As a solitary visitor braves the elements to walk her dog along a deserted Devon seafront, she declares: "I love Teignmouth.". "It's more refined and interesting than places like Torquay. It feels like there's more culture here. The people are posher too, much nicer." Her contentious praise may not echo the sentiment of the local tourist board or those on the English Riviera, but she remains unbothered. "I'm just being honest," she adds.

Devon boasts numerous picturesque coastal towns, and while Teignmouth may never rival the popularity of neighbouring Torquay as a holiday hotspot, it holds a special place in many hearts due to its unique allure. After all, it didn't earn the moniker "Gem of South Devon" for nothing. READ MORE: The 'cool' UK city named as one of the most affordable for couples to visit. At first glance, Devon in the winter can appear rather bleak, reports Devon Live. The graceful Georgian buildings lining the seafront whisper tales of bygone grandeur, and the imposing former Bay Hotel is now being turned into flats.

The Pier stands almost abandoned, largely closed off to the public. The amusement arcade, home to a shooting gallery, air hockey and coin fountains, exudes a nostalgic charm but attracts very few visitors. Professor Coggins, the animatronic target in the rifle range, seems ready for retirement. It's easy to be swept up in the melancholy of a seaside town in winter - the ill-fated poet John Keats resided here briefly and composed several mournful odes about the locale.

"You have to look up," a shopper advises. "Teignmouth is so interesting. Most people don't look up at the buildings. There is so much interesting architecture here.". The town is set for a metamorphosis once the holiday season kicks off, with events like the annual folk festival and air show injecting much-needed cash into local businesses during the tough winter months. However, the axing of last year's carnival hit hard, leaving many worried it might not make a comeback.

Wayne Pearce, who runs Ye Olde Jolly Sailor, Teignmouth's oldest pub, said: "Teignmouth is a very seasonal town. In winter it isn't the busiest but during the summer as you can imagine it is a very busy period for us. "The locals keep us ticking over in the winter. I'd say the vibe in the town is that it's a really lovely place with a lot to offer. The only problem is I feel there are a lot of coffee shops and charity shops and nothing really for the younger generation.

"It's a great location. We have a really nice beach. It's very much a fishing town and a lot of pubs are really into live music.". Unlike other seaside spots, Teignmouth doesn't boast many hotels or traditional B&Bs, with the Cliffden on Dawlish Road being the notable exception. Wayne thinks the town could do with a chain like Travel Lodge to offer a consistent hospitality standard. Anticipation for the holiday season is already brewing. "When the summer comes there is a big buzz around the town," he shares enthusiastically, pointing out that it brings both fresh and familiar faces each year.

He believes seaside towns in South Devon should lend each other support. "I think Dawlish Warren has the big holiday parks and that's great. Teignmouth hasn't got that but we get a lot of visitors from there. Torquay is just much bigger and they have a great marina area and clubs and maybe something more for younger people.". Described as a blend of quaint seaside allure, musical vibes, fresh seafood and pubs, modern Teignmouth seems to buck the trend at a time when public houses are frequently shutting their doors across the country. The town prides itself on having around a dozen pubs congregated within a few streets of each other, ensuring its residents are never short of a local pint.

The town is also earning its stripes as a live music hub, with venues like the Blue Anchor, The New Quay Inn, Malloys, or the Ship offering live bands most weekends. These charming old pubs lie along the narrow lanes near the fish quay. Unassuming and devoid of pretension defines them. While Teignmouth might be home to the well-heeled, its soul remains a genuine, industrious one. Malcolm Adams, aged 76 and still an active musician, nostalgically remembers his days opening for stars such as Georgie Fame, Alan Price and The Searchers. "It's a lovely little town, he says. The pubs are lovely. There are lots of local bands playing.".

Reflecting on communal facilities, he adds regretfully, "It's a shame they closed the youth club because I think there should be more for younger people to do.". Local shop employee Pete Kernot concurs, stating: "It's very quiet in the winter as you would expect. The whole place changes in the summer. Teignmouth has a lot to offer but I can see how younger people might get a bit bored and want to leave.".

Teignmouth is the birthplace of rock legends Muse, and locals take pride in their most famous offspring. Many still recall the massive homecoming gigs they performed for 30,000 fans on The Den in 2009. Nowadays, that open space houses the popular Pavilions arts centre, known for its theatre productions, films, comedy shows and other live performances. Time Flies, a clock repair and antique shop located in Somerset Place, is another local gem.