Best places to live in Somerset

Thinking of moving to the West Country and considering which towns, villages and cities might be considered the best places to live in Somerset?

Boasting some of the top educational facilities in the country for academia but also extracurricular excellence with Olympians, Formula 1 drivers and even pop stars having been educated at Somerset schools, it’s of little wonder that so many families choose to call Somerset home.

Home of Glastonbury Festival and popular UNESCO World Heritage sites, you could be led to believe that the county is abuzz year round but on the contrary, Somerset can in fact be a very relaxed place to call home with beautiful rolling hills, sleepy villages and idyllic country pubs dotted across the county.

Narrowing down a location to buy a house could be challenging if you’re new to the area so we have highlighted some of the best places to live in Somerset for you to consider:

Bath

Beautiful Bath is a city of cultural and historical importance, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to the famous Roman-built baths.

Iconic honey-coloured Georgian architecture dominates the city. Streets such as The Circus, the Royal Cresent, and Landsdown Crescent beautifully reflect the Regency era.

There are many desirable period properties including Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian built homes.

From historic townhouses to modern apartments overlooking the River Avon, in terms of homes to buy, Bath is certainly one of the best places to live in Somerset.

As you would expect in a city, shoppers have ample options and foodies are spoilt for choice too. Boasting a rich and diverse history Bath is also popular with tourists and has many museums, galleries, and theatres.

Bath has excellent schools such as King Edward’s School, a co-ed independent day school for pupils aged 3-18. Also, the Royal High School Bath, an independent girls’ school for ages 3-18.

Not only is Bath well connected by train, but it is also easily located just off the M4 motorway.

Whilst Bath is surrounded by beautiful pastures in its immediate vicinity, residents can also enjoy being just a short distance from the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Frome

It’s been crowned the best town in Somerset many times over, which really will come as no surprise to those who live in the area.

From its popular festivals and markets to the evident sense of community; Frome is easily one of the best places to live in Somerset.

Its popularity as a top place to put down roots in the West Country has grown over the course of the last two decades.

Situated on the beautiful River Frome, it is renowned for its well-preserved buildings, dating back to the medieval era.

Property here ranges from Victorian terraces to modern developments giving house hunters ample to choose from.

Local produce can be enjoyed at Frome’s many delis, cafes, and restaurants and there are also regular, popular markets.

Having hosted the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl and Coldplay, The Cheese and Grain is a renowned venue that sits at the very heart of Frome, just off the high street.

The town’s train station is ideal for taking direct trains to Bath and Bristol can be taken from Frome station.

Bruton

Whilst Bruton might be a small town it is seeping with culture and boasts several of the county’s top hangouts.

From exhibits at Hauser & Wirth to fine dining At The Chapel, Bruton has transformed into possibly one of the trendiest small towns in the West Country.

Situated alongside the River Brue, surrounded by verdant countryside, it is an incredibly picturesque place.

Its famous C16-built dovecote, now managed by the National Trust, can be seen wherever you are in the town.

Despite its size, Bruton boasts two highly regarded boarding schools; Kings School for ages 13-18 and Sexey’s School for ages 11-18.

Long Ashton

Nestled amidst rolling countryside, Long Ashton is located just a few miles southwest of Bristol.

This charming village strikes a balance between idyllic rural life and thriving community. With Gatcombe Farm Shop and Ashton Hill at one end of the village and the picturesque Ashton Court Estate is nearby boasting expansive open spaces for walking, cycling, and horse riding.

The village is also home to Long Ashton Golf Club which is set in 220 acres of mature wooded parkland.

For those looking for the best place to live in Somerset that puts them in an excellent spot for connections to the largest city hubs whilst also enjoying a more peaceful, potentially slower pace of life – Long Ashton should be considered.

Wedmore

The quintessential village of Wedmore is located between the River Axe and the River Brue surrounded by countryside.

Whilst Wedmore is a historic village, it has plenty in terms of places to eat, drink and shop, and other important amenities too. There are three pubs, two cafés, a village store, clothing and gift shops, a post office, a dentist, and a doctor’s surgery.

There’s a real sense of community in Wedmore, highlighted by the busy calendar at the village hall which hosts various events throughout the year. Residents can also enjoy the tennis and cricket clubs, football pitches, a children’s play area, and a lively sports bar/clubhouse.

Conveniently located, Wedmore is within 10 miles of Cheddar, Wells, Glastonbury, the M5, and the beach at Burnham-on-Sea.

Porlock

A lesser known village but one our local property finders place on the best places to live in Somerset round up is Porlock. Porlock is located on the scenic Somerset coast between the Exmoor National Park and the Bristol Channel.

The moorland surroundings make it an ideal location for those who enjoy walking and other outdoor pursuits.

The harbour and historic Porlock Weir provide a picturesque setting to relax.

