Bluedaisy I'm not sure where in Devon you are but there are 3 Hospitals serving Devon, in Plymouth, Exeter & Torquay plus several Community Hospitals.
I was brought up in the Yorkshire Dales, moved to Lancashire, Middlesex (Surrey). After DH retired we eventually downsized to Somerset/Dorset border (Yeovil) which was approx half way between my DD in Torquay & Step-DD in Lightwater, Surrey
15 months after we moved I was widowed at 57. I waited a year & then put my property on the market & finally moved to Devon to be closer to DD.
I live in a small Town on the edge of Dartmoor, decent bus service, all amenities & lots of clubs/activities. The downside is of course tourists but during the week Town isn't overrun with them. I avoid tourist "hotspots" between middle of July & middle of September & definitely don't go anywhere on a Bank Holiday. I've lived here over 5 years now & love it.
My DM still lives in Yorkshire & I do the 300 mile drive several times a year (on my own, I'm now 65)
A word of caution regarding staying near/moving closer to AC, their jobs may mean them moving away leaving you out on a limb.
tookmylove... you sound like Cumbria is your wish but as others have said perhaps rent for 6 months, don't make hasty decisions. Good luck
Is there such a thing as delicious ready meals?
Shall we reboot our cartoons thread again? 😁