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Frome / Berkley

12 replies

hlo1990 · 21/05/2025 17:53

Hello

We are thinking of moving to around Frome from Manchester and have seen a house we like in Berkley.

Can anyone advise on what Berkley is like please? Also what schools are like as we have a young family. Even just ideas on Frome in general. Thank u x

OP posts:
kirinm · 22/05/2025 10:29

The two places are in different counties. One in Gloucestershire and the other Somerset. It’s not clear from your post whether you are aware of that?

I can’t speak for Frome as it was an absolute shithole when I lived in Bristol although I know it has very much changed now and is full of Londoners.

Spidey66 · 10/06/2025 13:45

I think the OP means the Berkley Rd area of Frome. That areas fine, lots of housing suitable for families, parks etc.

I moved to Frome from London a few months back and really like it. There's plenty to do. I don't have kids, so cant really advise on schools, though my friend has a small child and lives around Berkley road and I know she doesn't have a high opinion of Selwood Academy which is the local secondary. I know the schools go first, middle and secondary. I'm not sure if this is a frome thing or a Somerset thing.

There is plenty to do for families, as I said loads of green spaces, lots of activities and groups for families.

There is a slight underbelly, you can often smell weed around, but compared to London it's very peaceful.

The public transport isn't great, and is one of the things I miss about London. However it's usually pretty walkable into town wherever you are.

It's not particularly diverse. I don't think people are overtly racist but as I'm white I couldn't really say as I don't have any experience! However it does mean that while there are a lot of restaurants, there isn't the same choice there is in London. Fir example, I lived in Haringey which has a high number of Turkish and Greek people, meaning a huge choice of affordable Greek and Turkish restaurants. There is one Greek restaurant in Frome (aside from a couple of kebab shops!) but due to lack of competition it is quite expensive. There's only a few Indian, Italian, Chinese restaurants as well but nowhere near the choice you'd get in London or somewhere. Also I do enjoy mixing with people from different cultures but there isn't the same diversity here.

There are loads of lovely independent shops etc but not many 'normal' ones iykwim. For example there isn't a single shoe shop! There is a precinct with Peacocks, Poundland, Fatface, Boots etc and there are large Sainsbury's and Asda that will sell affordable shoes, clothing but otherwise you need to go to Bath, Bristol or Trowbridge for affordable shoes or clothing or go online.

All in all, yes I like it and don't regret moving here but it does have disadvantages too!

Spidey66 · 10/06/2025 15:53

Ps I forgot to mention the Indie market. It’s the 1st Sunday of the month and is really good.

DoNoTakeNo · 10/06/2025 16:01

@hlo1990Did you mean Berkeley Rd or Berkeley village?

hlo1990 · 10/06/2025 16:30

DoNoTakeNo · 10/06/2025 16:01

@hlo1990Did you mean Berkeley Rd or Berkeley village?

@DoNoTakeNo Berkley village just near Frome

OP posts:
Sunnyside4 · 10/06/2025 19:23

Funnily enough, we have a relative in Berkeley. It feels like a nice enough place, but a bit of a drive to a supermarket. Also, if you have a family, think about what bus services are available for when they're older.

We love the canal at Slimbridge nearby, but if you enjoy walking you won't find anything decent on your doorstep. Have to admit, I'm comparing it to home, which has more to offer

I don't know much about Frome, so can't comment on that.

What are your wants in any location you move to?

Spidey66 · 10/06/2025 22:38

Ahh sorry I thought you meant Berkeley Rd. I think that’s the road towards Berkeley! I don’t know the village at all

DoNoTakeNo · 10/06/2025 22:51

Berkeley is a lovely village - decent local shops esp since the Coop has moved & expanded, couple of nice pubs, lovely Castle & countryside. Takeaways are popular so must be good! Even a library & half-decent but busy GP practice. Get pretty heavy traffic in the High St but that’s not unique. Some perfectly good larger shops in local towns.
Some gorgeous older houses (I wish I had a few mill!) & also new developments so a wide range of options.
Gloucester is preferable to Bristol for Big Outings; Thornbury (big Tesco iirc) & Yate, whilst not terribly pretty, are functional. Sorry, I don’t know anything about schools there.
Definitely worth a look around.

Spidey66 · 10/06/2025 23:49

@DoNoTakeNothe OP means a different Berkley near Frome.

spelt slightly differently

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkley,_Somerset

hlo1990 · 11/06/2025 06:33

DoNoTakeNo · 10/06/2025 22:51

Berkeley is a lovely village - decent local shops esp since the Coop has moved & expanded, couple of nice pubs, lovely Castle & countryside. Takeaways are popular so must be good! Even a library & half-decent but busy GP practice. Get pretty heavy traffic in the High St but that’s not unique. Some perfectly good larger shops in local towns.
Some gorgeous older houses (I wish I had a few mill!) & also new developments so a wide range of options.
Gloucester is preferable to Bristol for Big Outings; Thornbury (big Tesco iirc) & Yate, whilst not terribly pretty, are functional. Sorry, I don’t know anything about schools there.
Definitely worth a look around.

@DoNoTakeNo yes sorry, Berkley near Frome. Are you aware of this area? I think it’s a tiny village from my knowledge!

OP posts:
Spidey66 · 11/06/2025 18:51

I can’t comment on Berkley as I’ve not been here (only been here for a few months) but it sounds like a very small village! I would imagine it would be a pain when your kids are secondary school age and want to be out doing things. I’d say there’s more to do in Frome for them eg cinema, youth clubs, sports facilities etc.

DoNoTakeNo · 14/06/2025 17:16

Sorry! Nope, never been there - if it sounds good, I may though!

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