Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Ashburton has consistently remained on Muddy&#8217;s Best Places thanks to its independent vibe, the strength of its community and its quaint architecture which combines urban townhouse appeal with rambling alleyways and Dartmoor stone. It has the feel of a town that&#8217;s loved with always lots going on, and a creative edge that pervades everything from its eateries to an active arts and culture scene. That it feels so rural, while being brilliantly connected is a huge strength, although it&#8217;s one for those who prefer countryside walks to beaches and paddleboarding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/2xfronttablebest.jpg" alt="Le Vin Perdu restaurant in Ashburton DEVON" class="wp-image-70014" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/2xfronttablebest.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/2xfronttablebest-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/2xfronttablebest-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/2xfronttablebest-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/2xfronttablebest-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Le Vin Perdu</figcaption></figure>



<p>The foodie scene is bustling and getting ever more so. A fabulous authentic Italian trattoria, <a href="https://www.emiliaashburton.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emilia</a>, opened in the former bank, and has now opened a French wine bar and bistro, <a href="https://www.levinperdu.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Vin Perdu</a> serving rotisserie chicken and a brilliant range of natural wines. Vegetarians and vegans have <a aria-label="Rafikis (opens in a new tab)" href="http://rafikis.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rafikis</a>, with its sheltered walled garden, and we love <a href="https://www.theoldlibraryrestaurant.co.uk">The Old Library</a> for its car park convenience and fab brunch. If you want a proper Devon tea room, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/taylorsAshburton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylors</a> is your spot. For traditional pubs, you can&#8217;t get more atmospheric and historic than a pint at the <a href="https://oldexeterinn.com/">Old Exeter Inn</a> which is a maze of candle-lit wood-panelled rooms and has links with Sir Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh. New on the scene, tucked away on the trading estate, vintage style café <a href="https://bullivercoffee.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulliver Coffee</a> is a quirky daytime meet-up and museum based in the former railway station. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="968" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/PAD2023-968x1000.jpeg" alt="PAD Ashburton " class="wp-image-69318" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/PAD2023-968x1000.jpeg 968w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/PAD2023-774x800.jpeg 774w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/PAD2023-768x793.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/PAD2023.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 968px) 100vw, 968px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">PAD</figcaption></figure>



<p>Apart from the local Co-op, you&#8217;re spoilt for indie choice, so bring your wicker basket. The <a aria-label="Fish Deli (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thefishdeli.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish Deli</a> sells sustainably sourced fishies, Taste of the West Award winner <a aria-label="Ashburton Deli  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/AshburtonDelicatessen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashburton Deli </a>on North Street (amazing chick pea rolls), <a href="https://www.jadedpalates.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jaded Palates</a> for wine and spirits and a butchers for local-provenance meat and <a href="http://briarbakery.com">Briar Bakery</a> who&#8217;ve learnt all they know from the town&#8217;s former popular baker, Ella. Head down Lawrence Lane for <a aria-label="Creamo's (opens in a new tab)" href="https://creamos.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creamo&#8217;s</a> for small batch homemade ice cream in unique flavours &#8211; a local&#8217;s secret, do not miss.</p>



<p>Ashburton do a good line in gift shops and well curated vintage gear, including <a aria-label="Tess Designs (opens in a new tab)" href="https://tessdesigns.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tess Designs</a><a aria-label="Quirky Bird Retro  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://quirkybirdretro.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>for gifts, <a href="https://yumejewellery.com">Yumé</a> for gorgeous handmade nature-inspired jewellery, while for vintage styles you have <a href="https://quirkybirdretro.com">Quirky Bird Retro</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/number30ashburton/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Number 30</a>, a clothing agency. The streets bristle with antique stores, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catherinewatersantiques" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catherine Waters </a>and <a aria-label="Clinton House Interiors (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/18clintonhouseinteriors/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clinton House Interiors</a>, so much so they&#8217;ve created an <a aria-label="Antiques Trail (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.ashburtonantiquestrail.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antiques Trail</a> so you can do up your new pad super-locally and in retro style. The iconic <a href="http://over 60 different local and international makers, making our Dartmoor shop a home of heritage craft and unique everyday wares.">Craftmongers</a> supports over 60 different local and international makers. New since we last wrote are a preloved bridal store, <a href="https://www.ashburtonbrides.com">Ashburton Brides</a>, for new and preloved gowns, a contemporary gallery at No18, <a href="https://madebyjam.co.uk/pages/the-jam-gallery">Jam</a>, run by two local creatives selling quirky prints and originals with an edgy pop art vibe and the 2024 Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.funstuffatpad.com">Pad</a> (above) for vintage treasures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>From meditation sessions in the Quaker House, wild swimming at Dartmeet and walks in Bluebell Wood to yoga in the Town Hall and at <a href="https://spiritash.com/spirit-ash-studios/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spirit Ash Studios</a>, there is much to keep you Zen. <a href="https://www.ashburtonsurgery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashburton Surgery </a>takes care of health along with two private dentists, while <a href="http://www.thehavenhealthclinic.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haven Health Clinic</a> is your go-to for alternative therapies, including reflexology, acupuncture and the Bowen Technique.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>It’s their middle name with much emanating from the vibrant <a href="http://ashburtonarts.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arts Centre</a>. You’ll find running and walking groups, and the <a href="https://www.bankyouthproject.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bank House Project Youth Project </a>and a skate park for kids aged 9-19. The town comes together around the Summer Carnival Week and the quirkily historic Bread Weighing and Ale Tasting when the judges knock on the doors of the hospitality businesses and demand to taste and weigh their fayre. Testament to the town&#8217;s tightknittedness, business move premises around the town, but rarely leave.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/ashburton-swimming.png" alt="Ashburton Pool" class="wp-image-66231" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/ashburton-swimming.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/ashburton-swimming-800x450.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/ashburton-swimming-1000x563.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/ashburton-swimming-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ashburton Swimming Pool</figcaption></figure>



