Old Library

You'll need to ring ahead to get inside this one - it's not a walk-in affair. The Old Library in Newton Abbot is exactly what it sounds like: a proper historical building that's now open to visitors by appointment, which means a bit of planning required but also a chance to see it without fighting crowds.

What you're actually looking at is Devon's literary past, housed in what was once the town's working library. The building itself is the draw here - original features, period details, the kind of thing that appeals to local history enthusiasts and anyone nosy enough to care how Victorians organised their books. Don't expect a full museum experience with interactive exhibits and gift shops. This is intimate, quiet, and genuinely feels like stepping into a time capsule.

It's worth the detour if you're already in the area or planning a longer stay at one of the nearby parks - Dornafield Dartmoor Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite and Oakmoor Touring Park are both within a couple of miles, which makes it a sensible add-on. If you're after something more luxurious, The Smithy and Brownscombe both offer glamping pods a bit further out.

Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're chatty. Admission cost isn't confirmed online, so ring before you visit. Families with very young kids might find it a touch dull - there's not much to do, just plenty to look at. But for adults interested in local heritage and architecture, it's the kind of place that sticks with you.