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Original poster

Which areas in Somerset/Wiltshire/South Gloucestershire

184 replies

wheretogo · 26/02/2006 16:09

Need to relocate to make a new start in life - any info on any of the nicer towns/villages in teh above areas would be great... good primary schools needed!
Any info on where to avoid be handy too!
Thanks

OP posts:
DumbledoresGirl · 26/02/2006 16:12

I moved to a nice place in South Gloucestershire last year. The primary schools are all pretty good round here and the secondary schools are miles better than most of those in Bristol so loads of people move here when they start to think about secondary education.

I do have to say though that S Glos was forced on us by dh getting a job in Wales. I would have preferred Wilts or Somerset.

Flossam · 26/02/2006 16:12

Would you like Rural or close to the city? There is such a contrast of places around there that I think you need to narrow things down for me at least!

Original poster
wheretogo · 26/02/2006 16:17

Where in South Glouc DdGirl?

flossam - I have no idea! I am self employed so don't need to be near city - would prob prefer a town with a community type of feel rather than small village...

I have 4 weeks to find somewhere cause my ex is buying me out of our home - YAAAAAAAAY!!!!

(going to rent somewhere first)

OP posts:
DumbledoresGirl · 26/02/2006 16:19

WTG I am in Thornbury which exactly fits your description in that it is near Bristol but is a small town in its own right with a community feel, and it is not a village.

There are a few agencies round here that rent properties.

But if i had the run of anywhere, I would go to Somerset!

DumbledoresGirl · 26/02/2006 16:31

Do you have a specific reason for choosing this area which might have a bearing on where you want to look? I presume you are using Bristol as your focal point.

Original poster
wheretogo · 26/02/2006 16:51

I lived in bath as a young kid, and the area gives me good access to london and south wales where i have family.
Whereabout in somerset would you look at?

OP posts:
littlerach · 26/02/2006 17:04

I live near a small town in west Wilts.

We like it here, moved from Bath some years ago.

we are close enough to go into Bath or Salisbury easily.

Original poster
wheretogo · 26/02/2006 17:09

Hi Littlrach, any info on westbury, frome and warminster??? thanks

OP posts:
DumbledoresGirl · 26/02/2006 17:12

IMO and it is only MO, Westbury and places round there are rather depressing. I was a student teacher in Bath and had loads of teaching practices/ school experiences in schools around there and it always struck me as very dull, rather grim, and of course, very dominate by the army (Warminster). But maybe that was a student POV? When I graduated, I moved to London, so maybe I was never going to see places such as that as attractive?

Sorry, I don't really know Somerset well enough to comment, but I guess if I was looking, I would start with Taunton, Wellington, Yeovil etc.

Marne · 26/02/2006 17:14

I live on the Dorset somerset boarder, frome is nice, house prices ar'nt as high as most places and they have a good primary school. Also warminster is a nice town with good schools ,we go shopping there sometimes, warminster is about half an hour away from us.Not as keen on westbury but i have only been there a couple times.

Original poster
wheretogo · 26/02/2006 17:15

Ok Ddgirl, thanks for your advice

OP posts:
Original poster
wheretogo · 26/02/2006 17:16

Thanks Marne, yep my budget for house buying is tight so frome is definately in the picture

OP posts:
tamum · 26/02/2006 17:17

I would be inclined to try the towns around Castle Cary if you want good access to London. The schools are all OK round there, but my knowledge is pretty out of date, so be warned! I used to know Frome pretty well- it has some good things going for it but Frome College isn't too great.

Marne · 26/02/2006 17:19

Would'nt like to live in yeovil, its noisy and crime rate is high but then ive always lived in the middle of nowhere so i'm not used to towns. I live in a very small village 10 mins away from yeovil but we are in dorset, we have a good stae primary school with small class numbers and good reports also we are close to some of the best private schools which are in sherborne.

Enid · 26/02/2006 18:15

hey marne we probably know each other

what village are you in?

PeachyClair · 26/02/2006 18:22

Lived in Somerset all my life until last May so feel quialified on this!

Wouldn't touch with a bargepole:

Bridgwater (where I grew up)
Yeovil
Wellington
Burnham On Sea (bedsits and junkies)
Frome
Shepton Mallett
Wuld be dubious about Chard, DH grew up there and said it had lots of non-visible problems.

Where I would go:

Ilminster (planning on it one day)
Glastonbury
Wells
Taunton
Kingston St Mary (small but adorable)
Castle Cary

But do check on the individual areas- they all have dodgy bits like anywhere else.

Enid · 26/02/2006 18:23

the outskirts of yeovil are fine

agree bridgewater is the place where dreams go to die

Marne · 26/02/2006 18:23

Im is bishops caundle Enid ,where are you?

Enid · 26/02/2006 18:24

lol

trent

PeachyClair · 26/02/2006 18:26

Listen to the song 'I predict A riot'.... Bridgwater on a weekend.

Plus I am a local, it's even worse if you're not!.

Marne · 26/02/2006 18:29

Just down the road then?

Enid · 26/02/2006 18:30

yes! my boss lives in your village

PeachyClair · 26/02/2006 18:32

For schools (and after discussion with DH who knows the other half of Somerset, my expertise being strictly slum based) Ilminster has excellent schools.

I have a good friend lives in the Forest Of Dean, adores it. Can't say I have ever been there though.

MissChief · 26/02/2006 18:35

Malmesbury? The area around Cirencester?? Depends on yr budget but these areas are gorgeous!

MissChief · 26/02/2006 18:37

Forest of Dean beautiful but over the other side and therefore v isolated (in every way, IYKWIM ). Schools also not so great in this part of Glos. - S. Glos generally good for schools though..