellens created it in order to showcase the great cheeses of the Westcountry, and 19 years later this is what it still does today. Ian describes it as being like some of the cheese shops he’d seen in France and Italy: “they only sold the cheeses that were made in their region - and that’s what we set out to do.”

Visitors are immediately struck by how different it is from a regular deli. “It’s quite a sensory experience”, Ian explains, “people often remark on the smell as they come in, and then there’s the sight of big whole cheeses stacked floor to ceiling - and some incredible counter displays.” In fact, he continues, “it’s different because the whole shop doubles as a cheese maturing room - kept permanently cool and moist - and some cheeses are in there for 5 months gradually gaining flavour.”

Visitors are invited to try any cheeses they’re interested in, with help from the shop’s helpful and knowledgeable staff. “Looking at cheese only takes you so far,” Ian says, “you really do need to taste it - so we’re always offering samples - which makes it fun for our customers and for us.”

Most recently, the rear courtyard and barn have been opened up to provide a beautiful (and licensed) cafe space where an ever-changing menu of spectacular cheese toasties is gaining a strong reputation. “We use beautiful local sourdough bread, amazing cheeses plus quite a lot of imagination. We don’t do ‘cheese and ham’, I’m afraid … because we’re trying to take the cheese toastie up to a new level!”

And a growing circle of fans would seem to suggest that they’re succeeding.

FREE face painting and balloon modelling will be on offer in Courtenay Street, Newton Abbot, on Saturday September 6 when the annual Town Criers Competition takes to the streets.

Almost 20 representatives from communities across Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Cornwall are expected to give it their all in the battle for the top spot with the first hour of Home Town cries starting at 10.45am.

The second round will commence at 12.45pm after which Mayor Cllr Colin Parker and other dignitaries, such as Lord of the Borough Keith Stokes-Smith, will award prizes for best cry, best dressed crier, best dressed escort and best dressed couple.

All the action is set to take place in front of St Leonard’s Tower until 2pm.Cllr Parker said: ‘The competition is a longstanding and popular event in Newton Abbot’s calendar and I’m very proud as Mayor to be welcoming so many representatives from other communities to our town.

‘The criers and their escorts always look so splendid in their uniforms, they bring a real splash of colour and pageantry that always goes down well with shoppers.

‘Let the crying commence!’

The rules prevent Newton Abbot’s own Town Crier, Nigel Kenneison, from talking part so he will join Cllr Parker and others on the ambassadorial team.

Historic St Leonard’s Tower will be open for free tours during the competition.