Why Move to South West England? Discover Life in the West Country

There's something about the South West of England that makes people want to stay.

Perhaps it's the miles of spectacular coastline. Maybe it's the rolling countryside, beautiful villages and market towns, the food, the sense of space or simply the possibility of living life at a slightly different pace.

For generations, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset have been among England's favourite holiday destinations. But increasingly, a holiday to the West Country can lead to a much bigger question:

Could we actually live here?

And it isn't difficult to understand why.

From wild Atlantic beaches and picturesque fishing villages to historic market towns, moorland, countryside and vibrant cities, moving to South West England can offer something that many people are searching for: more space, greater access to nature and the possibility of creating a different balance between work and everyday life.

Why Are People Moving to South West England?

There isn't one single reason.

For some, it's the dream of living near the sea.

For others, it's about raising a family with more outdoor space, swapping city streets for countryside, working remotely from somewhere beautiful or simply embracing a different pace of life.

One of the greatest attractions of living in the South West of England is the sheer variety.

You could live in a Cornish fishing town, a Devon village, a Dorset coastal community or a historic Somerset market town.

Or you could choose to live close to one of the region's larger cities while still having beaches and countryside within reach.

The South West isn't one lifestyle.

It's hundreds of different ones.

Coast and Countryside on Your Doorstep

Few parts of England offer such an extraordinary combination of coast and countryside.

The South West is home to some of England's best-known seaside locations, but the official VisitEngland guide points out that its appeal extends far beyond its beaches, encompassing countryside, gardens, historic cities, food and culture.

Cornwall alone offers around 300 miles of coastline, alongside rolling moors, fishing villages, market towns, gardens and creative communities.

Devon has the unusual distinction of having two coastlines, as well as sandy beaches, cliffs, seaside towns and beautiful inland countryside.

Dorset offers rolling countryside and the extraordinary Jurassic Coast, while Somerset provides everything from Exmoor and the Quantock Hills to historic towns and rural villages.

Living here can mean that the things you once travelled hours to enjoy on holiday become part of everyday life.

An evening walk might be beside the sea.

Saturday could mean surfing, cycling or exploring a market.

Sunday lunch might follow a countryside walk rather than a motorway journey home.

A Different Pace of Life — Without Giving Up Modern Life

One of the misconceptions about moving to the West Country is that you have to disappear into the middle of nowhere.

You don't.

The South West combines rural and coastal communities with cities, thriving towns, universities, businesses, restaurants, cultural venues and transport connections.

Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Plymouth offer urban life, while numerous smaller towns provide a halfway point between city and countryside.

Remote and hybrid working have also changed what is possible for many people.

If your job doesn't require you to be in an office five days a week, living further from London or another major city may suddenly become realistic.

That said, anyone planning to work remotely from a rural property should check broadband and mobile connectivity carefully before moving.

Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset: Where Should You Live?

This may be the hardest part.

Each of the four counties offers a distinctive lifestyle.

Moving to Cornwall

If your dream involves the sea, Cornwall is an obvious contender.

There are around 300 miles of coastline, with everything from huge Atlantic surfing beaches to wooded creeks, pebble coves, harbour towns and fishing communities.

Places such as St Ives, Falmouth, Fowey, Padstow, Newquay, Penzance and countless smaller towns and villages offer very different versions of Cornish life.

Cornwall can be particularly appealing to people who want nature, creativity and outdoor living to play a bigger part in everyday life.

Moving to Devon

Devon gives you an interesting dilemma: north or south?

North Devon offers dramatic coastline, surfing beaches and open countryside, while South Devon brings estuaries, harbours, seaside communities and destinations including Dartmouth and Salcombe.

Head inland and you have Dartmoor, rural communities and attractive market towns.

Then there are Exeter and Plymouth for people wanting greater access to employment, shopping, education and city facilities.

Devon's official tourism guide describes it as the only UK county with two coastlines, which helps explain the extraordinary range of landscapes and lifestyles available.

Moving to Dorset

Dorset combines beautiful countryside with one of England's most extraordinary coastlines.

Its Jurassic Coast is internationally recognised, while the county also offers traditional seaside towns, villages, market towns and large stretches of rural countryside.

For people who want West Country living while remaining a little closer to southern England, Dorset can be particularly interesting.

Moving to Somerset

Somerset can sometimes be overshadowed by its coastal neighbours, but that's part of its charm.

Think historic towns, villages, cider orchards, rolling countryside, farm shops, Exmoor, the Quantock Hills and the Mendips.

VisitEngland describes Somerset in terms of scenic hikes, distinctive towns, food experiences and cosy pubs — a combination that rather neatly sums up its appeal.

Depending on where you choose to live, Somerset can also put Bristol, Bath, Dorset and Devon within relatively easy reach.

Is the South West a Good Place for Families?

For many parents, access to outdoor space is one of the biggest attractions.

