Living in Aldershot

Aldershot is known for its strong sense of community, shaped by its military heritage and diverse local population. The town hosts events such as the annual Aldershot Military Festival and Remembrance Day parades, which are central to local life. Regular markets bring fresh produce and goods to the town centre, fostering a sociable, neighbourly environment.

There are plenty of opportunities for community involvement, with active local societies, sports clubs, and arts venues such as the West End Centre and Princes Hall. The close-knit military community often runs its own activities, while local parks and green spaces like Manor Park offer spots for family picnics, dog walking, and outdoor sports.

The Basingstoke Canal and proximity to the North Downs provide further options for long walks, cycling, and outdoor leisure, supporting an active lifestyle for Aldershot residents of all ages.

Crime rates in Aldershot are broadly in line with national averages for towns of its size. The town centre and areas around the main train station can be busier, but high-profile local policing and neighbourhood watch groups support community safety. Some areas, such as the historic military garrison zone, are perceived to be particularly safe due to limited public access and visible security presence.

Aldershot benefits from ongoing regeneration initiatives that aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and make the streets feel safer, especially in the evenings. Community policing teams are active and regularly engage with local residents and businesses. There is a general sense of vigilance and community support, especially in family-friendly and suburban parts of Aldershot, though, as in any urban centre, residents are advised to take usual precautions.

Parking in Aldershot is generally accessible, especially in residential streets, though the immediate town centre can become busy at peak hours. On-street parking is often regulated through residents' permit schemes, with several large public car parks available for shoppers and visitors. The town lacks significant congestion, making road travel straightforward for most of the day.

Aldershot sits close to key road routes, including the A331 and M3 motorway, providing fast access to major destinations such as:

• Guildford – about 25 minutes via A31 (11 miles)
• Farnham – about 10 minutes via A325 (4 miles)
• Basingstoke – approx. 35 minutes via M3 (20 miles)
• London – about 55–65 minutes via M3 (40 miles)
• Camberley – roughly 20 minutes via A331 (8 miles)

Drivers benefit from reasonable traffic flows outside of rush hour, and cycle routes are being improved through the ongoing regeneration plans.

Aldershot's food and hospitality scene reflects its multicultural community. The town centre is home to a variety of restaurants serving international cuisines, including Nepalese, Indian, Chinese, Italian, and classic British fare. Local favourites include Nepalese restaurants near the train station, as well as well-established Italian bistros and Thai eateries.

Pubs in Aldershot range from traditional establishments offering real ales and a community atmosphere to lively sports bars and newer gastropubs. The nightlife is primarily relaxed, with late-night cafés, several bars, and regular live music events at venues like the West End Centre, a popular arts venue.

For a broader choice of nightlife including clubs or theatres, residents often travel to nearby Farnborough, Guildford, or Basingstoke. Takeaways are plentiful, and family-friendly cafés cater to daytime socialising.

School Quality: Aldershot has a solid selection of primary and secondary schools, many rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, supporting families with children of all ages.

Parks and Green Space: The town is home to attractive green areas such as Manor Park, Brickfields Country Park, and the Basingstoke Canal, ideal for family outings, cycling, and picnics.

Childcare: A choice of nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs are available, providing flexible childcare and early education options for working parents.

Safety: A visible police presence and active neighbourhood groups contribute to a reassuring environment for families in most parts of Aldershot.

Family Activities: Local leisure centres, playgrounds, sports facilities, and events such as community fairs and carnivals provide regular activities for younger residents and their parents.

Aldershot is an accommodating town for pet owners, with several green spaces including Manor Park, Brickfields Country Park, and the well-maintained Basingstoke Canal towpath, all popular choices for dog walking. The nearby Ash Ranges and North Downs deliver opportunities for longer countryside rambles with pets.

Local facilities for pets include veterinary clinics, pet grooming businesses, and pet supply shops dotted around the town centre and suburbs. Many local cafés and some pubs welcome well-behaved dogs, and the town’s housing mix often includes pet-friendly rental properties.

Aldershot’s active outdoor lifestyle means pets are a common and well-accepted part of the community, and dog-friendly events are occasionally organised at local parks.

Aldershot is well-connected for both commuters and those travelling further afield. The town is served by Aldershot railway station, which provides direct train routes to central London (London Waterloo in just under an hour), as well as connections to Guildford, Woking, and other Surrey and Hampshire towns. For bus travel, the town acts as a local hub, with regular services to Farnborough, Farnham, and Camberley.

Aldershot has good access to the A331 "Blackwater Valley Route," linking to the M3 motorway for road travel towards London or the south coast. For air travel, Heathrow Airport is around 45 minutes by car, while Gatwick Airport is just over an hour away.

Typical commute times:

• London Waterloo: Approx. 55 minutes by train
• Guildford: Approx. 20 minutes by train
• Basingstoke: Approx. 40 minutes by train (via Woking)
• Farnham: Approx. 7 minutes by train

Public transport and motorway connections make Aldershot a convenient location for those working in London or surrounding regional employment centres.

Primary Schools:

Aldershot has a range of primary schools, catering to families from across the area. Wellington Community Primary School is popular locally, with a strong community focus and a 'Good' rating from Ofsted (2022). St Michael's Church of England Controlled Junior School is another well-regarded choice, also rated 'Good' (2021). Other options include Manor Infant School and Talavera Junior School, both offering supportive environments and diverse student populations.

Secondary Schools:

Aldershot School serves as the main secondary school for the area, providing co-educational learning and a comprehensive academic programme. The Wavell School, located in neighbouring Farnborough, is also a common choice for secondary education and holds a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2018). Ash Manor School, just to the north in Surrey, is attended by some Aldershot residents as well.

Independent & Specialist Schools:

Highfield South Farnham School (in nearby Farnham) is sought after by some local families valuing an independent education. There are also specialist settings such as The Federation of Heath End and Parkside (SEND provision) nearby.

Colleges & Further Education:

Farnborough College of Technology, a highly respected institution, is a short journey away and offers a wide range of academic and vocational courses, including sixth form studies and apprenticeships.

Universities:

Although there is not a university in Aldershot, the University of Surrey (Guildford) and Royal Holloway (Egham) are both within commuting distance, making Aldershot a viable base for university students who wish to live at home or commute.