East Devon is celebrated for its captivating landscape and exceptional quality of life, making it a highly desirable location for prospective residents. This region seamlessly blends the tranquillity of rural and coastal environments with convenient access to modern amenities and opportunities. Its geography features intimate wooded combes, expansive heathlands, dramatic towering cliffs, undulating hills and lush river valleys.

The appeal of East Devon is further underscored by its recent recognition as the 17th best place to live in the UK in 2025 by The Times. This commendation is based on a robust, data-driven assessment that considers various quality-of-life indicators, including crime rates, Ofsted reports for schools, GP satisfaction and the presence of Green Flag parks. Such external validation provides a strong indicator of the area's overall desirability, suggesting that potential residents are not merely acquiring a property but investing in a lifestyle that is objectively well-regarded.

A key attribute of East Devon is its strategic balance between picturesque natural beauty and urban accessibility. The area offers excellent connections to Exeter and the M5 motorway, providing residents with essential services and broader opportunities without compromising the serene environment. This allows for the enjoyment of coastal and countryside living whilst maintaining ease of travel for work, education or leisure activities.
 

About East Devon

East Devon encompasses a remarkable blend of coastal splendour and countryside charm, featuring the East Devon section of the Jurassic Coast - England's first natural World Heritage Site, renowned for its prehistoric fossils and profound geological insights. This 95-mile stretch of coastline provides a near-complete rock record spanning 185 million years of Earth's environmental change and evolution, making it a location of international geological significance.

The area's character is defined by its communities, from elegant coastal towns like Sidmouth with its Regency architecture to historic market towns such as Honiton, famous for its intricate lace-making heritage. Traditional villages with thatched cottages dot the landscape, whilst modern developments like Cranbrook represent forward-thinking urban planning with contemporary infrastructure.

The area's strong agricultural heritage supports vibrant farmers' markets and farm-to-table dining experiences, whilst its coastal position provides fresh seafood from the clear waters of Lyme Bay. The community spirit is evident through numerous local societies, seasonal festivals and cultural events that celebrate both the area's rich history and its contemporary vitality.

Popular Residential Areas

Sidmouth (EX10): This elegant coastal town renowned for its Regency architecture, pebble beaches and position on the Jurassic Coast. 

Honiton (EX14): A lively market town, famous for its historical lace and status as the antiques capital of the South West. 

Budleigh Salterton (EX9): This town is celebrated for its stunning 2.5-mile pebble beach and position within the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. 

Ottery St Mary (EX11): This historic town in the River Otter valley features the magnificent medieval Church of St Mary The Virgin and benefits from improved connectivity via the new A30 connection.
 

Arrange a Property Valuation

Please do get in touch if you are considering selling in the area, and one of our experienced agents will be delighted to assist you. Click here to get a free valuation, or call East Devon branch at 01392 214222
 

The Best of East Devon: Things to Do

East Devon offers an exceptional balance between town life and access to outstanding outdoor activities. The district's position encompassing both the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the East Devon National Landscape provides residents with unparalleled opportunities for recreation, from coastal pursuits to countryside exploration. The area's rich cultural heritage, vibrant community events and dining scene ensure that lifestyle and leisure opportunities cater to all interests and ages.
 

Parks & Green Spaces

East Devon boasts numerous parks and green spaces, many with Green Flag status indicating high environmental standards.
 

Seaton Wetlands

This local nature reserve offers nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks through marshland and reed beds alongside the River Axe, featuring discovery huts, bird hides and pond shelters for wildlife observation.
 

Seafield Gardens, Seaton

Located at the top of Castle Hill, this park features a Jurassic-themed Adventure Golf course, outdoor tennis courts, outdoor gym and children's play area with summer cafe facilities.
 

Cliff Field Gardens, Seaton

Home to the Seaton Labyrinth and geological timeline, providing access to the South West Coast Path with spectacular coastal views.
 

Local Attractions & Cultural Highlights

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

England's first natural World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth to Studland, offering geological insights into 185 million years of Earth's history with excellent fossil hunting opportunities on beaches like Beer Beach and Sidmouth Town Beach.
 

