This could well be the epitome of a Devon town. It's independent, nestled amidst miles of rolling, green fields and brimming with hidden gems and intriguing locals.

       Like many towns across the nation, it grapples with its own challenges, yet the more you delve into its corners the more captivating Crediton becomes.

       There's a family-owned hardware shop that has stood the test of time, and a butcher's shop boasting a 140-year history. The Ship Hotel, recently rejuvenated by its hardworking landlady, has been a fixture for at least two centuries.

       Nestled near the picturesque town square is an award-winning cafe？, run by a former caterer to Prime Ministers and rock stars who traded London's hustle for a 'quieter life'. Over on North Street, a fashion boutique is run by a woman who previously made costumes for Hollywood films and designed the Virgin Airways' iconic red uniform, reports Devon Live.

       And let's not forget The Bookery on High Street. This gem was named independent bookseller of the year and children's bookseller of the year at the 2022 British Book Awards.

       Crediton, usually overshadowed by its mid-Devon neighbour Tiverton, is worth a second look. Speaking with Devon Live, deputy mayor Steve Huxtable was realistic but positive: "I can't believe anybody says 'Let's go to Crediton today'. It's not a destination town, it's on the road between Exeter and Barnstaple."

       Yet, he quickly adds, "nobody can say there's nothing happening in Crediton. If you want to do something sporty, you've got it. Something for the arts, you've got it. Pubs, places to eat, food festival, clubs, events, community. For a small town it packs a damn good punch".

       Crediton may first appear unchanged; it has avoided modern makeovers like gentrification or becoming pedestrianised. Instead, it bustles with the business of life, especially noticeable on the High Street which sees regular traffic flow - previously a bugbear for residents.

       The Ship Hotel, a historic site on the High Street, has been there through it all. Once a coaching inn and formerly serving as a coroner's court, it's rich with stories, now tended by Emma Phillips, the leaseholder for the past seven years.

       "I don't really know how I ended up here," she laughs. "It wasn't my plan all along to come to Crediton."

       It's been a labour of love for Emma: "The Ship was virtually derelict when I took over. Since then it has been blood, sweat and tears. It hadn't offered rooms since the 1980s but we do now."

       She goes on to reflect on recent times: "Lockdown was a blessing in disguise for us as we were able to reopen the restaurant. Business is up and down but I still believe there is life in the high street. If everyone spent ￡5 in their high street I think it would benefit everyone."

       Laura Jones, the aforementioned costume designer, returned to the southwest to open The Makers Boutique and Workshops.

       "The high street has lots of lovely businesses offering different products and it's a lovely place to poke around for the day," she says.

       Proud of her striking career trajectory, Laura reminisces about her London days working alongside fashion heavyweights Vivienne Westwood and Nicole Farhi, and her times behind the scenes in cinema classics such as Batman Begins and Tomb Raider 2. She found renewed inspiration in the local creative scene after moving to Devon and embraced her love for teaching through creative workshops, teaching sewing among other artisanal skills.

       Her boutique is dedicated to fighting against fast fashion and the "lack of value we place on people who make our clothes", says Laura. Crafting her own exclusive hand-made designs, she also champions local talent and craftsmanship.

       Eran Hovav is the culinary maestro and director at the helm of Baobab Cafe. He founded this local gem a decade ago, steering it to become an acclaimed dining spot.

       "It's like people are coming to my house to dine," he says, adding: "This place is very similar to the open houses of old. When one goes to restaurants and cafes the agenda is often about money due to the struggles of the hospitality industry but in Baobab the agenda is to enjoy the atmosphere and food similar to the free houses of old. I live humbly and the community is extremely important to me."

       He gestures towards his regulars, saying: "There's a gentleman over there who lost his wife. I talk to him about it and try to help him through it. I knew that child over there when he was still in his mummy's tummy. This is what makes it important and worth something."

       Previously, Eran worked as a chef in London, gracing the tables of Queen drummer Roger Taylor and various politicians.

       Like many UK high streets, things have changed but Crediton is still lined with an array of establishments including cafes, a wine shop, florists, chemists, bookshops and bakeries, with a higher than average number being independent family-run businesses that have been around for generations. However, some have been hit hard by closures.

       Jan Tucker, an employee at the cherished Adams Home Hardware situated on High Street — one of those venerable family-run establishments now grappling with the surge of online retail — shares a grim perspective. She adores both the town and its inhabitants, but can't help expressing her concerns: "It's a dying town. The car parks are quite expensive and all the banks have gone. We do tend to get street drinkers too. They all have places to live but hang around drinking. I do hear about them being abusive to people."

       Lockdown, according to her, triggered a palpable shift in local shopping habits: "Since lockdown we've noticed a big change. I think people got used to shopping online and they've carried on because we don't get half as many people coming as before. Sometimes I look outside and it's like a ghost town."

       "Crediton has always boasted a rich array of independent shops that have been a boon for the town, but there are now a few vacancies," she observes. "The supermarket and garden centres have siphoned off some of the passing trade. Parking is the primary concern for locals here. They prefer to park in town, but given Crediton's hilly terrain, the main car park poses challenges for many. The introduction of parking meters would spell disaster for the town".

       Louisa adds: "I think the town needs more funding. There are numerous older buildings that require investment. Moving here from Derby was a significant shift. But it's an ideal place for families. Many of the independent card shops have disappeared. We offer something unique".