Living in Devon- Please help

[Leeann0091]

Hi there, hope I'm posting in the right place, im new to mumsnet.
so me and my partner are looking to move to Devon with our baby and wanted recommendations on where would be the best place for families? Ive tried researching but it just gets a but confusing
I dont want it to be a dead town, i want there to be things for my little one to do, so I can take her to groups etc, but also where I can make friends as will be moving quite far. I also dont drive (i am learning) so somewhere where everything is in the town if that makes sense, so i dont have to worry about getting to places. Is there a town that has a lot going on, has supermarkets ect but a beach close by?
Any information would be appreciated

Exmouth (great beach and small town)
Torquey
Illfacombe

Obviously if you want somewhere bigger and more populated you would be looking at Exeter or Plymouth but I know if it was me I would chose small town with a beach.

We love Bude but that’s slightly over the border into Cornwall.

@lovemusic33 Thanks for your reply. Do they small towns have things to do for the little ones though, are there mums groups you know?

We moved to Newton abbot when we had two children under two and it was perfect for us. Really friendly town, lots going on for children etc. Is a short drive, bus or train ride to get to a beach ( we would usually go to teignmouth, Torquay or Paignton for the beach).

Hopefully someone will be along soon who knows more, I have visited most of Devon but am unsure about groups, I know Bude very well which is why I mentioned it, there’s quite a lot going on there, they have softplay, several big supermarkets, swimming pools and a great little high street, the beaches are also very nice, I would happily move there. They have really good transport too, regular bus’s so it’s easy to get around.

Illfercombe has a cinema, aquarium, supermarkets etc.., it’s not huge but It’s pretty and I imagine it would have things going on such as groups and clubs for parents.

Have you got any jobs lined up?

Any of the towns mentioned should have groups for parents with young children

People do live in towns in Devon you know, we have everything that everywhere else does, as well as beaches, moors, ice cream shops and pasties

The cities are bigger but still mostly the size of a large town and have plenty of buzz and life.

yes im aware of that thank you. but there is a lot of people saying how towns are dead and nothing to do thats why im asking

Who are these people? And what towns are they talking about?

Probably bideford 😳

Definitely Teignmouth sounds like it could be a good option for you. It's got everything you mention - a lovely beachfront area with a huge park, great restaurants, supermarkets (Waitrose, fancy!) You'll always find friends in a small town like that, especially with kids.

I have family in Teignmouth. There’s a fair bit going on. The arts centre is pretty good, enough on the high street that you’d need for every day, easy transport to Exeter by train if you need a big city. Gets busier in the summer with holiday makers as with most Devon towns! Its a nice place.

I’ve been to Ilfracombe a few times but would vote for Teignmouth over that. The transport round there isn’t great to get out to other places if you don’t drive. Plus ilfracombe was way too hilly for me!

Oh- and as a PP said, Teignmouth does have a Waitrose, but it’s closing! They’ve sold off the site. I think it’s going to be a Lidl.