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

A heartwarming, free-to-visit attraction where visitors can meet hundreds of rescued donkeys whilst enjoying peaceful countryside walks and learning about animal welfare.
 

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Located near Exeter, this popular family destination features over 60 rides and attractions within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
 

Seaton Tramway

Offering scenic roundtrips on electric heritage trams from Seaton to Colyford through beautiful Devon countryside.
 

Beer Quarry Caves

Ancient underground caverns providing guided tours through historic limestone quarries that supplied stone for many of Britain's great buildings.
 

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Set in the Otter Valley, these gardens offer beautiful displays and peaceful walks through varied botanical collections.
 

Schools and Education

East Devon provides excellent educational opportunities across all levels, from early years through to higher education, with many schools achieving strong Ofsted ratings and academic performance.
 

Top-Rated Primary Schools

Musbury Primary Academy: Maintains "Good" Ofsted status with inspectors noting welcoming, courteous pupils and positive relationships within a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere.

Exeter Road Primary School, Exmouth: Rated "Good" with particular praise for its welcoming, inclusive environment that broadens pupils' horizons and improves confidence.

The Duchy School, Bradninch: An "Outstanding" primary school for ages 4-11, known for excellent teaching and pupil behaviour with a 21:1 student-teacher ratio.

St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy, Exeter: "Outstanding" rating with strong village school atmosphere and close community ties, maintaining a 22:1 student-teacher ratio.
 

Notable Secondary Schools

Colyton Grammar School: Ranks highest with "Outstanding" Ofsted rating and "Well Above Average" Progress 8 score. 100% of students continue in education or employment, with 98% achieving grade five or above in English and Maths GCSEs.

The King's School, Ottery St Mary: Achieved "Outstanding" Ofsted rating with "Above Average" Progress 8 score. 95% of students continue in education or employment with 55.7% achieving grade five or above in core subjects.

Clyst Vale Community College, Exeter: "Good" Ofsted rating with 95% of students continuing in education or employment and 49.1% achieving grade five or above in English and Maths.
 

Private School Options

St John's School, Sidmouth: Co-educational boarding school for ages 2-19, described as a family school where each child receives individual attention and support.

St Peter's Preparatory School, Lympstone: Co-educational boarding school for ages 3-13, established in 1952, providing high-quality preparatory education.
 

Further Education

Bicton College: Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the Jurassic Coast, offering courses in Agriculture, Animal Management, Equine studies and Horticulture with extensive facilities including residential accommodation.

University of Exeter: A major university with multiple campuses including the 350-acre Streatham Campus, offering vibrant student life and continual investment in facilities.
 

Dining in East Devon

East Devon offers a rich culinary scene spanning from high-end restaurants celebrating local produce to traditional pubs fostering community spirit, alongside vibrant farmers' markets showcasing the region's agricultural heritage.
 

High-End Restaurants

River Cottage HQ, Axminster: Renowned for seasonal, ethical eating with menus celebrating organic produce from its farm and local growers, hosting ticketed dining feasts in its historic threshing barn.

Lympstone Manor, Exmouth: A five-star luxury hotel renowned for fine dining and Gold British cuisine in an elegant setting.

The Pig at Combe, Honiton: A secluded Elizabethan gem in the Otter Valley offering relaxed Modern European cuisine with focus on simplicity and local produce.
 

Popular Casual Dining

Fat Otter, Ottery St Mary: A charming, family-run restaurant serving quality British cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.

The Holt Restaurant, Honiton: A gastropub owned by the Otter Brewery family, featuring an open kitchen and excellent local ales.

Otterton Mill: An award-winning cafe restaurant and farm shop commended in Rick Stein's 'Local Food Heroes' guide, known for locally sourced produce and homemade cakes.
 

Traditional British Pubs

Greyhound Country Inn, Honiton: A warm, relaxing pub with traditional oak-beamed bar and log burner fireplace, offering authentic British cuisine.

The Blue Ball Inn, Sidmouth: A resplendent thatched-roof inn two miles from Sidmouth, recently renovated whilst maintaining its traditional character.

