The Eight Worst Places To Live In Devon, UK

It’s now the 3rd entry on our TurdTowns series. So far we have made videos on the worst places in Somerset and Gloucestershire. And now it is time for Devon to have a go. Devon is a holiday county and people have high opinions on it. But the people who live here don’t tend to feel the same way. Devon is mainly emoter in the middle. Most people live in the Torbay, Plymouth or Exeter ares but there are some people in the north too.

[tgmartin]

Having lived in Devon and London, there were people in London who refused to entertain the notion that Devon could possibly have its share of problems because it didn't fit their idyllic perception of the place, fuelled by features in the Evening Standard of some generic 30-something couples who left the 'rat race' behind to open up some artisan bakery in Totnes or some other affluent place full of affluent ex-Londoners. But rural poverty and the crime that goes with it is a real issue. It was almost laughed off, as if the only crime that could ever occur was some cheeky youths apple scrumping. But there are serious issues beyond the undoubtedly picturesque scenery and this is never taken seriously on a national level nor is the chronic housing shortage that has led to an increase in homelessness that this video mentions.

[cheltenhamSpa]

Torquay has crashed and burned over the last 15 yrs, unrecognizable today from the splendor it had, Councils have a lot to answer for.

[markjoyce]

Ah, as a Devonian myself, it's sad to see how some of these lovely towns have changed over the years. Torquay, for instance, is a testament to how mismanagement by the council can really tarnish a place.

[miffy.moo]

I live in Bideford and it’s quickly following in Barnstaples footsteps. Run down derelict buildings and a high street full of empty shops and charity shops. We recently lost our Superdrug and New Look, and our last bank is hanging on by a thread.

[Gav_Rez]

Great video and I agree as a Devonian. But the whole British Isles has gone to shit through greed and corruption.

[christophernewman]

Q: Why does the River Tamar run through Plymouth?

A: Because if it walked, it'd get stabbed.

[theuktoday]

Plymouth town centre was designed by the same single cell that designed Coventry Precinct.

[amymarijajovicic]

My dad lived in brixham and I absolutely love it there, it’s still a beautiful place and I love the pirate ship and the fishy smells 😂
my dad passed away not long ago and brixham has always and will always be my favourite place to visit ❤ the coastal walks and beaches are stunning too

[MATTY]

My wife is from Plymouth and I visited the place quite frequently until two years ago when my in-laws moved closer to us.
While I do have a soft spot for the place I am well aware of its flaws.
What was an eye opener for me when I first visited the place was how poor the south west is.
When people talk about the north south divide they seldom mention the south west and is probably one reason it misses out on a lot of funding.

[bigglestornado]

This series shows how much our politicians have let our country down. The other colour won't be any better but we need CHANGE. I come from Brixham. The smell used to be awful, but is now much better. I left in the 90s to join the forces. I love your sarcasm, and your assessment is bang on. Illfracome died years ago. We have even stopped going there on holiday. That THREE of the worst towns are in Torbay is comment on how the area has been let down by the people who are running it. (Ruining it?) That the govt and border force are taking over the hotels isnt helping. When I left Paignton and Torquay were thriving. Now they have inspired a project to photograph closed shops. With change home can be reinvigorated.

[jillcrowley]

It breaks my heart to see the decline of these towns grew up in Paignton, now live in Brixham. I have to say it is not just the lack of investment it is the people, as look around there are more filthy looking houses and gardens, people years ago had standards, very sadly lacking today, feral gangs of kids roaming and causing trouble, some parents don’t give a 💩. I go to Exeter shopping as there are no decent shops left, hairdressers, nail bars and cafes
I’m sad to say the rot has set in

[BBoySnakeDogG]

Breathing a sigh of relief as a Newton Abbot resident 😂

[kubhlaikhan]

Thirty years ago, I put Torquay top of a list of place I would like to move to. It was sedate, peaceful, safe and upmarket - so much so that the proximity of Paignton almost seemed like an advantage, a bit of noise and light relief. The state of Paignton is no big surprise - it was only ever an overgrown chalet park for tourists - but the decline of Torquay is truly unbelievable. Only years of gross misrule can ruin a beautiful region to this extent.

[elwanderer]

Such a shame to see how these places have changed. I spent many, many hours happily as a child on the Devon Coast. My uncle lived in Somerset and we spent school holidays here. I took my own children there too. I can't believe the difference since we last visited over 10 years ago 😢

[vaperSweb]

I grew up near Crediton and am surprised it missed out. Also Newton Abbot, Tiverton and Okehampton.

[kpbm]

I'm American. I really think the 1960s ruined both of our countries. The UK lost some of its Victorian houses and we completely lost our minds. I still love the UK no matter how bad (some) of its neighborhoods look. You guys are awesome. ❤

[Glaiceana]

This is a good series! It would be interesting if you could try to do brief interviews with locals, ideally with a younger person and an older generation person so you get different perspectives on the location and how it's changed!

[wills]

As a resident of Torbay, Devon (comprising the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) I happily confirm that your assessment is accurate. English Riviera? My arse!

[garrymcdonald]

This is interesting, I am a kiwi and I drove all around Devon back in 2004, went to pretty much all these places and spent a few nights in some of them. They were all clean and nice towns back then, was in summer though and every place seems a lot nicer on a warm summers day. My favorite town in all of Devon was Lynmouth, loved it and the locals were so friendly, could have seen myself living there.

[jackgreenaway]

I'm from Devon and the fact the leveling up money meant for our crumbling town was spent on green Initiatives helping no one really boils my piss