Living in Winkleigh

Community life is a cornerstone of Winkleigh’s appeal. The village is known for its inclusive social spirit, with longstanding residents warmly welcoming newcomers. The Winkleigh Village Hall, a hub for clubs and social gatherings, is frequently used for events from yoga classes and art groups to craft fairs and fundraising coffee mornings.

Annually, the Winkleigh Fair brings together the entire parish for festivities, live music, and local food stalls, reflecting centuries-old traditions. Regular produce markets give residents access to local goods, while groups such as Scouts and Women’s Institute reinforce the sense of local connection.

The parish walkways, village green, and easy access to Dartmoor and Exmoor offer abundant opportunities for those who enjoy walking, cycling, or simply appreciating the outdoors. Winkleigh’s atmosphere is at once peaceful and socially engaged.

Winkleigh is generally regarded as a safe and secure place to live, benefitting from low reported crime rates typical of rural Devon. The community’s size, strong neighbourly connections, and the visible presence of local policing initiatives contribute to a reassuring environment for residents of all ages.

While incidents of anti-social behaviour or property crime are infrequent, local Neighbourhood Watch schemes and police community support officers work proactively to maintain the area’s reputation for safety. Villagers often recount leaving doors unlocked or children playing outdoors as routine.

Ongoing improvements to lighting, signage, and engagement between law enforcement and residents help keep public spaces and pedestrian routes welcoming and safe, particularly near the village centre and local schools.

Parking in Winkleigh is generally uncomplicated, with much of the village benefiting from on-street spaces and additional provision outside local services and shops. Resident parking isn’t usually subject to permit schemes due to the area’s rural character and relatively low demand.

Access in and out of Winkleigh is primarily via the A3124 and A3072, both of which connect to nearby towns and the wider Devon road network. Traffic congestion is rare, though occasional farm vehicles can slow progress at peak harvest times. The roads are well-maintained and scenic but can be narrow in parts, typical of Devon’s countryside landscape.

• Exeter – approx. 45 minutes via A3124/A377 (27 miles)
• Okehampton – approx. 20 minutes via A3072 (10 miles)
• Barnstaple – approx. 40 minutes via A377 (24 miles)
• Torrington – approx. 25 minutes via A3124 (13 miles)

Winkleigh’s central location means regular trips to surrounding towns are straightforward for shopping, work or leisure. Roadside parking in the village can sometimes become limited during major events or peak school times, but is otherwise ample for most households.

Winkleigh boasts a modest but welcoming food and pub scene, centred around historic inns and traditional village social life. The Kings Arms in the heart of the village is a favourite with locals, offering real ales, home-cooked food, and regular quiz or live music nights. The Seven Stars Inn, just around the corner, features hearty meals and a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.

Dining options in Winkleigh include a popular local takeaway and a growing collection of cafés serving locally-sourced produce, artisanal bakes, and barista coffee. Several farm shops in and around the village provide fresh seasonal ingredients, cheeses, and cider.

While Winkleigh isn’t a hotspot for late-night bars or clubs, occasional village hall events, pop-up food nights, and visits from touring theatre groups create a sociable backdrop. Those seeking a wider choice of eateries or night-time entertainment typically make the short trip to Okehampton or Barnstaple.

School Quality
Winkleigh offers accessible, reputable primary education, while nearby secondary schools and independent colleges ensure children are well-catered for through all key stages.

Parks and Green Space
The village green, playing fields, and easy countryside access offer families room to play, walk, and enjoy nature year-round.

Childcare
Local nursery care and after-school provisions are available, often run through the primary school or village hall, with further options in Okehampton and surrounding villages.

Safety
With notably low crime rates and a close-knit community ethos, families in Winkleigh can expect a comforting, watchful environment for children to grow up in.

Family Activities
Winkleigh Fair, seasonal community events, and sports on the local fields provide regular activities for all ages, complemented by local countryside walks and trips to nearby family attractions like RHS Rosemoor and Dartmoor National Park.

Pets are a valued part of village life in Winkleigh, with plentiful walks and dog-walking routes available direct from the doorstep. The network of public footpaths, green lanes, and bridleways around the village make it easy to explore the countryside with dogs, while the spacious playing fields are popular for daily exercise.

Winkleigh is well-served locally by veterinary services, with practices in the village and nearby towns. Several businesses in the area are dog-friendly, including village pubs and cafés. The prevailing attitude is warmly inclusive toward responsible pet ownership, and local housing typically offers generous gardens or nearby outdoor space.

Pet owners also benefit from ease of access to Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Tarka Trail for weekend adventures, making Winkleigh an appealing choice for animal lovers.

Winkleigh, while rural, enjoys good transport connectivity for its size. The main A3124 and A3072 routes provide links to Okehampton and Crediton, making road travel straightforward for commuters and locals alike. The village is serviced by a regular bus route, connecting residents to Okehampton, Exeter, and Barnstaple.

The nearest railway station is at Eggesford (approx. 6 miles away), offering direct trains to Exeter St. David's and Barnstaple on the scenic Tarka Line. This makes access to city amenities, national rail services, and both coasts relatively straightforward. The M5 motorway is accessible via the A30 from Exeter, approximately a 40-minute drive away.

• Exeter – about 45 minutes by car or 40 minutes by train from Eggesford
• Barnstaple – about 40 minutes by car, or around 45 minutes by train from Eggesford
• Okehampton – approx. 20 minutes by car

Exeter Airport is around 35 miles (50 minutes by car), offering domestic and some international flights. The area is also within reach of Plymouth for ferry and port connections.

Education is an important aspect of life in Winkleigh, with the village and nearby areas catering to all ages and needs.

Primary Schools

Winkleigh Primary School is the focal primary institution, rated Good by Ofsted at its last inspection in 2021. The school enjoys a positive local reputation for its supportive environment and focus on individual development, set within a modern campus at the village edge.

Secondary Schools

Secondary-aged children are typically in catchment for Okehampton College, a large secondary school with an Ofsted Outstanding rating (2014), located 11 miles away. Chulmleigh Community College (rated Good by Ofsted in 2018) is also accessible, found about 7 miles to the north. Both offer broad academic and extracurricular options.

Independent Schools and Colleges

Around half an hour’s drive brings families to Shebbear College, a well-known independent day and boarding school (ages 3–18) with a rural campus. West Buckland School (approx. 40 minutes), another notable independent option, serves both day and boarding students.

Universities

No universities are present in Winkleigh itself, but the University of Exeter and Plymouth University are accessible by car or rail from Exeter and Plymouth respectively. Both are within commuting distance for mature students or staff.