The location delivers a feeling of remoteness whilst not being detached from civilisation; Porlock is approximately 6.6 miles away is the seaside town of Minehead, known for its sandy beaches.

The county town of Taunton, about 29 miles away, provides extensive retail and commercial facilities, access to the M5, and a mainline station with fast trains to London.

Porlock is conveniently situated between Bristol and Exeter airports, both offering a range of domestic and international flights. Direct rail links between Taunton and London Paddington take about 1 hour and 40 minutes, with regular trains to Bristol taking approximately 40 minutes.

The area boasts a range of excellent educational institutions, including Kings Hall Preparatory School, Kings and Queens in Taunton, Taunton School, Blundells School in Tiverton, Wellington School, and Millfield School.

West Monkton

West Monkton, highly regarded for its scenic beauty, is situated at the foot of the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Househunters seeking period homes won’t be disappointed; Tudor cottages, Georgian and Victorian houses, as well as farmhouses and barn conversions from the 18th and 19th centuries give the village a historic feel.

The village offers numerous footpaths and bridleways, ideal for walking and riding enthusiasts. Within a conservation area, West Monkton features a parish church and a popular village pub.

The county town of Taunton, located to the southwest, provides a broader range of shopping, leisure, and educational facilities, including three well-known independent schools.

With many homes enjoying beautiful views and secluded positions, it’s easy to see why West Monkton is included in our highlights of some of the best places to live in Somerset.

Dulverton

Situated on the edge of Exmoor, the small market town of Dulverton, on the banks of the River Barle, has a lot to offer.

The town of Dulverton, often referred to as the ‘jewel’ in the crown of Somerset, is located within Exmoor National Park.

This perennially busy town boasts a friendly local community and a variety of amenities, including a supermarket, post office, delightful deli, village hall, cattle market, pub, and several restaurants offering diverse cuisine.

The active community enjoys a thriving drama group, bridge club, garden club, wine society, and many other social opportunities.

Dulverton is well-connected with convenient bus and road links throughout the West Country.

The nearby train station at Tiverton provides excellent connections to London and beyond. Additionally, the coast is just a twenty-five-minute drive away, meaning residents are in an ideal spot to enjoy both country and coast.

Chew Valley

Last but by no means least on our best places to live in Somerset list is the Chew Valley. It is known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant communities including the villages of East Harptree, West Harptree, Compton Martin, and Chew Stoke.

Ancient monuments pepper the region such as the remains of Richmont Castle, the prehistoric Stanton Drew stone circles and the Grade I listed Church of St Michael the Archangel, which dates back to the Norman era.

Vast bodies of water like Chew Valley Lake and Blagdon Lake provide a beautiful setting for walks and water-based activities. The valley is served by several primary and secondary schools, including Chew Valley School, known for its excellent education standards.

Cosy pubs and village shops foster a community feel whilst regular bus services connect the region to nearby cities such as Bristol and Bath.

Glastonbury

Glastonbury, a town steeped in history and myth, is famed for its ancient abbey, the iconic Glastonbury Tor, and its vibrant cultural scene.

Located in the heart of Somerset, Glastonbury attracts visitors with its unique blend of historical sites and contemporary arts.

The local community in Glastonbury is active and diverse, with numerous social and cultural groups, including art societies, music clubs, and spiritual retreats.

With Millfield Prep School on the edge of town and Millfield senior just a short distance away in neighbouring Street, parents seeking top independent schools are well catered to.

Whilst it’s not actually located in the town, Glastonbury is renowned for hosting the world-famous Glastonbury Festival, drawing visitors from around the globe. The Worthy Farm site is in fact a good few miles down the road in Pilton.

Nearby villages of West Pennard and East Pennard and of course Pilton are also popular places to call home near to Glastonbury.

Also nearby, Street has the Clarks Shopping Village where shoppers can buy from outlet stores.

Glastonbury for all its quirks together with beautiful sights and conveniences in schools, shops and connectivity is one of the best places to live in Somerset.

Wells

Wells, the smallest city in England, is a picturesque city that boasts a magnificent cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace, and a cobbled market square.

The city is home to a range of cultural and social activities, with local drama groups, music societies, and art clubs.

Educational facilities in Wells are excellent, featuring well-regarded primary and secondary schools, as well as the prestigious Wells Cathedral School.

Wells enjoys convenient transport links, with regular bus services connecting to nearby towns and cities.

The beautiful Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are on Wells’ doorstep, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding.

Best places to live in Somerset

These are just some of the best places to live in Somerset and by no means an exhaustive list.

Whether you’re drawn to the rich history of Bath, the cultural vibrancy of Frome, or the serene landscapes of the Chew Valley, Somerset will have somewhere to entice you.

Somerset is a diverse and incredibly appealing place to call home, properties in the most sought-after locations can be elusive and challenging to secure.

If you want to find out more about the best places to live in Somerset, contact Garrington to discuss your requirements without obligation.