
Modbury, a picturesque village nestled between the rugged moors and the stunning coastline, is a delightful destination for those seeking a taste of traditional English charm. With its dignified Georgian architecture and a collection of independent shops, the village invites visitors to explore its quaint streets and discover hidden gems.
Art galleries and shops showcasing local and international craftsmanship line the streets, while foodies can indulge in the offerings of the local butcher and deli. For a nostalgic shopping experience, Pickles, an old-fashioned store, offers a wide range of home and garden goods.
The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Devon Wildlife Trust-managed woodland, located on the outskirts of Modbury, offers a peaceful escape. Visitors can follow the winding paths, admire the ancient hedge banks and small streams, and keep an eye out for rare flora and fauna, including brown bats, dormice, blue tits, and nuthatches.
A Thriving Community
Modbury offers a convenient location with easy access to the coast, Kingsbridge, and Plymouth via the A379. The village boasts a range of amenities, including a supermarket, a health center, and a Post Office, ensuring residents have easy access to essential services.
For dining options, Modbury offers a variety of choices. The White Hart and The Exeter Inn, a 14th-century coaching inn, are popular local pubs, while the village also has several charming cafés and takeaways.
Modbury Primary School, rated “Good” by Ofsted, provides a strong educational foundation. The school has close ties with the on-site pre-school and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including a forest school. Additionally, the school provides breakfast, after-school, and holiday clubs for the convenience of parents.
Locals Love
Modbury’s pioneering initiative to become plastic bag-free in 2007 has made it a model for sustainable communities worldwide. Inspired by local wildlife filmmaker Rebecca Hosking’s concern for marine pollution, the village’s shops and businesses united to ban plastic bags for six months. The overwhelming success of this trial led to a permanent ban, making Modbury the first plastic bag-free town in Europe.
The community embraced the change, with shoppers opting for reusable bags and paper packaging. The local charity shop even started producing and selling reusable bags, further contributing to the plastic-free movement. Modbury’s innovative approach has inspired other communities to follow suit, demonstrating the power of collective action to protect the environment.