Living in Lifton

Community life in Lifton centres around a strong sense of belonging, neighbourliness, and shared tradition. The village hosts annual events, including summer fetes and Christmas markets, which bring residents together and showcase local talent and produce. Lifton Community Centre acts as the hub for clubs, exercise classes, and social meetings.

Lifton’s countryside setting encourages an active outdoor lifestyle, with riverside walks along the Lyd, cycling routes, and quick access to larger open spaces like Roadford Lake Country Park. Allotments, church groups, and volunteering initiatives further contribute to a collaborative local spirit. Village notice boards keep residents informed about activities, from book clubs to gardening societies.

Lifton is recognised as a safe rural village with low crime rates, characteristic of many small communities in West Devon. The crime statistics for this part of the county remain below the national average, with incidents typically limited to occasional antisocial behaviour and minor theft.

The presence of active neighbourhood watch groups and regular police patrols reassures residents. Community initiatives such as "Devon and Cornwall Alert" keep locals informed about safety updates. The close-knit community structure fosters vigilance, making Lifton a secure place for families and retirees.

Parking in Lifton is generally straightforward, with ample residential on-street spaces in most parts of the village. Many homes benefit from private driveways or off-road parking. The village centre offers some public parking, catering for visitors to local shops and amenities.

Residents can obtain local parking permits if necessary, though congestion is rarely an issue compared with larger towns. Lifton’s position just off the A30 provides exceptionally good road access for those commuting by car. The A30 is a major dual carriageway providing swift travel into Cornwall, Exeter, and Plymouth, and linking with other key routes in the South West.

• Launceston – approx. 10 minutes via A30 (5 miles)
• Tavistock – approx. 20 minutes via A386 (12 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 45 minutes via A386 (29 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 50 minutes via A30 (38 miles)
• Bude – approx. 30 minutes via A3072 (18 miles)

Lifton is home to a small yet vibrant selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafés that celebrate local flavours and West Country produce. The renowned Lifton Hall Hotel offers classic British dishes in a historic setting, while The Arundell hotel and restaurant is famous for its fresh, locally sourced menus and offers a cosy bar for villagers and visitors alike. Lifton Farm Shop is a destination for artisanal cafés, bakery treats, and seasonal produce.

For casual dining, the village features takeaways and tea rooms serving everything from homemade scones to hearty lunches. While large clubs and bars are absent, nearby Launceston and Tavistock offer broader nightlife including live music venues and theatres.

The atmosphere remains relaxed, prioritising quality food and drink in traditional settings over late-night party culture, making Lifton well-suited to sociable dining and quieter evenings out.

School Quality: Lifton Community Academy offers strong primary provision, and there is easy access to reputable secondary schools in Launceston and Tavistock, supporting families with children of all ages.

Parks and Green Space: The surrounding countryside, riverside paths, and nearby Roadford Lake provide ample open spaces for outdoor play, walking, and family outings.

Childcare: Local nurseries and preschool options meet the needs of working parents, while community support helps create an inclusive environment for young families.

Safety: Lifton's low crime rates and tight-knit community make it a safe place for children to grow up, with neighbours often looking out for one another.

Family Activities: Family-friendly events, local clubs, and easy access to Dartmoor National Park mean there’s no shortage of things to do during weekends and holidays.

Pet ownership is widely embraced in Lifton, reflecting the village’s rural outlook and access to green spaces. Extensive footpaths, bridleways, and riverside walks create a pet-friendly environment perfect for dog walking and outdoor activities. Nearby Roadford Lake Country Park is a popular destination for both dog owners and nature lovers.

The village benefits from local veterinary surgeries, such as Westmoor Veterinary Hospital in Launceston, and several pet supply stores. Many local cafés and pubs allow well-behaved dogs, and housing is generally welcoming to pets, with gardens common among village properties. The general attitude to pets is positive, making Lifton an inviting place for animal lovers.

Lifton benefits from its strategic position near the A30, providing convenient road access to many parts of Devon and Cornwall. While the village itself does not have its own train station, regular bus services connect Lifton to nearby towns such as Launceston and Tavistock, widening access to public transport networks.

Rail services can be accessed from Gunnislake Station (approx. 10 miles) with regular trains to Plymouth, and from Exeter St Davids (approx. 40 minutes by car), enabling travel to London and the rest of the UK. The closest major airport is Exeter International, about a 50-minute drive away, opening up domestic and European destinations.

• Exeter – approximately 50 minutes by car via the A30 (38 miles)
• Plymouth – about 45 minutes by car via the A386 (29 miles)
• Launceston – 10 minutes via A30 (5 miles)
• Bodmin – around 45 minutes by car (33 miles)

The A30 dual carriageway is a significant advantage for Lifton residents, offering direct links to Cornwall and to major Devon towns and cities.

Primary Schools:

Lifton Community Academy is the main primary school in the village, serving children aged 4-11. It is part of The Learning Academy Trust and is praised for its nurturing environment and commitment to academic achievement. The most recent Ofsted inspection (2019) graded the school as "Good," highlighting its caring ethos and strong leadership.

Secondary Schools:

There are no secondary schools within Lifton itself; however, the nearby town of Launceston (approx. 5 miles) offers Launceston College, an academy with a strong local reputation. Rated "Good" by Ofsted in its 2019 report, the college provides comprehensive education for 11-18 year olds. Other options include Tavistock College, around 12 miles away, also offering a wide curriculum and sixth form.

Independent & Specialist Schools:

Within reach of Lifton are several independent schools, such as St. Joseph’s School in Launceston, catering to students from nursery through to GCSEs. Shebbear College, further afield (approx. 16 miles), provides day and boarding school options.

Colleges & Sixth Forms:

Launceston College Sixth Form is the main provider locally, while Petroc College in Barnstaple and Exeter College are options for specialist further education, albeit with a longer commute.

Universities:

No universities are situated directly in Lifton. However, both the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter are within approximately an hour’s drive, making them accessible for higher education.