Living in Seaton

Seaton is known for its close-knit and welcoming community, with a calendar of local events that encourage social interaction and participation. The town hosts the annual Seaton Carnival, Seaton Eats Boutique (a popular street food market), and regular events at the Gateway Theatre and Arts Centre. The town centre features independent retailers, galleries, and a vibrant Saturday market.

Outdoor life is a key part of local culture. The Seaton Wetlands is a haven for birdwatchers and walkers, and the South West Coast Path provides opportunities for hiking with panoramic sea views. Community spirit is fostered through groups such as the Seaton Tennis and Bowls Club and the Seaton u3a, as well as a variety of volunteering opportunities. The town’s seafront is an everyday meeting place for both locals and visitors, especially during the summer.

Seaton is generally regarded as a safe and peaceful place to live, with lower crime rates than many urban areas in Devon. The town benefits from a strong sense of community and neighborliness, which contributes to its safe atmosphere. Petty crime and antisocial behaviour are rare, although, like most rural coastal towns, Seaton may experience seasonal increases in minor disturbances during peak tourist periods.

Devon and Cornwall Police have an active presence in Seaton, with community policing, Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and regular engagement events helping to maintain safety standards. There are also public safety initiatives focused on beach and coastal safety, particularly during the summer months, for both locals and visitors.

Parking in Seaton is generally straightforward, especially outside peak holiday seasons. The town provides several public car parks within easy reach of the seafront, including the Harbour Road Car Park and Seaton Jurassic Car Park. On-street parking is available in many residential areas, though it can become limited during summer months or local events. Residential parking permits are available in some streets adjoining the town centre.

Seaton is accessible via the A3052 and is connected to key routes such as the A35 for onward travel to Honiton and Dorchester. The local road network makes it convenient to travel to towns and cities nearby. Congestion is rare except during peak summer tourist times or large events. Major nearby destinations by road include:

• Exeter – approx. 50 minutes via A3052 (25 miles)
• Axminster – approx. 25 minutes via A358 (8 miles)
• Sidmouth – approx. 25 minutes via A3052 (11 miles)
• Honiton – approx. 30 minutes via A35 (14 miles)
• Lyme Regis – approx. 20 minutes via A3052 (7 miles)

Seaton offers a delightful and varied food scene, centred around the town’s beachfront and Fore Street. The Hideaway, Pebbles Coffee House, and The Terrace Arts Café are popular spots for coffee, cake, and light lunches. Seafood is a highlight here, with many restaurants and takeaways featuring fresh fish and local produce on their menus.

The Gateway Theatre and Arts Centre provides live entertainment and film nights. The town has a choice of traditional pubs, such as The Ship Inn and The Malt House, both welcoming locals and visitors alike, often hosting quiz nights or live music events. While Seaton’s nightlife is mostly relaxed and sociable, more vibrant options can be found in nearby Exeter or Sidmouth. Family-friendly pubs and casual dining make it a great place for leisurely evening meals by the sea.

School Quality: Seaton offers reliable primary education, with secondary and grammar choices nearby, rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.

Parks and Green Space: Families have easy access to the Seaton Wetlands, the Undercliff National Nature Reserve, and several playgrounds dotted around the town.

Childcare: Seaton has nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs providing options for working parents and young families.

Safety: The town enjoys a strong reputation for its low crime rates and safe neighbourhoods, supported by active community policing.

Family Activities: There are family-friendly attractions including the Seaton Tramway, beach days, fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast, regular events at the Gateway Theatre, and organised sports for children of all ages.

Seaton is highly accommodating for pet owners, with miles of coastline and countryside perfect for walking dogs. The beachfront, Seaton Wetlands, and the South West Coast Path all offer pet-friendly routes. Many local cafés and pubs have dog-friendly policies, with water bowls and treats on hand for four-legged visitors.

The area has several veterinary practices and pet shops, making it convenient for residents with animals. Open public spaces, playgrounds, and parks make it easy for both pets and owners to socialise. Generally, the town has an inclusive attitude to pet ownership, with many rental properties and local establishments welcoming pets.

Seaton enjoys reasonable transport links for a small coastal town, serving both its residents and seasonal visitors. Although the former Seaton railway line is now a heritage tramway, national rail connections are available at Axminster (around 8 miles away), which offers frequent services to London Waterloo and Exeter. The main bus routes connect Seaton to Exeter, Sidmouth, Lyme Regis, and Axminster, with regular local and regional services operated by Stagecoach and First Bus.

The A3052 road links Seaton with Exeter, Sidmouth, and Lyme Regis, while the A35 connects to Honiton and Dorchester. For air travel, Exeter Airport is approximately 45 minutes by car, providing access to UK and European destinations. The South West Coast Path runs through Seaton, making it popular with walkers and cyclists, and providing scenic commuting routes for those living nearby.

Approximate commute times from Seaton:

• Exeter – approx. 50 minutes by car (25 miles)
• Axminster – approx. 25 minutes by car (8 miles); rail to London Waterloo takes approx. 2.5 hours
• Sidmouth – approx. 25 minutes by car (11 miles)
• Lyme Regis – approx. 20 minutes by car (7 miles)

Primary Schools

Seaton Primary School is the main provider of primary education in the town, offering a welcoming, community-driven environment. The school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its last inspection in 2017 and is recognised for its supportive atmosphere and wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Colyton Primary Academy, located just a short drive away in Colyton, also serves Seaton families and is highly regarded in the area.

Secondary Schools

The Axe Valley Academy in nearby Axminster (last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2020) is the main secondary school for Seaton students. Additionally, Colyton Grammar School, one of the top-performing grammar schools in the country, is just over three miles away. Colyton Grammar received an 'Outstanding' rating in its most recent Ofsted report in 2023 and is known for exceptional academic achievement.

Colleges and Sixth Forms

Sidmouth College, located around nine miles from Seaton, offers secondary and sixth-form education and is accessible by bus. Exeter College, further afield in Exeter, is a highly respected FE college attracting students from throughout the region for its broad curriculum and excellent teaching.

Universities

Whilst Seaton itself does not have a university, the city of Exeter—about 25 miles away—is home to the University of Exeter, a member of the Russell Group, and the Exeter campus of the University of Plymouth.