Is Chippenham a nice place to live?

[kellduck]

Hi there,

I'm just trying to get some advice on a relocation to Chippenham. The move is for myself, hubby and 2, 8 and 11 year old (11 year old starting secondary next year) Schools are very important to us as you can imagine. We are both teachers and writers and want somewhere with good connections to different cities and Chippenham seems to fit the bill. Are there roads in and around to avoid?

I've seen mixed reviews about living there, ranging from how amazing it is, to how it's full of chavs! I'm confused. Can anybody help? are there things to do there? Are the shops and local amenities good? Is there a good toddler group, and how easy is it to get the kids out and about on walks etc? We have a dog so access to the outdoors is a must.

Are there better parts of Chippenham or parts to avoid?

I just want to know what it's like to live there. Your experiences. please :-)

thanks in advance xx

[cowbiscuits74]

I hope so as we are going to be moving there in a few months!

I too have seen the very mixed reviews but hoping the negative stuff is spread by locals wanting to keep all and sundry from descending and ruining the perfectly good set up they have , seems to me like it is a nice, quiet well kept secret.

We selected it from afar as overseas at the moment but it was the transport links that were the main draw and how close it is to several cities and the countryside plus schools that are not bulging at the seams.

DH paid a flying visit for one day last weekend and he was happy that it will meet with our expectations and criteria and he is somewhat of a snob, his first idea was for us to move to London if that says anything.

I am sure a knowledgeable and helpful resident will be along soon to answer your specific questions, but hope that helps for now and good luck with the relocation.

[kellduck]

Thanks for your contribution. We also visited last week and we think we are going locate to Corsham just outside of Chippenham. When are you moving there? We are thinking July time.

[ruralandcrafty]

Hi, I live in Biddestone, which is a village outside Chippenham. I have a 13 year old, an eleven year old and a 9 year old. The two older ones go to Sheldon school in Chippenham. My youngest is at Heywood Prep in Corsham. I'm a country girl, so I would pick the villages around Chippenham every time. There are lots and they are very pretty and the countryside is stunning, although you do spend more time in a car than you would if you lived in Chippenham. Corsham is a very nice little town, with a lovely old High Street. Corsham Primary is rated Outstanding and Heywood Prep (a small independent) was voted top prep school in the South West by the Sunday Times. The Corsham School, the secondary, is a specialist arts school. There is also the new Springfield Campus and Community Centre, with loads of facilities. Lots of sport too. Chippenham is fine. It doesn't have an enormous range of shops, but everything you need. It doesn't have the charm of towns like Marlborough or Devizes. I do most of my shopping in Bath, but for essentials I might pop into Chippenham and it seems to be a nice community. Lots of facilities for sport, swimming etc. The sport scene is big - very popular rugby, football, tennis and hockey teams for children, nice parks - John Coles Park where they do ParkRun and have a lovely play area. I don't know much about primary schools in Chippenham, but both Sheldon and Hardenhuish secondary schools are excellent. (Hardenhuish is among Tatler's top state schools!) They sit side by side with the playing fields between.

Good luck both of you.

[kellduck]

Thanks for your input. That's really helpful,particularly regarding the schools. I'm just looking at Corsham primary now. It does look good. I'm just so stressed about the kids, but we really loved Corsham, so it looks like that's where we are headed.

[ruralandcrafty]

I think being stressed about the kids is what we do! It is worth knowing that Corsham Primary is divided between two sites. There is the Pound Pill site and Broadwood. My understanding is that Pound Pill is more popular.

[Cocacolaandchocolate]

Hi I'm in Chippenham I live on outskirts towards derryhill.
We have a good primary school and secondary school here. Abbey field.

I have a 10 year old and 3 under 4.
10 year lives in Pewsham park.
Town centre is ok, good library and sports centre.
Children's centre offers good services too.

[DenilioM]

Hi, I'm new to the site! My husband and I are relocating to Chippenham in July with our 11 month old son and I would like to know where the best indoor and outdoor places are to go with my son? I would also like to meet up with other mums as I don't know the area at all!! Any advice would be great,
Many thanks ?? smile

[cowbiscuits74]

DenilioM - try posting a new thread to get a response, we are moving in July too - best wishes for the move!

[DenilioM]

Hey, are you moving to Chippenham too? Thanks for best wishes, and to you!! I have posted as a new thread but no response, don't know if I've done it wrong!!

[cowbiscuits74]

DenilioM yes we arrive next week

You did it right, it is just very quiet on here sometimes.

My kids are older so don't know about play groups and soft play etc but I am thinking we will go to John Coles Park & the leisure centre. The library seems to have things on for little kids some mornings - look at the Wiltshire council website for details of the libraries and the parks.

[Bassett80]

I moved to Chippenham last year and we love it. Very happy with schools and life here.

[DenilioM]

Hi Bassett80, how old are your children?

[ChalkyWhiteHorsey]

Hi all

Yes Chippenham is a nice place to live.

Hi cowbiscuits, when are you moving?

DenilioM I have answered your post on your thread

[cowbiscuits74]

Hi chalky, we arrived on Tuesday! Still unpacking and getting our bearings but all working out so far thanks. From what we have seen already we are v happy with our choice of location, says something for a family swapping Cayman Islands for Chippenham if that helps DenilioM and hello Bassett

[ChalkyWhiteHorsey]

Hello cowbiscuits

So pleased you are all happy so far!

Did you go along to Monkton Park and watch the boat race? If you get the chance to, when the weather is better, go along to Bowood House and gardens

it's a beautiful place (and will be quiet-ish until the schools breakup)

[cowbiscuits74]

chAlky hoping to get to Moknton park next week, still unpacking and buying what we need - I must say so handy when you move to have things like currys, homebase, Argos etc so close by plus love that Robert dyas shop in the parade, it has everything! Also everyone has been so friendly

Will add bowood to my ever growing Wiltshire pinterest page, thanks!

[DenilioM]

Hey, so far I am liking Chippenham! Have only been around the town and to the supermarkets but starting to get my bearings from just driving around so all good!! Going to start investigating baby friendly places soon!! If anyone fancies meeting up for a coffee then let me know!! Thanks

[Bassett80]

Denillion my two are 4 and 7.

[DenilioM]

Bassett80, bit older than mine then!! Went to john Coles park today, was lovely, hoping to do a baby group next!

[Bassett80]

John Coles is really lovely, a gem.

There are so many other lovely parks in the outlying villages too, Yatton Keynell, Kington Langley.

There is also a really lovely complex in Corhsam with the new library, play park and soon-to-be swimming pool. There are also some lovely walks.

I have been here over a year and there are still things to find.

[Nhowie]

Hi everyone, just found this interesting thread and wondered if anyone can LMK thoughts on the Parliament Street area of Chippenham? I'm new to the area and am thinking of buying there.
Does anyone know if it's an ok area?
Thanks in advance