Living in Cullompton

Community & local life in Cullompton is shaped by a strong sense of tradition, neighbourliness, and shared pride in the town’s heritage. Regular events such as the weekly market, the annual Cullompton SpringFest, and the Christmas Lights Festival bring residents together and create a friendly social atmosphere.

The town’s community centre serves as a hub for a wide variety of clubs, activities, and classes, from fitness groups to arts and crafts sessions. Outdoor living is encouraged by ample access to green spaces like Cullompton Millennium Green and the nearby Devon countryside, popular for walking, cycling, and nature watching.

Volunteer groups and initiatives such as the Cullompton Repair Café and various environmental projects contribute to the sense of empowerment and unity among residents. This close-knit atmosphere makes Cullompton welcoming to newcomers and supportive for longtime locals alike.

Cullompton is generally perceived as a safe and welcoming town within Devon. Crime rates in Cullompton are relatively low compared to larger urban areas in the county, and antisocial behaviour remains uncommon. The local police maintain a visible presence around the town centre, attending community events and operating outreach initiatives targeting youth engagement.

Residents benefit from neighbourhood watch schemes and regular communications from the Devon & Cornwall Police, helping to foster a sense of security. Like many small towns, occasional incidents of petty crime do occur, but serious incidents are rare. Initiatives to improve safety include better street lighting and investment in public spaces, further enhancing the perception of safety and community confidence in Cullompton.

Parking in Cullompton is generally convenient, with a mix of on-street options and several short- and long-stay car parks located near the town centre. Resident parking permits are available in certain zones, and there are free parking areas close to shops and amenities. Congestion is seldom a problem except during the weekly market or during school pick-up times, where the town centre can become busier.

Cullompton’s proximity to the M5 motorway makes road access straightforward for those travelling by car. The B3181 runs through the town and connects key local destinations, while the A373 provides access towards Honiton and East Devon.

Nearby towns and cities by major roads:

• Tiverton – approx. 15 minutes via B3181 (7 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 25 minutes via M5 (15 miles)
• Wellington – approx. 18 minutes via M5 (14 miles)
• Taunton – approx. 30 minutes via M5 (22 miles)
• Honiton – approx. 20 minutes via A373 (12 miles)

Cullompton has a strong tradition of locally sourced food and friendly, independent eateries. The town centre is home to a variety of cafés, bakeries, and takeaways, ranging from classic British tearooms to international cuisine. Popular choices for eating out include The Bakehouse Café, a favourite for homemade cakes, and The Weary Traveller, known for its welcoming atmosphere and pub grub.

The King’s Head and The Pony & Trap are two of the town’s longstanding pubs, both offering real ales and generous menus. The community’s emphasis on local produce is clear from the regular farmers’ market, where visitors can try cheeses, meats, and seasonal vegetables grown in the Devon countryside.

While nightlife in Cullompton is more relaxed and community-oriented than in a large city, occasional live music nights and events take place at the larger pubs or community venues. For a broader nightlife scene, residents often travel into Exeter for bars, clubs, and theatre performances.

School quality: Cullompton’s good-quality schools and close-knit education system provide a strong foundation for children, with primary and secondary options rated 'Good' by Ofsted. The presence of further education colleges and easy access to Exeter’s academic resources make it suitable for all ages.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from well-maintained parks like the Millennium Green, the community orchard, and easy access to play areas and open countryside for outdoor activities and leisure.

Childcare: Several nurseries and playgroups are available in the area, often linked to the local schools or run by dedicated community organisations, making it easy for working parents to access reliable childcare.

Safety: Low crime rates and the presence of active community policing initiatives mean parents feel confident allowing children independence around the town.

Family activities: Cullompton offers a variety of clubs, after-school activities, and family-focused events, including seasonal fairs and local festivals. With both structured activities and spontaneous outdoor adventures possible, the town meets the needs of families seeking a balanced, active lifestyle.

Cullompton is particularly well-suited to pet owners, with a wide range of green spaces and countryside footpaths accessible for daily dog walks or outdoor exercise. The Cullompton Millennium Green, numerous local parks, and access to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty make outdoor adventures easy for dogs and their owners.

Several veterinary practices serve the area, supporting pet healthcare needs, along with independent pet shops and grooming parlours. Dog-friendly cafés and pubs allow four-legged friends to join their owners for refreshments, and housing throughout Cullompton often accommodates pets, with many landlords and letting agents open to responsible animal ownership.

Community attitudes towards pets are positive, with groups and meet-ups for new owners, dog-training sessions, and local events that welcome pets as part of the family.

Cullompton benefits from excellent transport connections, making it convenient for both local travel and longer commutes. The town lies just off Junction 28 of the M5 motorway, providing rapid road access to Exeter, Taunton, and beyond. This has made Cullompton especially attractive to those commuting for work or education in nearby urban centres.

Public transport is well-arranged, with regular bus services connecting Cullompton to Exeter, Tiverton, Honiton, and other local towns. The main bus routes operate throughout the day, providing access to shopping, employment, and leisure opportunities in surrounding areas.

Although Cullompton's own railway station closed many years ago, Tiverton Parkway Station is just a short drive away, providing quick and frequent mainline rail services to Exeter, Taunton, Bristol, London Paddington, and the North of England. For air travel, Exeter International Airport is accessible by car in approximately 20 to 25 minutes, offering flights to UK and European destinations.

Commute times to key cities:

• Exeter – approx. 25 minutes by car via M5 (15 miles)
• Taunton – approx. 30 minutes by car via M5 (22 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 1 hour 10 minutes by car via M5 (68 miles)
• London (Paddington) – approx. 2 hours by train from Tiverton Parkway

Schools in Cullompton cater to families seeking a good standard of education in both the public and independent sectors. The town’s primary schools include Willowbank Primary School, which was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022, and St Andrew’s Primary School, also rated 'Good' by Ofsted in the same year. These schools offer a welcoming learning environment and play a central role in community life.

For secondary education, Cullompton Community College serves the area and has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted, with a last inspection in 2018. The college is well-regarded locally for its supportive teaching staff and wide range of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports.

In terms of further education and colleges, Petroc College (Tiverton Campus) is within easy reach, offering a variety of vocational and academic courses post-16. Exeter College, a further education institution comprising sixth form and technical training, is accessible by public transport or car, providing a broader spectrum of qualifications including A-levels and apprenticeships.

While there are no universities located directly in Cullompton, the prominent University of Exeter is easily accessible for those seeking higher education. This well-regarded university offers a vast array of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and contributes significantly to the area’s educational reputation.