Living in Dulverton

Dulverton’s community and local life are marked by a genuine sense of connection and shared heritage. Residents are known for their involvement in town groups, conservation projects, and annual festivities such as the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival, Dulverton Carnival, and regular farmer’s markets. Volunteering is common, and the local village hall hosts everything from yoga classes to craft fairs and children’s playgroups.

The town enjoys proximity to the River Barle, Woods Barle, and the Barle Valley, making outdoor recreation a big part of daily life. Walking, cycling, fly fishing and equestrian pursuits are popular, with a multitude of trails leading directly from town out onto Exmoor, including the famous Tarr Steps and Wimbleball Lake. Dulverton Heritage Centre is a focal point for the area’s history and stories, and a monthly newsletter keeps locals informed and engaged with what’s on.

Crime rates in Dulverton are notably lower than national and Somerset averages, which is reflective of its rural character, tight-knit community, and location within Exmoor National Park. Incidents of anti-social behaviour, violent crime, or property crime are infrequent, and Dulverton maintains a reputation for being a peaceful and safe place to live.

Neighbourhood policing teams are based in the district and attend community meetings, supporting initiatives such as neighbourhood watch and rural crime prevention partnerships. The visibility of local police, combined with the watchful nature of the community, ensures ongoing vigilance and contributes to residents’ high perception of safety. Occasional safety campaigns focus on countryside concerns such as livestock theft and seasonal road safety, but these are rare. Dulverton is considered a secure base for families and retirees alike.

Parking in Dulverton is generally convenient for locals and visitors alike. The town centre provides short-stay and long-stay public car parks, including the main Exmoor House car park by the River Barle, while on-street parking is available on several residential roads and outside of busy market days.

Residents in central areas may require parking permits due to the demand, especially during peak visitor months. Away from the centre, parking is more freely available. Congestion is rare, though narrow roads can become busy during festivals or school pickup times. Major road access includes the B3222 and B3223, connecting Dulverton to nearby Exmoor villages and towns, and leading to the A396 and B3227 for travel to Taunton, Tiverton, and further onward links to the M5 motorway for wider travel.

Tiverton – approx. 25 minutes by B3222 (15 miles)
Taunton – around 45 minutes by B3227/A358 (22 miles)
Exeter – about 50 minutes by A396 (30 miles)
Bristol – approximately 1 hour 50 minutes by M5 (74 miles)

Dulverton carries a well-earned reputation for homely hospitality, with traditional pubs, cosy cafés, and inviting tea rooms forming the backbone of its social scene. The Bridge Inn and The Lion Hotel are both popular with locals and visitors, offering hearty British fare, real ales and a convivial atmosphere. Contemporary dining comes by way of bistros and farm-to-table restaurants highlighting West Country produce, as well as welcoming spots for afternoon tea overlooking the river.

For lighter bites and relaxed settings, there are several cafés and independent bakeries scattered through the town. Takeaways, while limited, include classic fish and chips and pizzerias. Nightlife in Dulverton is low-key, with the emphasis on community pubs and regular quiz nights rather than late-night bars or clubs. Occasional live music, folk events, and seasonal celebrations add variety to the evenings. Most venues are dog-friendly, and ideal for after-walk refreshments or casual get-togethers.

School quality: Dulverton’s primary schools have good reputations and are at the heart of the community, with strong relationships between staff, families and pupils. Older children typically travel to highly rated secondary and independent schools in nearby towns via school bus services.

Parks and green space: As an Exmoor community, Dulverton is surrounded by natural playgrounds. Families enjoy riverside picnics, woodland rambles, and cycling trails. The recreation ground in the town centre has play equipment for younger children, and open green spaces abound for safe exploring.

Childcare: Childcare options are available through local nurseries, after-school clubs, and childminders. While not as extensive as in urban centres, families benefit from the supportive network and flexible arrangements typical of rural communities.

Safety: Crime rates are low and residents look out for each other, making Dulverton a reassuring environment for raising children or settling into family life. Road traffic is calm and well-managed in the centre and surrounding lanes.

Family activities: Families can access a range of activities including pony trekking, craft and holiday clubs, wild swimming, and fishing expeditions. The town regularly organises story times, open-air cinemas, and festivals tailored to children and families. Dulverton is an area that values and nurtures family living.

Dulverton is exceptionally pet-friendly, with numerous riverside paths, woodland trails and open moorland ideal for dog-walking and outdoor adventures with pets. The town is situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, ensuring endless opportunities for walking, running and even guided wildlife tours that welcome dogs.

Several local pubs and cafés openly welcome dogs, and water bowls are a common sight outside shops and eateries. Veterinary care is available at nearby practices, and Dulverton has its own pet supply shops providing foods, treats and equipment. Many landlords and letting agencies are open to pets, recognising the importance of animals in rural life. The culture is considerate to responsible pet ownership, with dog-friendly accommodation and community dog events taking place throughout the year.

Dulverton’s location within Exmoor National Park provides beautiful surroundings but means that public transport is limited compared to larger towns. Nevertheless, it is reasonably accessible by bus and car, and offers a peaceful base for reaching key Somerset and Devon destinations.

The closest mainline railway stations are at Tiverton Parkway (about 16 miles away) and Taunton (about 22 miles away). Tiverton Parkway offers direct trains to Exeter, Bristol, London Paddington, and Plymouth. Local bus routes connect Dulverton to Minehead, Tiverton, and Taunton, though services are less frequent in winter.

• Exeter: Approx. 50 minutes by car via A396 (30 miles)
• Taunton: Around 45 minutes by car via B3227 and A358 (22 miles)
• Bristol: About 1 hour 50 minutes by car via M5 (74 miles)

For air travel, Exeter Airport is about 35 miles away, offering flights to numerous UK and European destinations. Bristol Airport is also accessible within 90 minutes. The area is particularly suited to those comfortable with driving or rural transport options and is most convenient for residents who commute by car.

Schools in Dulverton provide a close-knit educational experience anchored by community values. While Dulverton is a small town, local families benefit from several reputable options at primary level and accessible routes to respected secondary and further education institutions in the wider Somerset and Devon area.

Primary Schools
Dulverton Junior School is the main primary school serving the local catchment, offering education for children typically aged 7–11. It is a community-focused school that enjoys close ties with families, local organisations, and Exmoor traditions. It was last rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2022. Dulverton All Saints Church of England Primary School caters for younger children (from nursery through to end of Key Stage 1), also with a strong reputation for care and inclusiveness.

Secondary Schools
As Dulverton is a rural town, secondary education is mainly accessed in nearby towns. The West Somerset College in Minehead is a popular choice, providing comprehensive secondary provision and sixth form options and last inspected as ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2018. Other secondary school alternatives include Tiverton High School, located just over the border in Devon, also rated ‘Good’ as of 2019. School bus links connect Dulverton to these schools, making attendance straightforward for families living locally.

Independent Schools
West Buckland School, a highly regarded independent day and boarding school, is within reach and serves both primary and secondary age groups. King’s College Taunton and Queen’s College Taunton are also respected independent schools within commuting distance, appealing to those seeking a broader schooling experience.

Colleges and Universities
Further education is primarily accessed in Taunton or Tiverton. Richard Huish College in Taunton is well-regarded for post-16 and A level study. For university level, the University of Exeter’s main campus is around 30 miles away and is one of the leading universities in the southwest with a good reputation in multiple disciplines. Dulverton’s rural setting is balanced by these proximate centres of learning.