A charming seaside town with a vast stretch of golden coastline and a long promenade is a popular holiday spot which boasts no less than 14 pubs despite having a population of less than 15,000. Visitors also flock to the area on a sunny day for a dip in the sea, a stroll along the seafront, or to visit the iconic Victorian-era pier, which dates back to 1865.

The pubs in the town of Teignmouth in Devon are scattered throughout the town centre, some are along the promenade with a sea view – and the rest are in the back of the town near the more hidden “local’s beach”. There’s also a handful of traditional hotels all situated close to the seaside – and of course, there are hundreds of Airbnb-style lettings to choose from too. One councillor in the town did point out that it’s “difficult to find a local” at times in Teignmouth as the place has become such a thriving visitors’ resort.

Lib Dems councillor Peter Williams explained what draws tourists to the town: “We’ve got the promenade, the pier and we’ve got two beaches.

“This town’s got a reputation for drinking and only one pub has closed down here in 14 years – and there’s a good music scene here too.”

Cllr Williams , who used to be a trader in the town himself, said there is “rarely an empty shop” in Teignmouth and that business people are always “looking for an opportunity” in the busy seaside spot.

“The shops in Teignmouth are vibrant”, he said, “largely independent and thriving – the town is known as the gem of South Devon”.

Even in the winter months, the town draws in several tourists, Peter explained, describing the place as a “family-friendly town”.

Peter said: “Come here in the winter, it’s brilliant, I love the seaside in winter it’s quieter, but visitors are still coming in.”

“We could even do with a few more hotels here”, he added, then he spots three locals he knows sitting on a bench on the seafront – they’ve lived in the local area all of their lives.

One is 90-year-old Philip Skilton who in the 1950s “worked on the Parson’s Tunnel”, which forms part of the railway running along the coastline here.

Another man, Jeffrey Gagg was born in Teignmouth and “wouldn’t want to live anywhere else”, but, he adds, “you sit here everyday and you never see another local”.

Jean Gagg, also sitting on the bench, was born in nearby Dawlish, “it’s like being abroad sat here today”, she says.

The 90-year-old says he “used to know everybody” in Teignmouth years ago.

Away from the main promenade is a very different-looking beach, without the long stretches of golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see.

Peter explains that Teignmouth Back Beach is a spot where locals tend to go, it’s fringed by pubs and is a small working harbour area with great views – and you can also hop on a ferry here which will take you across to another area, Shaldon.

The sun is shining and four friends are sitting on the harbour wall, they explain that in winter Teignmouth doesn’t “die a death” like many other seaside towns in the region.

George and Vanessa Shilling praise the music festival, Ship Fest, organised by the Ship Inn which runs over the August bank holiday weekend.

But, Vanessa said there are some drawbacks: “150,000 new homes being built in pretty countryside spots. I know we need housing, but they need to be elsewhere. There are already not enough schools, hospitals or doctors for residents.”

Her friend, Jillian Wilce agrees: “Urbanisation – it would be appalling to see that happen here.

“I worry about the number of homes, potentially meaning more sewage overspills which is concerning for the wildlife in the water such as seals and seal pups.”

However, Jillian said that the “life on the water” in Teignmouth is generally great and her husband Glenn Wilce and describes the place as ‘very community based’.

Glenn said: “The traffic here can be a pain, but there are good train networks. You can be in London in 2 hours and 40 minutes.”

Jillian added: “I don’t know that it’s perfect here, but it’s pretty lovely. This town is a diamond in the rough, there’s nothing false about Teignmouth.”