The Kings Arms at Otterton: A traditional village pub deep in the East Devon countryside, known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and community spirit.
 

Transport and Connectivity

East Devon benefits from a well-developed transport network ensuring excellent connectivity within the region and to major cities, making it an ideal location for both local living and commuting requirements.
 

Rail Services

The East Devon Line

Runs from Exeter to Axminster via Honiton, offering scenic countryside views and continuing to Salisbury and London Waterloo for comprehensive national connectivity.
 

The Avocet Line

Connects Exmouth to Exeter via Topsham, providing picturesque views from the eastern side of the Exe estuary with regular services throughout the day.
 

Cranbrook Railway Station

Opened in 2015, providing hourly services to Exeter and direct links to London Waterloo, exemplifying modern transport planning.
 

Major Road Networks

East Devon enjoys excellent road connectivity via the M5 motorway running from West Bromwich to Exeter, alongside key A-roads including the A30 connecting to London, A35 linking Honiton to Southampton and A38 providing access to the Midlands.

Key local routes include the A373 connecting Honiton to Cullompton, A375 linking Honiton to Sidmouth and A376 serving Clyst St Mary to Exmouth, ensuring comprehensive local connectivity.
 

Airport Access

Exeter Airport: Located in the heart of the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, providing vital links to Edinburgh, Dublin and onward connections to the USA, serving as the regional gateway to Devon and Cornwall.
 

Public Transport

Stagecoach South West operates key bus routes including the 4, 4A and 4B services connecting Cranbrook with regular services to Exeter, extending to Ottery St Mary, Honiton and Axminster.
 

Cycling and Walking Infrastructure

Devon County Council supports transformational cycling and walking developments including the Clyst Valley LCWIP covering strategic housing growth areas and the Devon Countywide LCWIP outlining long-term rural multi-use trail routes.

The Exe Estuary Cycle Trail provides a picturesque route from Exmouth to Dawlish, whilst the East Devon Way offers six stages linking 40 miles of footpaths, trails and bridleways with numerous circular routes available.
 

Shopping in East Devon

East Devon provides a good retail experience combining high street names with independent boutiques, antique shops and vibrant local markets, reflecting the area's character and supporting local artisans and producers.
 

Sidmouth Shopping

The bustling high street features a mix of big brand shops and unique independent stores. Fore Street and Old Fore Street offer accessories, clothing, cards, gifts and homeware, whilst Market Place hosts Fields of Sidmouth, a department store established over 200 years ago.
 

Honiton Shopping

Famous as the antiques capital of the South West, Honiton's high street boasts numerous antique shops alongside independent gift shops, local butchers and speciality coffee shops, making it a treasure trove for collectors and browsers.
 

Exmouth Shopping

Features a vibrant mix of high street names and independent retailers. The Magnolia Centre provides pedestrianised shopping with major brands, whilst Exeter Road and Albion Street offer independent shops and eateries. The Strand area serves as Exmouth's Cafe Quarter.
 

Ottery St Mary Shopping

The High Street features excellent shops and boutiques, whilst Mill Street offers hidden gems focusing on sustainable fashion, home décor and artisan products. The monthly Ottery Community Market sells local produce, homemade cakes and crafts.
 

Conclusion and Why Choose East Devon

East Devon presents a compelling proposition for potential residents, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, robust community life and strategic connectivity. The district's recognition as the 17th best place to live in the UK serves as strong testament to its exceptional quality of life, providing credible assurance for those considering relocation.

The property market exhibits notable resilience and desirability, with house prices consistently outpacing regional and national growth rates, indicating strong underlying demand driven by the area's inherent attractions. The strategic advantage lies in offering tranquillity of rural and coastal living without sacrificing urban accessibility through excellent road networks, efficient rail services and airport connectivity.

East Devon's unique lifestyle proposition encompasses natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, excellent educational facilities and strong community spirit combined with a resilient property market and excellent transport links. The area's ability to maintain its charm whilst adapting to modern needs positions it as a highly desirable location for future residents seeking a balanced and fulfilling life.

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The information on this page was last updated in May 2025.