Devon is a stunning part of Great Britain, bordering the southwest coast and Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks. The county is blessed with extraordinary landscapes, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and the national parks characterised by moorland and striking granite-topped hills. The coast and the national parks are popular with hikers year-round, and in the summer, Devon is a popular location for holiday makers who come to take advantage of its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and outstanding local produce. The region has rich Roman and Anglo-Saxon histories, meaning it is a popular location for those interested in early British history, having been the site of a great number of battles and conflicts, including battles fought as part of the War of the Roses and those fought during the Norman Conquest.
The region has two main centres, Exeter and Plymouth, which are both vibrant university towns and provide excellent access to larger cities like London. This gorgeous part of the country has a lot on offer, for those with a love of the outdoors, history, and the arts. Universities in Exeter and Plymouth provide fantastic job opportunities, and the property market is thriving, making this region an excellent option for those looking to invest or to move with their families. There are many wonderful towns to live in Devon and below we list some of the most highly rated.
Appledore
This quaint village, with its cobbled streets and pastel-painted cottages, is set to become a world leader in tech and research in the coming years, with millions of pounds of government development flowing its way. By 2025, Appledore will be the home of a new Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, which is expected to draw academics from Exeter and Plymouth universities to the town and open up employment opportunities across the board. This is great news for an already thriving community. In Appledore, you will find charming pubs and restaurants, well-stocked independent shops – including bakeries, fishmongers, and organic food stores – and a vibrant local arts scene. The town hosts an annual book festival, and its waterfront location means that in the summer it is an extremely popular place for people to visit.
Tavistock
This beautiful village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. Tavistock is known for its stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture and famous Pannier Market, which has been drawing visitors to the town since 1105. The 900-year-old indoor market sells a variety of local produce, with regular vendors selling there five days a week and seasonal and guest vendors joining throughout the year. Tavistock is located along the River Tavy and it is a popular location for those who love the outdoors and hiking as it provides excellent access to Dartmoor. The town also boasts many award-winning bars and restaurants and is home to cream tea – an afternoon snack featuring freshly baked scones, jam, and clotted cream served alongside a pot of tea. This is a town rich in history with plenty to explore today.
Sidmouth
This seaside town retains all of its former glory as a Regency-era holiday retreat. Sidmouth is located alongside a beautiful stretch of the South East Devon coast. The township is thriving, with a great number of independent boutiques, cafés and galleries. For those with a passion for history and architecture, housing will be a big draw to this lovely village, whether you imagine yourself in a traditional thatched cottage, a detached Gothic house, or a Georgian-style home. Sidmouth is known for its vibrant creative community, too, and every year the town hosts a Folk Festival, which draws visitors from all over the country.
Bampton
Bampton draws from a rich agricultural and quarrying history, and this is reflected in its strong sense of community and in its stunning architecture – much of which is listed and built from locally quarried Brampton stone. Although Bampton is small, it is well-appointed with several lovely pubs and a local butcher and greengrocer. The town is located between Devon and Somerset and provides excellent access to Exmoor National Park, meaning it is a great spot for those with a passion for hiking. The Brampton Heritage Centre offers an excellent route into the community for those thinking of moving to the area, as they run a selection of guided town trails, open days, and community events. For history lovers – and, indeed, lovers of artisan crafts and foods – the annual Brampton Fair has been running since the 13th century and is a highlight of the local calendar.
Exeter
Closing out this list is Exeter, a small city and university town, ideal for those looking for something a little bigger and busier than village life but with all the charms of a smaller community. Exeter has fantastic food options with many great restaurants and eateries and all the options a larger population affords. The area is also known for its coffee culture – likely sustained by students at the renowned university. For those who love reading and the arts, Exeter is a UNESCO City of Literature and boasts many excellent literary events throughout the year. It is also home to four theatres, including Northcott Theatre, so there is no shortage of things to do. Exeter is served by a greater number of housing options on offer including period homes and more modern developments.
Devon has an exciting future ahead. The region is receiving funding from the government’s Levelling Up initiatives, and this will go towards developing sustainable and green industries and economic growth and stability in local communities. This means there will be an increasing number of job opportunities, particularly in green industries.
