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Original poster

Please tell me about Gillingham, Dorset.

16 replies

Househunter101 · 29/04/2023 21:30

We’re thinking of moving to Gillingham, the one in Dorset. Looking for a quietly located house but social things within a reasonable distance cinema, theatre if possible, independent shops. Can anyone advise on this please?
2 adults only, no children or teens.

OP posts:
bonechina05 · 29/04/2023 22:21

@Househunter101

May I ask why Gillingham, Dorset?

Original poster
Househunter101 · 29/04/2023 23:38

We like the idea of Dorset but don’t want to be on the south coast, too far for visiting family. Seemed to have a good looking houses for sale but know absolutely nothing about the town.
If anyone knows nearby towns they think are good that’d be great too.

OP posts:
Frazzled1502 · 29/04/2023 23:43

I know gillingham incredibly well. Used to live there and still have family there.

what exactly are you looking for? There’s not a cinema there, closest is probs Yeovil.
It has good train links to Salisbury and Yeovil, the nearest big town/city. Sherborne is lovely for independent shops. (20 mins away)

gillingham hasn’t got much going for it tbh. But I’m not sure what you’re looking for.

ask me more specific questions and I’m happy to answer

DrySherry · 30/04/2023 06:21

Gillingham itself is a bit rough in some parts, nice enough in others. Largish proportion of unemployment due to its location and the lack of local opertunities. I remember reading once that it's the place in Dorset where you are most likley to get your bicycle stollen ! Some of the surrounding countryside and villages are absolutley lovely. Considerable numbers of new build shoe box type properties added recently which they have struggled to sell. I would recommend spending some significant time in the town before moving there. It's cheaper to buy compared to most other parts of Dorset for good reason.

Coffeeandbourbons · 30/04/2023 06:24

Bit of a nondescript town full of 2000s build. Large comprehensive school. Train station. That’s about it really, it’s pretty bland. In easy reach of nice places though. Can you try Shaftesbury instead? Gold Hill, quite a nice quaint town centre, houses reasonably priced.

IdaGoodnight · 30/04/2023 06:57

Plenty of lovely villages & small towns around Gillingham - but not Gillingham itself.
If you want access to independent shops, cinema, theatre etc… look at these towns and their surrounding villages.
Bruton, Castle Carey, Frome, Sherborne, Somerton, Shaftesbury, Crockerton/Maiden Bradley area, Wincanton.

Wilts, Somerset and Dorset areas that are all close. Some give easier access to Bath/Bristol.

LobsterBiscuit · 30/04/2023 08:29

Judging by recent threads moaning about it being inaccessible to literally anywhere else in the country for uni travel and Yeovil being a shut hovel when you need a day out, all I can say is, are you sure?

LibertyLily · 30/04/2023 10:43

Between 2011 and 2014 we lived a couple of miles outside Shaftesbury and visited Gillingham occasionally. I'm with the other posters who've asked 'why Gillingham?' as I wasn't impressed when we went there.

There are some very desirable and pretty locations in the surrounding area but Gillingham always felt a bit like the poor relation.

DH still regrets selling that house and - as we plan to sell our current place (in a completely different part of the UK) quite soon - has suggested moving back to the Dorset/Wiltshire border, but Gillingham is one place we'd not choose.

fussychica · 30/04/2023 15:33

I live in west Wilts and went to Gillingham once when we first moved here as it had a Waitrose and at the time we didn't. I've never felt the need to go back.

Hannahthepink · 30/04/2023 15:55

My sister lives there, so I know it quite well. House prices are pretty cheap compared to similar sized towns with rail links, and I think she just got desperate to buy something so landed there. In my opinion, it's a place to live, but not a town that you would want to make into your home.

Original poster
Househunter101 · 30/04/2023 18:45

Thank you. I think I’ve crossed Gillingham off the list now I’ve read above. It really helps to have a selection of views from different experiences.
Back to RightMove with a new list of towns 😊

OP posts:
xabia · 01/05/2023 21:53

Shaftesbury, Sherborne,Dorchester are all good options.

Peterpiperpickedapeckof · 01/05/2023 22:01

Well Gillingham has got the train line going for it! You can commute.

and there’s a Waitrose and a Lidl.

Mum5net · 30/06/2023 12:47

How is your search progressing @Househunter101 ? I came on here to also ask about Gillingham and found your thread.

DorsetFam · 17/05/2024 22:28

Gillingham is a lovely place to live and has plenty going for it. People are very friendly and very good for families. What's nice is most people you ask who live there say how much they like it. That's a good indication imho

sanityisamyth · 17/05/2024 22:37

It's pronounced Gillingham with a hard G, not with a soft G (J sound). It causes problems with businessmen trying to go to Kent!!

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