Living In Yeovil: A Guide to Somerset’s Hidden Gem

Pros of Yeovil

lower cost of living – 💷
Friendly Community – 🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏽
Festival to wake trees – 🌳

Cons of Yeovil

Quieter than other cities – 😴
may need to adjust to rural vibe – 🐴

Overview of Yeovil

Yeovil is a town located over in the heart of South Somerset, and a great place if you’re thinking of living there.

With a population of 48,000 people, the place has grown significantly over the years. It also has excellent links with other towns and cities in the area including Bridport, Sherborne, Taunton and Weymouth.

In this post we’ll explore the main points for you to consider if you’re thinking of living over in Yeovil.

Location

Yeovil is a hiostoric town located in South Somerset, England. It’s an ideal place to live if you’re looking for a close-knit community. The town is surrounded by picturesque countryside and rolling hills that offer stunning views of the landscape.

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, one of the biggest advantages of living in Yeovil is its proximity to other major cities like Bristol and Exeter. Bristol is 90 minutes away by car, which makes it easy to take advantage of all that the city has to offer without having to deal with the ongoing hustle and bustle of urban living on a daily basis.

Exeter is also within easy reach, and you can get there in just over an hour by car.

Cost of Living

Affordable Housing Options

If you’re looking for a place to live in Yeovil, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a wide range of affordable housing options available, be it houses or apartments.

Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom apartment or a large family home, there’s something for everyone in Yeovil. In addition to the traditional housing options, there are also several new housing developments popping up around the area.

Popular Neighborhoods in Yeovil

Deciding on where to live can be daunting when moving to a new town. Fortunately, Yeovil has many wonderful neighborhoods with their unique charm and character.

Shortlands Drive

Shortlands Drive has modern homes sprawled across the leafy neighbourhood. Properties go as large as four bedroom detached houses. Some of the properties have been built with a Georgian style in mind, giving the houses a uniqueness to the area.

Many properties benefit from off street parking and have gardens. The street also has fast access to the A303 for onward journeys.

Ashwood Drive

Ashwood Drive is a new development of spacious and modern detached houses on the eastern edge of Yeovil. You can also access a range of schools, GPs, hospitals, and restaurants within a short distance of Ashwood Drive. Bus transport links that run through the town and connect to other destinations. Ashwood Drive is the ideal place to live if you want a high-quality home in a convenient and attractive location.

Home Drive

Home Drive is a quiet and convenient cul de sac off Preston Road, in the desirable Summerlands area of Yeovil. The road is within easy walking distance of local amenities and schools, such as Preston Primary School, Yeovil College, and Yeovil District Hospital. Home Drive is also well-connected to other places by road and rail, as it is close to the A303 and the Yeovil Junction railway station

Education in Yeovil

High-Quality Education with Good Exam Results

Moving to a new town with children can be stressful, but Yeovil has a great selection of schools to choose from. No matter what age your child is, there are many options available for their education. From primary schools to higher education institutions, Yeovil has it all.

Some of the town’s high schools rank among the top in the country for their exam results. The town also has several further education institutions such as Bridgwater & Taunton College and Yeovil College. These are great for attracting apprentices to gain valuable experience.

Yeovil Jobs

Yeovil is a town that offers great employment prospects for everyone including graduates and job seekers from various fields.

Some of the major companies based in Yeovil include Leonardo (also known as Agustawestland), a helicopter design and manufacturing company. The business employs over 2,500 people from the area in highly skilled jobs.

Yeovil also has a large hospital with opportunities for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. There’s a range of services including a 24-hour urgent care centre, maternity unit, and surgical facilities. The hospital also has an excellent reputation for its cancer treatment facilities and is home to the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which provides community health services. providing ample

Innovation Centre

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit or would like to start up your own business venture then Yeovil is also a great place to be! The town has many facilities offering support for those wanting to become self-employed or start their own business.

Yeovil Innovation Centre offers ready-made support for new businesses, providing access to mentorship and investment.

Alongside this there are plenty of strategies put in place by the local government with plans for further refurbishments within the town centre..

Gardening in Yeovil

The area receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year, which means that plants thrive here. If you’re an avid gardener or simply love spending time outdoors, Yeovil’s climate will be perfect for you.

Yeovil Art Space is a community-led arts organisation that runs a Growing Together! project. This project offers family-friendly creative gardening workshops on selected Saturdays throughout the year, where you can learn how to grow your own food, make planters, create art with natural materials and more.

Another place where you can find gardening events and workshops is Brimsmore Gardens, hosting seasonal events such as pumpkin carving, wreath making and Christmas tree decorating. Brimsmore Gardens also has a Skool Beanz Gardening Club, which organises one-day workshops for adults who want to learn more about creative gardening, such as edible flowers, container gardening and wildlife gardening.

Beautiful Sites In Yeovil

Ham Hill Country Park

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy nature, history and stunning views, then Ham Hill Country Park is the perfect destination for you.

Ham Hill is a huge Iron Age hill fort that offers panoramic views of the Somerset Levels, the Mendips, Exmoor and beyond. You can explore the ancient ramparts, the Roman site, the war memorial and the quarry pits that have shaped the landscape for centuries.

Also available are the rich wildlife and flora of the park, such as rare butterflies, birds, wildflowers and fungi. Whether you want to walk, cycle, picnic, play or relax, Ham Hill has something for everyone.

