Living in Holsworthy

The sense of community in Holsworthy is a defining feature. The town hosts regular social and cultural events, including the centuries-old St. Peter’s Fair and the Holsworthy and Stratton Show, attracting visitors from across North Devon and Cornwall. The weekly pannier market in the town square creates a lively focal point for shopping and socialising.

Holsworthy’s Memorial Hall and Manor Rooms are hubs for local group meetings, fitness classes, and community clubs. Residents have easy access to green space at Stanhope Park, which offers a children’s playground, a bowling green, and peaceful areas for walking. The Ruby Country – the area around Holsworthy – is known for its network of walking trails and cycle routes through beautiful countryside.

Crime rates in Holsworthy are typically lower than in larger urban centres, and the area is generally perceived as safe and welcoming. The Devon and Cornwall Police have a dedicated neighbourhood policing team serving Holsworthy, maintaining a visible presence and engaging positively with the community.

Most incidents reported are minor and tend to be occasional anti-social behaviour or petty theft, with more serious offences being rare. Community safety groups and regular public meetings help maintain open dialogue between residents and local law enforcement. Rural watch schemes and neighbourhood watch initiatives provide extra reassurance for those concerned about the safety of more remote homes.

The overall atmosphere is one of trust and care, with residents often describing Holsworthy as a place where people look out for one another.

Parking in Holsworthy is generally straightforward. The town centre features short-stay on-street parking bays, with several public car parks such as Manor Car Park and Stanhope Car Park providing longer-term options. Resident permits are available for those living close to the centre, and congestion outside of market days is typically minimal.

The A388 passes through Holsworthy, providing direct road access north to Bideford (approx. 45 minutes via A388/A386, 24 miles) and south into Launceston (approx. 25 minutes via A388, 15 miles), while the A3072 runs east-west towards Bude (20 minutes, 10 miles) and Okehampton (35 minutes, 22 miles).

Residents benefit from rural driving conditions with little gridlock, although roads can become busier during market days and the summer tourism season. The closest motorway – the M5 – is accessed via the A30 near Exeter, approximately an hour’s drive away.

Holsworthy offers a selection of traditional pubs, independent cafés, and family-run restaurants showcasing local produce and West Country hospitality. The Kings Arms and Old Market Inn are popular spots for a pint and pub classics, while younger crowds enjoy seasonal events at venues like the White Hart Hotel.

Cafés including Bodmin Street Café and The Coffee Pot are local meeting points for breakfast, lunch, and homemade cakes. Takeaway options in Holsworthy cover everything from fish and chips to pizza and Chinese cuisine, making it easy for residents to dine in or enjoy casual meals at home.

Nightlife in Holsworthy is modest, with no clubs and a relaxed evening scene. Local pub quizzes, monthly live music, and annual festivals provide social focus, with larger options for bars and nightlife accessible in Bude or Barnstaple.

School quality: Holsworthy's primary and secondary schools offer a supportive environment with an emphasis on individual development, making them a popular choice with local families. Ongoing improvements at the secondary level reflect a commitment to progress.

Parks and green space: Stanhope Park, just a short walk from the town centre, provides families with well-maintained play areas and open fields for outdoor activities. The nearby countryside is ideal for family walks, bike rides, and wildlife spotting.

Childcare: The town is served by several nurseries, preschools, and registered childminders, making it accessible for parents with young children.

Safety: Low crime rates and a sense of mutual respect contribute to a reassuring environment for raising children.

Family activities: From the swimming pool and sports clubs at Holsworthy Leisure Centre to local festivals and weekly markets, there are plenty of opportunities for families to participate in community life.

Pet-friendly living in Holsworthy is enhanced by the abundance of outdoor space and welcoming attitudes towards animals. Stanhope Park and the extensive public footpaths in the Ruby Country make it easy for dog owners to enjoy daily walks or more adventurous hikes across fields and woodland.

Local veterinary practices, pet shops, and grooming services are on hand for routine care and supplies. Many of Holsworthy’s pubs and cafés are happy to welcome well-behaved dogs, reflecting a culture of inclusivity for pets throughout the town and nearby countryside.

Housing in Holsworthy tends to have private gardens and access to open areas, giving residents the freedom to own and care for pets with minimal restrictions. The wider region’s focus on outdoor living makes it a natural choice for animal lovers.

Public transport options in Holsworthy are limited compared with larger Devon centres, but connections by bus and road serve residents well. The town is linked by the A388 and A3072, providing straightforward car access to the North Devon coast, Exeter, and Bude.

There is no railway station in Holsworthy. The nearest major station is at Okehampton (about 22 miles east), now on the Dartmoor Line providing regular trains direct to Exeter St Davids for connections to London, the Midlands, and further afield. A comprehensive bus service covers Bude, Launceston, Exeter, Barnstaple, and local villages.

Key journey times from Holsworthy:

• Bude – approx. 20 minutes by car or bus (10 miles)
• Launceston – approx. 25 minutes by car (15 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour by car via A30 (40 miles)
• Okehampton – approx. 35 minutes (22 miles)

The nearest commercial airport is Exeter Airport, about 55 miles southeast, reachable in just over an hour by car. Newquay Cornwall Airport offers further domestic destinations within 43 miles to the southwest.

Schools in Holsworthy are valued for their inclusive approach and emphasis on a rounded education. The town itself and the surrounding area offer a choice of primary and secondary schools, as well as links to colleges in nearby towns and access to university education further afield.

Primary Schools:

Holsworthy Church of England Primary School is centrally located, offering co-educational learning for children aged 4–11, with a focus on community values. Ofsted last rated it ‘Good’ in December 2018.

Bridgerule Church of England Primary School also serves families on the outskirts, fostering a caring environment with mixed-age classes.

Secondary Schools:

Holsworthy Community College is the main secondary option for local pupils, taking students from 11–16. The college is part of the Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust and is invested in academic progress and personal development. Ofsted rated it ‘Requires Improvement’ in November 2021, though it has since undergone extensive improvement initiatives.

Bideford College, around 15 miles away, is another popular choice, particularly for sixth form provision, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in October 2019.

Colleges and Further Education:

The nearest FE college is Petroc in Barnstaple (roughly 30 minutes by car), offering A-levels, vocational courses, and adult learning.

Universities:

No universities are located directly in Holsworthy. However, University of Exeter (Streatham campus) lies just over an hour away, and Plymouth University provides further options within practical commuting distance for part-time or mature students.