10 things that only people who live in Devon will understand
Devon: it’s a glorious county that I’m very lucky to be living in.
We have more than 130 beaches, with surf spots, family-friendly swimming bays and fishing villages. Inland, there’s Dartmoor, which is one of the UK’s best national parks. And the lifestyle is unmatchable. When we get sunshine, we’re always out and about, but even in the winter, we make the most of the weather!
But there are a few things that us locals are very much aware of in Devon – and that newbies to the area and tourists should also be made aware of!
So if you’re thinking of selling your house fast and moving down to Devon, here are a few things you should know first!
1. The cream tea debate is very much alive
In Devon, it’s jam first and then cream.
The moment anyone suggests cream before jam, you know they’re either visiting from Cornwall or have been misled!
Tearooms across the county stand by the Devon method, and locals are always ready to correct anyone who tries to flip it. That said, I live in Devon but have Cornish family, and I personally have no strong feelings on either side of the argument!
Take a look at the arguments for or against both here!
2. The traffic nightmare of the A30 in summer
As soon as school holidays begin, the A30 becomes a crawling line of caravans and cars with roof boxes.
I’m lucky, I live in Exmouth so don’t often need to venture further west (although the A303 can be just as bad), but I know it can be a huge headache for people in Totnes or Plymouth!
Locals know to plan routes around it or use smaller roads, but even then, you can’t escape the queues when everyone decides to come down at once…,.
3. Getting stuck behind a tractor is a daily reality
Those narrow country lanes are working routes for farmers, and getting stuck behind tractors is common – but is an essential part of how Devon’s farms operate.
At various points, especially if you’re driving around rural areas, you’ll end up behind a tractor crawling along at 15 miles an hour.
Just accept it – and if you’re regularly driving a route, factor some “tractor delay” time into your day!
4. The weather has its own rules on Dartmoor
This one is a very important safety concern!
Dartmoor very much has its own weather rules.
One minute it’s sunshine, the next you’re in thick fog and sideways rain.
Locals heading out for a walk know you pack layers and waterproofs no matter what the forecast says. It’s also crucial to not go hiking in poor visibility, as it’s very easy to get lost.
Read more about Dartmoor’s unwritten rules here.
5. The beaches are world-class, but parking isn’t
Yes, you can swim in turquoise water at Woolacombe or Bantham, but finding a parking spot is another story!
In summer, locals either arrive before 9am or use secret back routes or parking spaces.
Personally, I travel by public transport whenever I can or visit in winter!
6. The rivalry between Plymouth and Exeter
There will always be a “Devon derby” rivalry between Plymouth and Exeter.
Plymouth has the Hoe and the naval history, while Exeter has the cathedral and Medieval history. Both cities have football teams in League One – as an Exeter City supporter, I always back them although Plymouth is usually higher (not at the time of writing, though!).
The debate doesn’t usually leave Devon, but locals know the rivalry runs deep.
7. Tourists always underestimate the lanes
I could not drive on country roads before I moved to Devon. But five years later, I’m a natural! (kind of).
In all seriousness, Google Maps will often send you down tiny roads that look like they should never see two cars passing – but they very much are!
What looks like a short distance on a map becomes a white-knuckle drive along single-track roads with stone walls on either side.
Locals learn to reverse confidently into passing places, while visitors grip the wheel in terror! The good news is you do get used to it.
8. The two coasts feel like different worlds
North Devon, with its surf beaches and rugged cliffs, feels nothing like South Devon, with its sheltered coves and palm-lined towns.
And the drive between the two can take two hours!
Locals know you could live your whole life in one and rarely visit the other, yet both are unmistakably Devon.
Read about the differences here.
9. Summer means festivals, tourists and full pubs
From regattas on the coast to county shows inland, summer in Devon is a busy season.
Locals know to book a pub table weeks ahead or risk being turned away, and make all journeys early in the morning or late in the evening!
It’s the price of living in a place where everyone else wants to holiday – but of course, visitors are always welcome to our slice of paradise!
10. Leaving Devon is always slow
Whether it’s driving up the M5 or trying to get a train out of Exeter St Davids, you soon realise Devon is further from the rest of the country than it looks on a map! I live in one of the most accessible beach towns in the county (Exmouth), but even that feels long to get to somedays.
Still, it’s the price you pay for living in such a beautiful location, right?
