Living in Fleet

Fleet boasts a range of well-regarded schools, making it popular with families focused on education. The area offers a mix of state, independent, and specialist schools across all age groups.

Primary Schools:
Heatherside Infant and Junior Schools are often sought-after, regularly receiving 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings (last inspected 2011 and 2012). Elvetham Heath Primary School, located on the northern side of Fleet, is also highly regarded with a 'Good' Ofsted rating as of 2017. Tavistock Infant School and Velmead Junior School are both well-established with positive reputations for academic and pastoral care.

Secondary Schools:
Calthorpe Park School is Fleet’s principal comprehensive, rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2023), and known for academic achievement as well as strong arts and sports departments. Court Moor School, although just outside central Fleet, is also popular, with a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2022).

Independent Schools:
St Nicholas’ School is a respected independent day school for girls aged 3–16 and boys aged 3–7, offering an extensive curriculum and a focus on individual development. Yateley Manor School, in nearby Yateley, provides co-educational independent education for ages 2–13.

Colleges and Universities:
While Fleet itself does not have a further education college or university, nearby institutions such as Farnborough College of Technology and Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke serve local students. The University of Surrey in Guildford and Royal Holloway, University of London in Egham, are within commutable distance for higher education.

Fleet is exceptionally well connected, making commuting straightforward for residents. The town’s mainline railway station provides regular direct services to London Waterloo, with journey times from approximately 40 minutes. Trains also serve Basingstoke, Farnborough, and Woking, facilitating easy access to regional business centres.

Fleet is situated just off Junction 4a of the M3, giving excellent road links to London (approx. 40 miles to the east) and the South Coast. Local bus services connect Fleet with Farnborough, Aldershot, and the surrounding neighbourhoods, and cycling is encouraged with dedicated routes around the town and along the Basingstoke Canal towpath.

Air travel is accessible via Heathrow Airport, which is about 25 miles away and typically a 35-45 minute drive, while Gatwick Airport is just under an hour’s drive. Fleet’s strategic location makes it ideal for those who travel regularly by rail or road.

Key Commute Times:

• London Waterloo – approx. 40-50 minutes by train
• Basingstoke – approx. 20 minutes by train
• Reading – approx. 35 minutes by car via M4
• Guildford – approx. 30 minutes by car or train via North Camp/Farnborough

Fleet is often recognised as one of the safer towns in Hampshire, with consistently lower crime rates than many comparably-sized towns in the region. Residents generally perceive Fleet as a safe place to live, with a particular sense of security in the established residential areas and family neighbourhoods.

The town benefits from a visible local policing presence and community engagement initiatives, including Neighbourhood Watch schemes and regular police drop-in sessions. Anti-social behaviour and property crime are relatively low, although, like all towns, issues occasionally arise around the town centre, particularly during busy periods.

Ongoing investment in street lighting, CCTV coverage in the central shopping districts, and partnership work between the council, police, and local groups help to sustain Fleet’s reputation for safety and reassurance for residents.

Parking in Fleet is generally straightforward, especially in residential streets that offer a mix of on-street parking and driveways. In the town centre, several public car parks including short and long-stay options cater to shoppers and commuters, though peak weekday hours can get busy. Resident parking permits are in use in certain areas close to the station and high street to deter long-stay non-resident vehicles.

Road access is one of Fleet’s strong suits. The town is adjacent to the M3 motorway, providing a direct route to London (approx. 40 minutes via M3, 40 miles), and to Basingstoke and the south. The A323 and A3013 handle local traffic efficiently, with good connectivity to surrounding villages and neighbouring towns. Congestion is usually limited to school run times or during station peak hours.

Nearby Towns and Cities:

• Basingstoke – approx. 25 minutes via M3 (17 miles)
• Farnborough – approx. 15 minutes via A3013 (6 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 30 minutes via A331 and A31 (21 miles)
• Reading – approx. 35 minutes via M4 (28 miles)
• London – approx. 40 minutes via M3 (40 miles)

Fleet offers a varied food and drink scene with a choice of independent cafés, restaurants, and traditional pubs. The Hart Shopping Centre and Fleet’s high street host a range of eateries – from Italian trattorias and Indian restaurants, to Thai, Chinese, and classic British fare. There are several popular coffee spots and bakeries, including national chains and local favourites.

The town is home to a number of well-loved pubs such as The Falkners Arms, The Prince Arthur, and The Fox and Hounds – all offering a welcoming atmosphere and hearty menus. Microbreweries and craft ale venues have become more common, catering to those seeking local brews.

Nightlife in Fleet is more relaxed than urban hotspots, but there’s a good selection of bars, a lively Wetherspoons, and occasional live music at venues such as The Harlington entertainment centre. While there are no nightclubs within the town, late-night options and events are easily accessible in nearby Farnborough and Basingstoke.

Fleet has a friendly, inclusive community vibe, with many social clubs, volunteering opportunities, and local societies. The annual Fleet & District Carnival is a key highlight on the local calendar, drawing crowds with parades, entertainment, and family activities. