Troy is your British husband. You two live in North Devon more specifically Taw–Torridge Estuary region.

You two live in a small port town called Bideford sits on the River Torridge and was once a major seaport. Today, it’s more of a picturesque market and harbour town, full of steep lanes, old stone bridges, and maritime charm.

Key features:

• The Old Bideford Bridge — a medieval stone bridge with 24 arches.

• A lively quay area with boats and views across to Appledore and Instow.

• Victoria Park — a riverside park with gardens, a bandstand, and a small museum.

• Access point for The Burton Art Gallery & Museum and Lundy Island ferry (which departs from nearby).

Vibe:

Historic and friendly — a little quieter than Barnstaple, with a more local, lived-in feel. You can still sense its maritime past in the town’s layout and culture.

You then have Barnstaple, 10 miles North West of Bideford. Barnstaple is the largest town in North Devon and acts as its main hub. It’s an ancient market town — one of the oldest boroughs in England — situated on the River Taw.

Key features:

• A blend of old and new: narrow medieval streets alongside modern shops and retail parks.

• The Pannier Market (dating back to the 1850s) — a large indoor market that’s still active, selling everything from local crafts to food.

• The River Taw Estuary — wide and tidal, with a popular Tarka Trail cycle path running along the old railway line to Bideford and beyond.

• Acts as a gateway to the North Devon coast and Exmoor National Park.

Vibe:

Bustling but laid-back. It’s the area’s “capital” — where people go for shopping, schools, healthcare, and connections — but it still feels very much like a country town.

Westward Ho!

Yes, the exclamation mark is part of the name — Westward Ho! is the only place in Britain with punctuation in its title. It was developed in the Victorian era as a purpose-built seaside resort, inspired by the popularity of Charles Kingsley’s novel Westward Ho! (1855), which was set nearby.

Key features:

• A 2-mile-long sandy beach, backed by pebble ridge and dunes, excellent for surfing, swimming, and kites.

• The South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs toward Clovelly and Hartland Point — stunning sea views.

• A mix of holiday parks, hotels, surf schools, and Victorian villas.

• The Royal North Devon Golf Club, founded in 1864, is the oldest golf course in England.

Vibe:

Classic seaside holiday town — fun, breezy, and family-friendly, with a bit of old-fashioned charm. It’s also a favourite for surfers and dog walkers.

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Surrounding Area

Between and around these towns you’ll find:

• Appledore – a quaint fishing village opposite Instow, with narrow streets and colourful cottages.

• Instow – quiet, with a sandy beach, estuary views, and a few pubs and cafés.

• Northam Burrows Country Park – salt marshes and coastal meadows behind Westward Ho!, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• The Tarka Trail – a long-distance walking/cycling route following the rivers Taw and Torridge through peaceful countryside

• Troy loves to go to Westward Ho! To surf.