You may have read about the incentives that you get when training to become a GP in England. But what is it like to live in Devon and Cornwall? The far reaches of England's most south-westerly counties are a four-hour journey from London, with a lot to discover and a lot to love for those looking for a more relaxed pace of life.
For many of us, simplifying our lives, finding a better work-life balance or an improved quality of life is a dream, and this is exactly why many people choose to move to this beautiful and laidback part of the UK. While the people here work just as hard as in other areas of the country, the workplace atmosphere is (in most cases) much more flexible and friendly, and the approach to life is laidback and relaxed: it's a world away from gruelling commutes and overcrowded streets.
You will never find a community quite like Devon and Cornwall in any other part of England.
You will be busy as your career as a GP progresses, but in your spare time, there is so much to explore in Devon and Cornwall that you'll never be at a loose end. The mild climate and spectacular coastlines are the two jewels in the area's crown and two reasons why this is such an attractive area to make your home.
Devon is the larger of the two counties, still within easy reach of London, but with over a third of the county designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 450 miles of stunning coastline. Don't worry that life here is too quiet: Devon has two busy cities in Exeter and Plymouth, plus numerous costal and market towns, and a lively food and arts scene. One the largest cities on the south coast, Plymouth has a rich maritime heritage, a stunning waterfront and a vibrant cultural life, while Exeter is a Roman-walled city of squares and cobbled streets, renowned for its high quality of life and flourishing arts scene.
For times when you want to get outside and explore, Devon never disappoints. Its famous Dartmoor National Park has a rugged beauty all of its own, famous for its granite tors, stone circles and ancient villages, while Exmoor National Park offers woods and streams, large areas of moorland, and spectacular coastal views.
Cornwall has a smaller population, and is well known for its beaches in particular. It boasts the Eden Project, with its distinctive domes housing rainforest and Mediterranean plants; or walk across the causeway from Marazion to the stunning island of St Michael's Mount with its cobbled streets, sub-tropical gardens and stunning castle. Bodmin Moor is a wild and beautiful Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for when you tire of the beautiful and varied beaches; but don't think that life in Cornwall is completely provincial – its attractions include Tate St Ives, an offshoot of the main London gallery, and the Minack Theatre on the clifftop above Porthcurno Bay.
Of course, if you love surfing or water sports then Devon and Cornwall are idyllic: the north coast of both counties has some of the best surfing in the world, and sailing, water polo and other water sports are popular activities. Together, the two counties are home to some of the most stunning beaches in the country.
There are plenty of attractions for sports fans on dry land too. Both Plymouth and Exeter have football league clubs, while Truro City is the top-level football team in Cornwall. Exeter is the home of the Chiefs, who won England's rugby Premiership in 2017, and the Cornish Pirates rugby club is based in Penzance. Devon is also home to two racecourses, Exeter and Newton Abbot, while both counties have vibrant sporting scenes that span athletics, cycling, cricket and golf.
Finally, the area is heaven for gastronomes. There is a huge variety of restaurants, including some run by celebrity chefs attracted to the area by the quality of the local produce. The renowned pasty is a popular meal while the cream tea – scones, jam and clotted cream – is served at many cafes and restaurants. Cider is the traditional drink, with a large number of local producers.
Whatever your interests and wherever you see yourself and your family living, you are bound to find it in the laidback charms of Devon and Cornwall. Get in touch now to find out how you can make the move to a more relaxed pace of life.
