Living in Braunton

Braunton is known for its friendly, welcoming community and active local life. Residents often participate in a mix of social, sporting, and cultural activities. The local community centre hosts events ranging from art exhibitions to children’s groups, while St Brannock’s Church is a focal point for gatherings and seasonal celebrations.

The vibrant Braunton Farmers’ Market runs monthly, showcasing regional produce and handmade goods. The village has well-attended sports clubs, including football, rugby, and cricket, reflecting an active and inclusive local spirit. It is also positioned at the heart of the North Devon Biosphere, with easy access to Braunton Burrows—one of the UK’s largest sand dune systems—for walkers, nature lovers, and those enjoying the outdoors.

Crime rates in Braunton are generally lower than the national average, contributing to the village’s strong family appeal and relaxed environment. Residents often describe the area as safe and peaceful, with relatively few incidents of serious crime.

Devon & Cornwall Police maintain a visible presence, with community policing teams fostering good relationships with residents and local businesses. Issues tend to be minor, with occasional concerns about anti-social behaviour, particularly in the summer months, but these are effectively managed by local authorities. Braunton’s active neighbourhood watch schemes and community involvement further enhance its reputation as a safe place to live.

Parking in Braunton can be variable, depending on the season and time of day. The village centre has several public car parks, and most residential areas feature on-street parking, though spaces may be limited in peak tourist periods. Resident permits are available in some streets.

Traffic can become congested during summer, especially as visitors travel to the North Devon coast. The A361 provides a direct road link to Barnstaple and the M5, facilitating car travel across North Devon. Travel times to nearby towns and cities include:

• Barnstaple – 5 miles, approx. 10 minutes via A361
• Ilfracombe – 8 miles, approx. 20 minutes via B3231
• Exeter – 57 miles, approx. 1 hour 20 minutes via A361/M5
• South Molton – 24 miles, approx. 40 minutes via A361

Drivers benefit from generally well-maintained roads and clear signposting. The seasonal uplift in visitors does increase demand for parking and can impact journey times at peak periods.

Braunton has a varied food scene, anchored by popular pubs, independent restaurants, and relaxed cafes. The village is home to longstanding pubs such as The Aggi and The Williams Arms, known for their traditional atmospheres and local ales. Several cafes provide artisan coffee, home-baked cakes, and relaxed brunches—The Wild Thyme Café and Squires Fish & Chips are favourites among residents and visitors alike.

The presence of world-class surfing beaches nearby influences the area’s hospitality scene; many venues offer casual dining and are popular with surfers and tourists. Takeaways, including pizzerias and Asian cuisine, are available for those on the go. While Braunton is not a hotspot for late-night clubbing, it does feature a handful of bars for evening drinks. For more extensive nightlife—including live music and theatre—many head to Barnstaple or Ilfracombe.

The quality of schools in Braunton is a major draw for families, with both primary and secondary providers rated good by Ofsted and offering a range of extracurricular options that support children’s development.

Parks and green spaces are plentiful, with the nearby Braunton Recreation Ground and easy access to the Tarka Trail for walking and cycling. Braunton Burrows and local beaches provide endless opportunities for outdoor fun and family adventures.

Childcare facilities—including nurseries and after-school clubs—cater to younger children, helping parents balance work and family life. The village’s reputation for low crime rates adds an extra element of reassurance for families.

Family-friendly activities are abundant, whether that be exploring local history at the Museum of British Surfing, joining community sports, or enjoying events at the library and village hall.

Braunton is highly regarded for its pet-friendly ethos, with numerous well-maintained parks, walking trails, and proximity to the vast open spaces of Braunton Burrows and the South West Coast Path. Many local pubs and cafes welcome dogs, providing water bowls and treats.

Local veterinary clinics, pet shops, and grooming services ensure that pet owners have all they need nearby. The beaches at Saunton Sands and Croyde operate seasonal restrictions but are, for much of the year, open for dog walking and outdoor adventures.

Generally, residents and landlords are open to pets in private and rental accommodation, reflecting the area's relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

Braunton is well connected by road and has a reliable bus network, supporting commuters and those travelling for leisure to nearby towns and the wider region. Direct rail links are not available in Braunton itself, but Barnstaple station is just a short drive or bus journey away.

The A361 North Devon Link Road runs through Braunton, providing efficient routes towards Barnstaple and onto the M5 motorway for longer journeys across the South West or to Exeter and Bristol. Regular bus services operate between Braunton, Barnstaple, and Ilfracombe, as well as coastal areas such as Saunton and Croyde.

Key commute times:

• Barnstaple – approx. 10 min by car or 20 min by bus (5 miles)
• Ilfracombe – approx. 20 min by car (8 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour 20 min by car (57 miles)

The nearest railway station is in Barnstaple, linking to Exeter St Davids. Exeter International Airport is the closest airport, about 1 hour 10 minutes away by car, providing domestic and European flights. The area is popular with cyclists and walkers, as the Tarka Trail cycle path passes directly through Braunton, offering scenic travel options without the use of a car.

Braunton offers a range of educational opportunities for children and young people, with a good selection of nursery, primary, and secondary education options. Families value the quality of local schools and their strong links with the community.

Primary Schools:

Braunton Academy Primary School is a key local school serving the heart of the village, praised for its nurturing environment. Southmead School (last Ofsted: Good, 2018) is another well-regarded option, known for its positive learning environment and active parental involvement. Caen Community Primary School (last Ofsted: Good, 2019) is celebrated for its inclusive ethos and outdoor learning programmes. Nearby, Georgeham Church of England Primary School enjoys a rural setting and an encouraging community spirit.

Secondary Schools:

Braunton Academy (last Ofsted: Good, 2019) is the main state secondary provider in the village, offering a broad curriculum and a strong focus on individual student development. Park Community School in nearby Barnstaple is another popular choice, providing a wide range of extracurricular activities and robust academic results.

Colleges and Sixth Form:

Many students go on to Petroc College in Barnstaple, North Devon's largest provider of further education, for A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. Petroc is highly regarded for its inclusive approach and its strong ties with local employers and universities.

Universities:

There are no universities in Braunton itself. The nearest higher education institutions are the University of Exeter’s campuses in Exeter and Penryn, and Plymouth University, all of which are accessible via road or rail links, providing a wide range of academic opportunities within the South West.