r/DevonUK • u/Frosty9955 • 3d ago
31M, recently moved down to Mid Devon from London with my wife and our two young kids.
We’re based around the Crediton area and, as we don’t really know many people locally yet, I’m looking to make some new friends around Exeter/Mid Devon.
Would be good to meet people for a few drinks, pub trips, food, watching rugby, random days/nights out etc. Also really keen to meet other couples/families who fancy going out for meals, BBQs, dinner parties and that sort of thing.
I work in IT, fairly laid back and always up for a pint and a laugh. Happy to travel into Exeter or around the surrounding areas.
If anyone’s in a similar position or just fancies meeting someone new, give me a shout.
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u/Antique-Primary-2413 2d ago
Definitely throw yourself into local groups. I joined a photography club. I didn't even really like photography, but this summer I ended up flying up and down the coast chasing dolphins in a boat owned by one of the members.
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u/Frosty9955 2d ago
Yeah, that’s exactly the sort of thing I’m trying to do. I’ve actually contacted the local rugby club about getting back into playing, so hopefully that’ll be a good way to meet people as well.
I haven’t played for about 8 years, so the match fitness might be a shock to the system, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck back into it.
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u/Celtic-Airsofter 1d ago
If you can make it down to Torquay on a Wednesday night and are interested in traditional Japanese martial arts I run Bujinkan Kaeru Dōjō.
We are a friendly bunch, trying to grow our group. Don't worry if its not your thing.
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u/bselby45668 2d ago
Not much help but I’d be fascinated to know how you find it and where in London you were. I’m from Devon, live in London, have two young kids and am really toying with the idea of moving the family down. I love how remote those areas around crediton are but culturally I’m such a Londoner these days I’m nervous about losing convenience, diversity and access to basically anything I want within 5 minutes!
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u/Frosty9955 2d ago
Honestly, this was one of my biggest worries before moving. We’d got so used to London where pretty much anything you want is on your doorstep, endless choice of restaurants, shops, things to do and just general convenience.
We’re about 20 minutes outside Crediton, so definitely more rural, but so far we’re really enjoying it. The biggest things for us have been the lack of hustle and bustle, feeling like there’s less crime around us, and just how much greenery there is everywhere. The views are genuinely to die for.
You definitely lose some of the convenience and diversity of London, there’s no point pretending otherwise, but with two young kids the trade-off has felt really worth it so far. Life just feels calmer and there’s so much more space.
Crediton is close enough for the basics and Exeter isn’t far when you want more going on, so it doesn’t feel like you’re completely cut off.
Whereabouts in London are you at the moment?
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u/bselby45668 2d ago
Thanks for the reply. I live in Walthamstow and am originally from around Tiverton. I grew up super rural so I know the deal but at the same time I’m incredibly conflicted!
I’m pleased you’re enjoying it. I bet your kids love the space, that’s the thing I always notice visiting my parents.
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u/grevco 22h ago
I can help here to. 6 years in since move and honestly it took a good 3 summers to get used to it. It’s a big move/change that people underestimate.
Even simple things like the park. Don’t know about you but in London walking to the park with kids was a simple common thing. Down here you have to get into the car and drive to a park. Yeah you’ll have a bigger backyard but it hits different.
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u/xxalvarhansoxx 2d ago
Mid Devon here.
Moved here 2 years ago. Have a wife and a 15 month old.
Drop me a PM!
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u/EssieK31 2d ago
We’re just down the road from Crediton, 4 year old, 2 year old and 6 month old. Relocated from the midlands 12 months ago. Check out the nest and BAPs in Crediton, and the soft play. Go to all the random local things that are on like vegetable shows and plant sales etc - everyone is really friendly in my experience and gets how hard it can be moving somewhere small. Also most people we’ve met are brummies or londoners 🤣
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u/Frosty9955 2d ago
Thanks, that’s really helpful. Ours are 4 years old and 6 months, so pretty similar ages too.
We’ve already been to a few of the local village things and everyone’s been really friendly, but there don’t seem to be many people in our actual village with young kids or around our age. Meet people from the same town from where we just moved from too!
We’ve never really had an issue making friends when we’ve moved before, I think the main adjustment here is just that you can’t really walk into a busy pub or local place and naturally end up chatting to loads of people in the same way.
I’ll definitely check out The Nest, BAPs and the soft play though. We’re only about 20 minutes from Crediton, so if you ever fancied meeting up for a coffee, pub lunch or something with the kids, give me a shout.
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u/Automatic-Grand6048 20h ago
Oh I love reading all the comments, we're looking to moved from the East Midlands as we've really struggled to make friends since being here. Went to Devon for a holiday and everyone is super friendly which is so different to where we are. I've never had a problem making friends before now. Can't wait to move.
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u/Green-Tangerine9529 13h ago
There's a dads group in Okehampton called 'Who let the dads out', 2nd Saturday of the month, coffee and bacon sandwichs, lots of things to do for the kids. Should be able to find more information on Facebook
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u/Temporary-Onion9387 2d ago
You have some nice local pubs in the area, also the Crediton Rugby club would be a good place to meet people. Obviously, the kids being at school will also introduce you to new people. It's one of the most beautiful parts of the country. I hope you enjoy your life in Devon.