DEVON AREA GUIDES

Bideford

A thriving market town with many independent and family owned shops, butchers, fishmongers, and restaurants alongside the bank of the river Torridge. A ferry runs to Lundy island offering day trips three times a week to explore the islands stunning natural beauty. The town is well placed to explore some of the best beaches in North Devon including Westward Ho! 4 miles, Putsborough Sands, Woolacoombe and the popular surfing beach of Croyde can be reached in approximately 30 minutes’ drive. 

Exeter

A vibrant cathedral city on the River Exe with plenty of historical influence and busy shopping centre with both independent and chain stores and was recently voted one of the top places to eat out in the UK. The city boasts one of the top Universities in the UK as well as an abundance of primary, secondary and independent schools. The city is well connected with the start of the M5 motorway network and a mainline train station. 

Holsworthy

Surrounded by green countryside the historic market town of Holsworthy is perfectly located with an abundance of walking and cycling routes nearby including Cookworthy Forest, Halwill junction, Bude Canal and Roadford and Tamar lakes where you can also sail and kayak.  The centre of Holsworthy is arranged around a square with a variety of shops and cafes and amenities. 

Kingsbridge

A market town in the South Hams situated on the Kingsbridge Estuary surrounded by an area of outstanding national beauty (ANOB) with an abundance of walking and sailing opportunities. There are several restaurants, pubs, supermarkets, independent shops, a cinema, and a secondary school. 

Okehampton

A popular town with good access to the A30 located on the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park. Okehampton had the largest mediaeval castle in Devon which was mostly destroyed by Henry VIII in response to treason, with the ruins still visible today. Okehampton is known today as one of the walking centres of Devon with access from the town centre and surrounding villages onto Dartmoor tors for walking, horse riding and cycling along the granite way. 

Plymouth

Britain’s Ocean City is a waterfront city with a strong navy history. A city popular with sailing enthusiasts with deep water mooring berths and sailing facilities. The historic barbican with its cobbled streets offers plenty of pubs and restaurants and a focal point for nightlife and tourism. There is a growing cultural scene with the popular Theatre Royal and two cinema complexes including and IMAX. The Royal William Yard, a former Navy victualling yard offers further restaurants, bars and events including a food market. 

South Molton

A traditional agricultural market town on the edge of Exmoor National Park set around a market square with a good range of shops, a supermarket, medical and leisure facilities. Independent schools of West Buckland and Kingsley School are located nearby with the renowned high performing sporting and academic Blundells school is approximately 20 miles distant. 

Tavistock

Tavistock is a thriving ancient stannary town, in west Devon close to the Cornwall border. Known as an attractive and desirable town to live, with its Victorian architecture and proximity to Dartmoor. The vibrant high street is renowned for its local independent shops, pannier market, restaurants, golf course, recreational facilities and Primary Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Good’ rated secondary schools. Mount Kelly provides independent primary and secondary education.  

Totnes

Totnes is a thriving independent market town in South Devon centred around a historic castle. A popular outdoor market is held on the third Sunday of the month throughout the year offering a wide range of quality produce and crafts from local producers. The bustling steep high street runs up from the River Dart to Totnes Castle with almost exclusively independently run shops, cafes, public houses and restaurants.