If you’d told me two years ago that I’d be trading the chaos of London life for beach picnics and sea air in Torquay, I would’ve laughed. As a mum of two lively primary-schoolers and a full-time NHS nurse, my life in London was a blur of long shifts, late-night homework sessions, and navigating a concrete jungle. But life has a way of nudging you where you’re meant to be—and for me, that place was here, on the coast.
The move wasn’t easy. Saying goodbye to friends, family, and everything familiar felt like closing a chapter I hadn’t finished reading. But deep down, I knew we needed a fresh start. I wanted my kids to grow up with space to breathe, to play, to explore. I wanted a community—not just neighbours.
We landed in Torquay a little over a year ago, and the change has been nothing short of transformative. The first time we walked down to the Beach after school, still in their uniforms, the kids squealed with delight at the waves and I realised I was smiling for no reason. That wasnt a regular occurrence in London—unless I’d had a rare second cup of coffee.
What struck me most, though, wasn’t just the beauty (though it’s stunning). It was the warmth. People talk to each other here. Parents at the school gates remembered my name after one introduction. Locals offered tips on the best fish and chips and which footpaths to take for the nicest sunset views. There’s a rhythm to life here that feels grounded—less about rushing, more about connecting.
Weekends have gone from frantic errands and traffic jams to exploring rock pools at Meadfoot, paddleboarding in the bay, and picnicking with new friends from the kids’ school. We’ve even started a little Sunday beach clean-up with a few other families—it’s our way of giving back to the community that welcomed us so openly.
Work is still demanding, of course. Nursing always is. But even on the hardest days, there’s something about coming home to the sea air, to a place that feels like it sees you, that makes it all feel manageable. And knowing my kids are growing up with nature at their fingertips and kind-hearted people all around makes every shift worth it.
I may have moved here for the quiet, but what I found was community. Real, supportive, down-to-earth people who look out for one another. Torquay has given us more than a new postcode—it’s given us a home.
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
