Moved to Devon and am struggling to make friends.

Meet up groups (just 'google' for your area) are a good way of making friends and easy as you just join in what you want. Walks, meals, activities are all arranged by members. I know two people who moved to a new area and found them invaluable. Libraries can be good too both in terms of running groups (knit and natter, bookgroups here) and as a way of finding out what is going on locally. Good luck.

My friend moved to a north Devon town 5 years ago. She's a single woman and knew nobody there. She's made a wide circle of friends by taking a part time job, joining dog walking groups, volunteering, joining the local social media forum and attending events advertised there e.g. fundraising fairs for RNLI, talking to her neighbours, taking courses at the local craft shop, helping out at the community garden, learning to play an instrument and joining the town band. Phew!!

I know people are joking about a dog being a way into the local community, but in remote/rural areas it really is true. I know you said your husband has said no to a dog but if he is happy and you are unhappy perhaps this might be something which could change your life and he should reconsider. If he won't then there is a Dog's Trust in Ilfracombe who might be very grateful for dog walkers and foster carers.

You sound lovely Elie and I'm sure people will be lucky to have you as a new friend. Stick with it. Try other volunteering opportunities as they are very definitely not all the same. These things just take time.