You can also visit the nearby villages of Stoke-sub-Hamdon and Norton Sub Hamdon, where you can find charming hamstone cottages, pubs and shops.

Weston Super Mare

Weston Super Mare is only a 1 hour drive from Yeovil. It’s a lovely seaside town which is also perfect for a first home. Read our location guide to Weston Super Mare for more details.

Montacute House Park & Gardens

Montacute House Park lies in a magnificent estate and showcases the splendour of Elizabethan architecture and design. The house is from the late 16th century, and includes ornate carvings, elaborate plasterwork and fine furniture.

You might even see some Tudor and Jacobean portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery!

The park has a variety of landscapes to explore, from formal gardens and orchards to woodland and meadows.

Guided tours are offered around the site.

Haynes Motor Museum

If you’re a fan of cars and bikes, you’ll love Haynes Motor Museum near Yeovil in Somerset. It’s the UK’s largest collection of motoring history, with over 400 vehicles and automobilia on display.

You can see classic cars from different eras, such as the original Italian Job Minis, the Williams F1 exhibition, and the Supercar Century. You can also enjoy family fun activities, such as painting a mini, playing in the outdoor area, or joining a volunteer talk.

Yeovil Festivals

One of the most popular events in Yeovil is the annual Yeovil Show which takes place in July.

It’s a two-day event that celebrates the best of rural life in Somerset and beyond. The show features a range of attractions and activities for all ages, such as livestock competitions, horse shows, dog shows, crafts, food, music, and entertainment. The Yeovil show also supports local businesses and charities by providing trade stands and fundraising opportunities

Other good events include:
The Somerset County Show
The Abbey Manor Summer Fete
The Wessex Folk Festival

Local traditions & customs

Yeovil has a rich history that can still be seen today through its local traditions and customs. One such tradition is the annual Wassailing ceremony which takes place every January.

This ancient custom involves singing to apple trees in an orchard to encourage a good harvest.  It involves singing, dancing, drinking, and making noise in the orchards, to wake up the trees and scare away the evil spirits. It also involves pouring cider at the base of the trees and placing toast in the branches to feed the good spirits!

Leisure Activities In Yeovil

Shopping

Yeovil may be a small town, but it certainly offers a lot when it comes to leisure activities. From shopping centres to parks and other outdoor spaces, there truly is something for everyone here.

The Quedam Shopping Centre is the main hub for retail in the town, with over 45 stores and plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from.

And if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, then head down to the weekly market which takes place every Tuesday and Friday in the heart of the town centre.

Dining In Yeovil

When it comes to dining out, Yeovil has no shortage of options either! From traditional British pub grub to international cuisine like Italian or Indian fare – there’s something here that will satisfy any cravings you might have.

Yeovil Weather

Mild climate with warm summers and cool winters

Yeovil is blessed with a mild climate, which makes it an ideal place to live if you’re not a fan of extreme weather conditions. The summers are warm and the winters are cool (but not freezing cold). This means that you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round without worrying too much about the weather.

In summer, temperatures can rise up to 25°C (77°F) and in winter they tend to hover above freezing. One of the biggest advantages of Yeovil’s mild climate is that it makes gardening easier and more enjoyable!

Low rain throughout the year

Yeovil has one of the lowest rainfall averages in England, with only around 700 mm per year on average, meaning there’s very little chance of snowfall during winter months, which makes driving and commuting easier.

However, it’s always important to keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes in weather patterns, as even mild climates can sometimes experience extreme weather conditions unexpectedly. Yeovil also has smaller roads running through smaller villages that can be difficult to drive on in bad weather.

Transport In Yeovil

Good transportation links with easy access to major highways.

If you’re a driver, you’ll be happy to know that Yeovil has fast access to major motorways, making it easy for you to get around. With the A303 and A37 right on your doorstep, you can easily connect to other major cities such as Bristol and Exeter.

Trains

Yeovil also has a great public transportation system that connects the town to other areas in Somerset and beyond. The South Western Railway operates from Yeovil’s Pen Mill Station, providing access to London Waterloo as well as other popular destinations.

Another option for those without access to a car is using the local bus service. The First Bus service operates throughout Yeovil and surrounding areas, providing affordable travel options for commuters and visitors alike. Although make sure you research how to pay for bus tickets as some require you to download the bus app for M tickets.

Electric Bikes

For those looking for an eco-friendly option, why not try out the electric bikes on offer in Yeovil? Rock & Road is a local, friendly bike store who can sort out all of your cycling needs. They supply everything from road bikes to mountain bikes. They can also service your two wheeled vehicle too, keeping it in top shape.

Conclusion

Living in Yeovil is a good choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet vibrant town with plenty of opportunities. This town has something to offer for most people from young professionals to families and retirees.

With its excellent transport links, great schools, and thriving job market, Yeovil is a town that can help you achieve your goals. If you’re looking for a place with a strong sense of community and plenty of entertainment options, Yeovil won’t disappoint.

It’s true that the area is quieter than big cities, and that can be hard for some that like the constant hustle and bustle. There’s a wide variety of neighborhoods in the South West, so it’s worth exploring a few different ones.

But in today’s age of constant connectivity and busier life schedules, sometimes a little bit of occasional peace does wonders for your well being.