Devon: Surf Haven or Senior Settlement | United Kingdom

Devon, UK is considered to be one of the most beautiful counties in England, and parts of the county have in fact been officially named areas of outstanding natural beauty. However, like many UK coastal towns, Devon can on occasion be described as sleepy and serene and is therefore popular with the older generation and a place to consider relocating to when one retires.

Plymouth, Devon / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Herry Lawford

Amongst the Devon coastline, other UK towns that are popular for retirement are Eastbourne, Bournemouth and Blackpool. The only seaside town in the South that really shakes the retirement reputation is Brighton. So can Devon compare to the Bright lights of Brighton, or is it edging ever closer to the older average age of Eastbourners?

Devon Towns

The county of Devon is divided in to small villages and towns, the largest in order, being Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay. The smallest Parish of Hatherleigh has a population of just over 1300, and the mid weight towns of Ilfracombe and Dartmouth have an average population of 10,000. Plymouth is twice the size of Exeter and has around 240000 residents.

Plymouth

Plymouth is famous for its Gin, is a naval City steeped in History and also home to a large University. Thanks to the high population of students, there’s a fair share of bars and clubs, but the city is also popular with tourists who want to see where some of the world’s most famous explorers in history set sail. Plymouth is neither young nor old.

Exeter

Another university city, Exeter is a little more cosmopolitan than Plymouth and has a higher concentration of bars in the centre, as well as being a better centre for art and theatre. Exeter has a younger and more creative buzz to it than Plymouth and most other areas of Devon.

Exeter Cathedral / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phillip Capper

Dartmouth

A medium sized Parish sat on the mouth of the river Dart, Dartmouth is a popular place for romantic weekends away in Dartmouth cottages and riverside apartments, and is likely to be more popular with the more regular travellers and those with an interest in sailing and water sports. Dartmouth has a good mix of country walks, relaxed nightlife and things to see and do in the day so is popular with couples and families.

Torquay

Torquay enjoys 22 miles of coastline and sandy bays, so is really popular with anyone interested in water sports, which are readily available to try in the area. Torquay is firmly on the radar of surf enthusiasts and is home to several surf schools and webcams that can be accessed across the world for the keenest of surfers to check out the waves. And with the surfing culture comes parties, new pals and a groovier pace of life.

So Devon; Surfer’s paradise of Senior Settlement? Neither. It seems Devon has plenty to offer visitors of all ages in each of its unique areas, so there is never a better reason to see what’s on offer in Devon when you book your next UK break away.

Lara Moreton is a travel writer who has travelled most of the UK coastline looking for the best beaches. Lara is a keen conservationist.

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Tags: areas of outstanding natural beauty, bournemouth, bright lights, coastal towns, county of devon, dartmouth, devon towns, devon uk, famous explorers, gin, hatherleigh, plymouth, river dart, romantic weekends, seaside town

Category: Cities, Cities