<p>Want to learn to cook? <a href="https://ashburtoncookeryschool.co.uk">Ashburton Cookery School</a> is on the edge of town, offering over 40 courses in everything from a half-day macarons&#8217; workshop to a chefs&#8217; academy for would be pros. When you fancy a dip, <a href="https://ashburtonpool.com">Ashburton Swimming pool</a> is a community-run outdoor pool while <a aria-label="The River Dart Country Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://riverdart.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The River Dart Country Park</a> is a great watery and zip-wire day out for kids, as is Buckfastleigh&#8217;s <a aria-label="Otters &amp; Butterflies (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Otters &amp; Butterflies</a> – an unusual combo but it works! <a href="https://www.buckfast.org.uk">Buckfastleigh Abbey</a> is home to an active community of Benedictine monks, hosting regular services and musical events, as well as a new pizza restaurant, shops, exhibition centre and beautiful gardens. The biggest surprise might be that there&#8217;s a tea plantation down the road where they grow tea and run regular tours and tea ceremonies, <a href="https://www.dartmoorestatetea.com">Dartmoor Estate Tea</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Described by <em>The Guardian</em> as &#8220;one of the best small live music venues in the UK&#8221;, <a href="http://ashburtonarts.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashburton Arts Centre</a> is the town&#8217;s vibrant hub for music, talks and shows, Saturday morning jamming sessions and all sorts of interesting workshops from belly dancing to life drawing, and a useful repair café. </p>



<p>Among the cultural highlights is <a href="https://thelittlebigtown.com">Little Big Town</a>, a four-day summer festival with music, dancing, film, comedy, talks and workshops started by the people who founded Port Elliot Festival. Nearby in Totnes, there&#8217;s <a href="https://barrelhousetotnes.co.uk">The Barrel House</a> for music and open mic, and <a href="https://www.albatrosstotnes.co.uk">Albatross</a> for craft workshops. Plus, you&#8217;re pretty much halfway between Plymouth and Exeter where there are numerous city theatres, music venues and cultural hubs aplenty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price-s"><strong>AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</strong>S</h2>



<p>The average says £313,000, but it&#8217;s more like £600,000 – £800,000 if you&#8217;re after a period townhouse close to the centre.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/01/sawdye-ashburton.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-72570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/01/sawdye-ashburton.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/01/sawdye-ashburton-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/01/sawdye-ashburton-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Four bedrooms, period features and an outdoor swimming pool. Dip your toe into <a href="https://www.sawdyeandharris.co.uk/property-for-sale/devon-ashburton/tq13-7qr/3468667">Hill View House</a> on with Sawdye &amp; Harris for £849,000</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools"><strong>SCHOOLS</strong></h2>



<p><a href="https://www.ashburton-primary.devon.sch.uk">Ashburton Primary School</a> is rated Good and the co-ed day and boarding <a aria-label="Stover School  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stover.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stover School </a>is ei8ht miles away, from which many younger children go onto the girls and boys grammar at Torquay. Progressive independent <a href="https://www.sands-school.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sands School </a> is a non-hierachical democratic school based on the ethos of shared responsibility and with no Head. There is a bus route organised by parents from Newton Abbot to the academically strong independent, <a href="https://www.exeterschool.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter School</a>, while Devon&#8217;s oldest private school <a aria-label="Blundells (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.blundells.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blundells</a> (43 miles away at Tiverton) runs a bus service from Heathfield near Newton Abbot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.woodlanderspreschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodlanders&nbsp;Pre-School</a> is a charity run nursery in the centre of Ashburton which provides early years ed for kids aged 2 – 5 yrs with holiday clubs, parent and toddler groups and specialised sessions such as forest school, messy play, French and yoga.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Ashburton was also the first town to elect a candidate of the&nbsp;Monster Raving Loony Party&nbsp;to public office (but don&#8217;t let that put you off.) Here has links with St Walter Raleigh, reputedly taken to the tower from Old Exeter Inn, while St Andrew&#8217;s serene church-yard is award-winning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>You&#8217;re right on the A38 Devon Expressway, and just over half an hour by car to either Exeter or Plymouth, and 16 miles to the M5 southbound. Or its 2hrs 41mins to London Paddington by train via your nearest station at either Totnes or Newton Abbot (about 20 mins drive). </p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Ashburton

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