Living in Ivybridge

Ivybridge is defined by a strong sense of community and a pace of life that balances social connection with outdoor enjoyment. The town centre hosts a regular farmers' market, bringing together local producers and artisans. The Watermark Centre serves as a cultural hub, offering a cinema, library, exhibition spaces, and community events throughout the year.

Residents participate in local festivals, from May Day celebrations to music events and the annual Ivybridge Carnival. Sports clubs are a vital part of local life, with rugby, football, swimming, and tennis all well supported. There are excellent walking routes into the surrounding countryside, including the Erme Valley Trail and direct access onto Dartmoor National Park.

Parks, allotments, and riverside walks appeal to families and nature lovers, making Ivybridge a place where outdoor and community activities play a central role in residents' day-to-day life.

Ivybridge has gained a reputation for being a safe place to live, particularly in comparison to larger urban centres in Devon and Cornwall. The town experiences relatively low crime rates, with the majority of reported incidents relating to minor anti-social behaviour or non-violent offences. Residential neighbourhoods are generally regarded as peaceful, especially those towards the Dartmoor edge of town and in newer developments on the outskirts.

Local policing in Ivybridge benefits from a visible neighbourhood team who maintain regular community contact. Crime prevention initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch and community forums, help to foster a collective sense of responsibility. The Devon and Cornwall Police regularly engage with Ivybridge residents through community meetings and online updates, supporting a proactive approach to local safety.

Parking in Ivybridge is generally straightforward, with a mix of free and pay-and-display car parks serving the town centre and local amenities. On-street parking is available in most residential areas, though permit zones apply in some locations close to the commercial centre and train station. Residents rarely report issues with excessive congestion, except during school drop-off and pick-up times or town events.

The A38 is the main transport artery for Ivybridge, swiftly connecting drivers to Plymouth (approx. 10 miles, 15 minutes), Exeter (approx. 38 miles, 50 minutes), and the bustling South Hams coastline. Roadworks or peak holiday traffic can affect travel times during summer, but overall road access is excellent for a rural Devon town.

Nearby towns are easily reached by road:

• Plymouth – approx. 10 miles, 15 minutes via A38
• Totnes – approx. 14 miles, 30 minutes via A38/A384
• Salcombe – approx. 22 miles, 40 minutes via A379/B3197
• Exeter – approx. 38 miles, 50 minutes via A38

Ivybridge has a welcoming culinary scene focused around traditional pubs, independent cafés, and casual dining options. The Watermark Centre café is a popular daytime spot, while family-run restaurants and cosy tearooms can be found throughout the town. Established pubs such as The Sportsmans Inn and The Ivy Bush are longstanding favourites, serving classic British fare and local ales in characterful settings.

For takeaways, options include fish and chips, Indian, Chinese, and pizza. While Ivybridge is more geared towards relaxed evenings out than bustling nightlife, there are occasional community events, quiz nights, and live music sessions. People seeking a livelier bar or club scene often head to Plymouth, where a variety of venues and late-night entertainment can be found.

Ivybridge is also within easy reach of South Devon’s renowned food scene, with acclaimed pubs and restaurants in neighbouring villages such as Ugborough, or on the coast at Salcombe.

School Quality: Ivybridge is known for excellent primary schools and a well-regarded secondary school, Ivybridge Community College, which attracts families from across South Hams.

Parks and Green Space: Numerous parks, play areas, and easy access to Dartmoor make the town ideal for children and outdoor family activities.

Childcare: A selection of nurseries and pre-schools are available, with after-school provisions supported by local schools and clubs.

Safety: The town experiences low crime rates and has active community safety initiatives that provide peace of mind for parents.

Family Activities: Families benefit from local sports clubs, swimming pools, community events, and countless walks and cycling routes.

Ivybridge is popular among pet owners, thanks to its wide variety of walking routes, riverside paths, and immediate access to Dartmoor National Park. Residents enjoy dog walks through Longtimber Woods, Erme Valley, and nearby moorland, while parks and open fields are abundant within and around the town. Many local pubs and cafés offer dog-friendly facilities, contributing to the area's welcoming attitude towards pets.

There are several veterinary clinics, pet shops, and grooming parlours in Ivybridge, providing pet owners with easy access to services. Renting with pets is generally accepted, particularly in houses and cottages, and the local community is supportive of dogs and other animals in public spaces, provided owners follow established guidelines.

Ivybridge is well connected, making it an attractive base for commuters and those seeking access to both rural Devon and urban centres. The town boasts its own railway station, which provides direct services to Plymouth, Exeter, and beyond. Regular rail connections mean residents can reach Plymouth in around 15 minutes and Exeter in approximately 50 minutes, making Ivybridge a practical choice for city workers.

Bus services link Ivybridge to nearby villages and market towns, ensuring public transport options are available for local students, workers, and shoppers. The A38 Devon Expressway runs just south of the town, offering swift road access to local and national routes. For air travel, Exeter Airport is about a 45-minute drive away, opening up domestic and some international travel options.

• Plymouth: approx. 10 miles, 15 minutes by train or car (A38)
• Exeter: approx. 38 miles, 50 minutes by train or car (A38)
• Torquay: approx. 26 miles, 40 minutes by car (A38 & A385)
• Exeter Airport: approx. 40 miles, 45 minutes by car

Primary Schools in Ivybridge:
Ivybridge benefits from several well-regarded primary schools. Woodlands Park Primary School is notable, with a strong Ofsted record (last rated "Good" in 2019) and close ties to the community. Stowford School is another popular choice, known for delivering a broad curriculum and also rated "Good" by Ofsted (2019). Manor Primary School and The Erme Primary School both offer nurturing environments and active engagement with local families, with the most recent Ofsted inspections reflecting positive outcomes.

Secondary Schools in Ivybridge:
The standout institution is Ivybridge Community College, which serves as the town’s main secondary school and sixth form. It is recognised across South Devon for its academic and sporting achievements. The college was last rated "Good" by Ofsted in 2017 and provides a comprehensive range of GCSE, A-Level, and vocational options. Many young people from surrounding villages also attend this large secondary academy.

Colleges and Further Education:
Ivybridge Community College includes a sixth form centre, offering a variety of post-16 options. Additional further education colleges are found nearby in Plymouth, such as City College Plymouth, which provides technical and vocational courses.

Universities near Ivybridge:
While Ivybridge itself does not host a university, the town is within easy reach of the University of Plymouth, one of the region’s most respected higher education institutions. Exeter, with its prestigious University of Exeter, is also accessible by train or car for Ivybridge residents interested in undergraduate or postgraduate study.