Living in Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh’s community and local life centre on its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and active participation in town events. Residents often mention the friendliness of neighbours and a genuine willingness to support local initiatives, from volunteer work to local fundraising. The town’s regular market fosters a sense of shared purpose and provides an opportunity for local producers and artisans to meet.

Local events, such as the Buckfastleigh Christmas Fair, Duck Race, and the summer Buckfest music festival, are well-attended and strengthen community ties. The Valiant Soldier Museum and South Devon Railway offer cultural outings, while nearby green spaces like Hembury Woods and the River Dart attract walkers and families.

There is a strong focus on outdoor living, with many opportunities for walking, canoeing, cycling, and wild swimming on Dartmoor’s doorstep. Community centres and local societies cater to a range of interests, forming the backbone of Buckfastleigh’s sociable and supportive identity.

Buckfastleigh maintains a reputation as a generally safe and friendly town, typical of many small communities in South Devon. Locals report a strong sense of security, with lower crime rates than larger urban areas such as Plymouth or Exeter.

Most crime in Buckfastleigh comprises minor antisocial behaviour or occasional petty theft, with serious incidents being rare. The town is actively served by the Devon & Cornwall Police, who engage with the community through neighbourhood policing initiatives, local drop-in sessions, and reactive patrols. Residents often comment on the proactive presence of local police and neighbourhood watch schemes, which help contribute to overall perceptions of safety in the town.

Parking in Buckfastleigh is a manageable experience for residents and visitors alike. On-street parking is widely available throughout the town, though daily spaces in the central area can fill up at peak times, especially during special events or tourist seasons. The town also benefits from several public car parks, including those near the Buckfastleigh railway station and the town centre.

Residents can apply for parking permits where necessary. Road access is particularly convenient, with the A38 Devon Expressway running close by and providing rapid links to regional centres. The local road system is well-maintained, and congestion within the town is minimal outside of popular events. Buckfastleigh also offers easy access to beautiful Dartmoor locations as well as outbound routes to:

• Totnes – approx. 15 minutes via A384 (7 miles)
• Newton Abbot – approx. 20 minutes via A38 (12 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 30 minutes via A38 (22 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 40 minutes via A38 (28 miles)
• Dartmouth – approx. 35 minutes via A384/A3122 (20 miles)

Buckfastleigh offers a charming selection of local food, pubs, and nightlife, focused mainly around independent venues and traditional pubs. Notable establishments include the historic Globe Inn at the heart of town, which serves local ales and hearty dishes, and The Abbey Inn near the River Dart, renowned for its views and classic menu. Several inviting cafés line the high street, such as the Well Hung Meat Café and The Singing Kettle, both popular for locally sourced treats and relaxed atmospheres.

For takeaways, choices range from pizza and fish & chips to quality Indian food. Nightlife is low-key, with local pubs providing the main social scene and occasional live music or quiz nights. The nearby towns of Totnes and Newton Abbot offer a broader variety of bars, larger restaurants, and entertainment venues, including theatres and live music halls for those seeking a livelier evening out.

School Quality: The town offers well-regarded primary education and easy access to quality secondary schools in nearby Totnes and Ashburton, ensuring families benefit from comprehensive schooling choices. The presence of independent schools and colleges close by adds further options for older children.

Parks and Green Space: Buckfastleigh is surrounded by natural beauty, with plenty of open spaces, including Victoria Park, Hembury Woods, and Dartmoor National Park. These locations are ideal for family walks, play, and exploration.

Childcare: The town and nearby areas provide nurseries and after-school care, including childminders and nursery settings linked to schools. Childcare is widely available, supporting working families.

Safety: Buckfastleigh’s friendly, small-town environment, combined with active community policing, gives families confidence in the safety and wellbeing of children in the area.

Family Activities: Local attractions, such as the Buckfast Butterfly Farm, South Devon Railway, and Dartmoor, ensure there is always something engaging for children and families both indoors and outdoors.

Buckfastleigh is well-suited for pet lovers, with plentiful green spaces, woodlands, and riverside walks perfect for dogs. The nearby Dartmoor National Park provides miles of accessible countryside, catering to energetic pets.

The town hosts a local veterinary practice and several pet supply stores, ensuring practical support for pet owners. Pet-friendly accommodation is common, and dogs are welcome in many local pubs and cafés. Residents appreciate the open and inclusive approach to pets both in public areas and in rental or owner-occupied housing.

Buckfastleigh benefits from straightforward access to regional transport routes, making it surprisingly accessible despite its countryside setting. The town is located just off the A38 dual carriageway, connecting to Exeter and Plymouth, which is a major benefit for commuters. While Buckfastleigh’s own train station operates mainly as part of the heritage South Devon Railway, mainline services are accessible in nearby Totnes.

Public buses link Buckfastleigh to local towns such as Ashburton, Totnes, and Newton Abbot, as well as to Plymouth and Exeter. The nearest mainline station is Totnes (around 7 miles), from where frequent services run to London Paddington, **Exeter**, **Plymouth**, and beyond.

• Exeter: approx. 30 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus
• Totnes: approx. 15 minutes by car or bus
• Plymouth: approx. 40 minutes by car via A38
• Newton Abbot: approx. 20 minutes by car
• Exeter Airport: approximately 35 minutes via A38/A30

For international travel, Exeter Airport provides regular flights to UK and European destinations. Buckfastleigh’s location offers an effective blend of rural seclusion with viable, regular public transport options to key urban centres.

Primary Schools:

Buckfastleigh Primary School is the main primary institution within the town, known for its inclusive values and supportive learning environment. The school has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted (last inspected in 2021), and offers a broad curriculum enriched through local partnerships, including the nearby Buckfast Abbey School (an independent provision known for its specialist support).

St. Mary's Catholic Primary School in Buckfast is also nearby, offering a faith-based education and a strong sense of community, highly regarded for pastoral care.

Secondary Schools:

While there is no secondary school directly within Buckfastleigh, students typically attend KEVICC (King Edward VI Community College) in Totnes, which is the nearest secondary, around 7 miles away, and rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2022). South Dartmoor Community College in Ashburton is another popular choice, well-known for its academic and sporting opportunities.

Colleges, Sixth Forms & Independent Schools:

South Devon College in Paignton serves as a leading further education institution for the region, providing a wide range of vocational and academic courses. There are also several independent schools within driving distance, including Stover School (Newton Abbot) and Dartington Hall School, the latter of which is especially recognised for its arts-focussed education. A Steiner School can also be found in nearby Dartington.

Universities:

Buckfastleigh does not have a university campus, but Exeter’s prestigious University is accessible by train or car, and Plymouth University is also within commuting distance, making higher education within reach for local students.