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Original poster

North Devon - Berrynarbor

22 replies

josie2266 · 03/02/2019 06:01

Hi

Me and my husband and three children (6,4 &2) are looking at moving to north devon in particular berrynarbor for a better life for our children. I was wondering what is there to do for children in around the area and does anyone on here live there with children of aimilar ages that could give me their take on life around that area? thanks

OP posts:
LEMtheoriginal · 03/02/2019 06:10

Ive been on holiday there. Its a beautiful part of the country.

There is a fair bit of water sports but the sea was feirce when i was there and stand up padfle boarding was "interesting" terrifying

Alot of the area is geared towards holiday parks and campsites. So i imagine a very seasonal leisure scene.

Ilfracombe is lovely and id say the nearest major town. There didnt seem to be much in berrynabor itself - which is why id love to live there and am quite jealous

Her0utdoors · 03/02/2019 07:08

Not alot? Watermouth Castle? I grew up in North Devon, and hanker to go back, but when I talk to women who moved their families there for a better life they've all had a miserable time and have left again /would move away if they could. When I was a teenager illegal drug use was the norm and I don't think it's changed that much. When I talked to friends about it, we feel it's that our parents perceived we were safe because of it being a rural backwater.

Original poster
josie2266 · 03/02/2019 10:53

also wondering what bideford, barnstable and torrington are like?

OP posts:
Kezzie200 · 03/02/2019 11:09

Not a lot! Although if I lived there I would live in Berrynarbour, Braunton or Barnstaple.

I waa dragged up in North Devon and Ilfracombe looks nice but has an undercurrent of issues. I wouldn't live there, not that you are saying you will. I think there are quite a few kids clubs there though.

Have a look at the schools, school transport ans their options for sixth form. That might help you decide.

Kezzie200 · 03/02/2019 11:11

Barnstaple would be one of my choices if I were to return. Bideford less so. Torrington definitely not but its nice enough but remote, unless you are from a local farming community. So you will be likely adding quite a lot of time onto journeys.

Where is your work based? Youve picked a big area there!

Original poster
josie2266 · 03/02/2019 11:25

I know, my husband works from home so were free to go anywhere really. We go croyde a lot and love it tgere but just too expensive to live. i suppose we just wanna know where to avoid and where people would recommend.x

OP posts:
PurpleWithRed · 03/02/2019 11:29

Where do you live now and what is it you are looking for for your children? I would advise against anywhere smaller than Barnstaple - I was bought up in a rural village, stifling and dull - and your kids will soon be wanting an independent social life.

Original poster
josie2266 · 03/02/2019 11:37

we live in essex at the moment. we want a more active life for them ie oudoor activities. we'd ideally like a house with a biggish garden to incorperate some animals. This is a lot tougher than we 1st thought. we just accepted an offer on our house so we gotta start making some decisions

OP posts:
Kezzie200 · 03/02/2019 11:40

I would personally look at Braunton or Barnstaple then and choose depending on schools and house prices. You have access to Croyde by car then without the cost of living there (Braunton closer but smaller). Youll have access to schools with good reputations (although check out current status as im a bit out of date) and then there's a big college in Barnstaple for sixth form if their school doesnt offer what they want. I went there!

swampytiggaa · 03/02/2019 11:41

We moved to Bideford 9 years ago with 4 children aged between 18 months and 8 years. Never regretted it 🙂 we moved from just outside Birmingham so a big change.

I refused to live in a tiny village as I didn’t want to be a taxi service to the kids 😉

Schools are ok. The kids have got involved in scouting and guiding. The park is nice. The sea is within walking distance. There are plenty of pubs and always live music somewhere which I like.

I’m involved in parkrun and a running club and work locally.

I honestly love it although I anticipate the kids moving away for work sadly.

Kezzie200 · 03/02/2019 11:41

Get down there for a weekend and have a look around!

Kezzie200 · 03/02/2019 11:45

Also join the "gossip" facebook pages for the places you are looking at and ask them. Or just read.... Amazing what you can learn about a place from warts and all reports

Original poster
josie2266 · 03/02/2019 11:49

yeah were coming down in a few weeks, good info thanks. glad to hear something positive!

OP posts:
4point2fleet · 03/02/2019 11:50

Personally I would have a look at Dorset.

You can get all the same benefits as North Devon without actually being so cut off from civilisation.

Swanage area, Abbotsbury, Bridport area all worth a look over North Devon IMO.

4point2fleet · 03/02/2019 11:56

Something like this would give you your countryside feel, but only be 20/30 mins into Poole/ Bournemouth for city-type amenities.

Kezzie200 · 03/02/2019 12:15

Long way from Croyde!

4point2fleet · 03/02/2019 12:23

Yes, but Croyde is a really long way from ANYWHERE. I think that could get pretty wearing.

littlecloudling · 03/02/2019 12:26

Gosh Essex to north Devon is a big shock. I grew up there but live somewhere with a bit more civilisation now! There will be lots of things you might miss.

Kezzie200 · 03/02/2019 14:55

I do agree its a long way from anywhere but if that's the sort of life people want, you cant get it many other places. I was dragged up in Ilfracombe/Combe Martin and it was a great childhood. Beaches galore and exmoor is beautiful. Nowadays surfing is a big thing too. I agree that its a hike to get to Bristol (even a pain for a mainline train), but theres likely to be plenty of local clubs for children if you pick the bigger places rather than villages and only want general clubs rather than specific, more unusual, activities. Although they do have their own unusual activities like gig rowing!

I also agree the children are likely to move away for careers.

Original poster
josie2266 · 03/02/2019 17:10

thanks all for your opinions lots to think about and i think a few trips to the villages is needed x

OP posts:
Myimaginarycathasfleas · 03/02/2019 17:38

North Devon is beautiful but be prepared for the weather. You'll really notice it coming from the south east where it's a lot drier and sunnier, though colder in the winter. I lived in North/mid Devon and I couldn't get over how wet it was for quite a lot of the year.

Her0utdoors · 03/02/2019 20:56

Oh God yeah, the rain! One year my mum counted, it rained every day for 9 months.

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