Beaches, countryside, walking, cycling, watersports and family attractions can become part of normal weekend life.

The region also offers a wide choice of state and independent schools, although families considering relocating should research individual schools, catchment areas, admissions and transport carefully rather than choosing an area on reputation alone.

There is also something appealing about children being able to associate weekends with beaches, muddy boots, woodland walks and outdoor adventures.

Food Is Part of West Country Life

You can't talk about the West Country without talking about food.

The South West's agricultural and fishing heritage continues to influence what you'll find in its pubs, restaurants, markets and farm shops.

Cornish pasties, Somerset cider, local cheeses, Devon and Cornish cream teas and freshly landed seafood may be the famous names, but they're only the beginning.

Farm shops, farmers' markets, bakeries, independent cafés, pubs and restaurants make discovering local producers part of the pleasure of exploring the region.

And there's something rather wonderful about buying food produced only a few miles from where you're staying — or living.

Town, Village, Coast or Countryside?

Another advantage of relocating to the South West is the choice of environments.

Not everyone dreaming of the West Country wants an isolated cottage down a tiny country lane.

You might prefer a lively market town where you can walk to shops, restaurants and cafés.

Perhaps you want a coastal town where the sea is part of everyday life.

You may want a village with a pub, school and community.

Or perhaps the dream really is an old cottage surrounded by countryside.

Before searching for the perfect property, it can help to decide what you want your everyday life to look like.

Things to Consider Before Moving to the South West

It's easy to fall in love with somewhere when you're on holiday.

Living there is different.

Before relocating, consider:

• Employment or remote-working requirements
• Broadband and mobile connectivity
• Schools and childcare
• Healthcare and access to services
• Public transport
• Driving distances
• Access to supermarkets and shops
• Distance from friends and family
• Housing availability
• How busy the area becomes during summer
• What the community feels like outside the tourist season

And perhaps most importantly, visit during different seasons.

A Cornish village on a sunny August afternoon and the same village on a wet Tuesday in February can feel like two very different places.

You need to know whether you love both.

Try Before You Move to the West Country

If you're seriously considering relocating, one of the best things you can do is live like a local before becoming one.

Instead of booking a weekend away, stay for a week or two.

If you work remotely, work from there.

Do the food shop.

Try the potential school run.

Drive to the nearest town.

Visit the local pub.

Explore neighbouring villages.

See what there is to do in the evening.

And don't spend every day visiting tourist attractions.

The idea is to discover what an ordinary Monday might feel like, rather than simply experiencing the perfect Saturday of a holiday.

A holiday cottage or longer self-catering stay can provide an ideal base for exploring the places you are considering.

Holiday First, Move Later?

Perhaps you're not ready to move at all.

That's fine too.

One of the pleasures of the South West is that you don't need to live here to feel connected to it.

You can return to the same village every year, discover a different part of Cornwall each summer or gradually explore Devon, Dorset and Somerset one escape at a time.

But be warned.

A weekend can become a week.

A week can become an annual tradition.

And eventually you may find yourself browsing houses and asking:

"What if we didn't have to go home?"

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to South West England

Is South West England a good place to live?

For people who value access to coast, countryside, outdoor activities, towns and smaller communities, the South West can offer an appealing lifestyle. The right location will depend on employment, budget, schools, transport and whether you prefer coastal, rural or town living.

What are the best places to live in South West England?

There is no single best place. Cornwall is particularly attractive for coastal living, Devon combines two coastlines with countryside and cities, Dorset offers coast and rural communities, while Somerset combines countryside and historic towns with access towards Bristol and Bath.

Is it worth moving from London to the South West?

For some people, particularly those able to work remotely or hybrid, relocating can offer greater access to countryside, beaches and outdoor living. However, employment, transport and how frequently you need to travel back to London should be considered carefully.

Should I visit before moving to the South West?

Absolutely. Ideally, spend an extended period in the particular town, village or area you're considering and visit outside peak holiday season as well as during summer.

Which is better to live in: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset?

It depends entirely on the lifestyle you're looking for. Cornwall offers a distinctive coastal lifestyle; Devon combines coast, countryside and larger centres; Dorset provides beautiful countryside and Jurassic Coast living; and Somerset offers rural landscapes, historic towns and excellent access to other parts of the West Country.

Can I try living in the South West before relocating?

Yes. Booking a longer self-catering stay can be a great way to experience an area more realistically. Rather than treating the trip purely as a holiday, use it to explore local amenities, neighbouring towns, transport and everyday life.

Discover Your Corner of the West Country

The South West isn't simply somewhere to visit.

For some people, it's somewhere that gradually starts to feel like home.

Whether you're planning a weekend away, a family holiday, a longer stay or seriously considering moving to Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset, exploring the area first gives you the chance to discover which part of the West Country feels right for you.

Explore places to stay, things to do, what's on and local inspiration across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset with West Country Escapes — and start discovering the West Country your way.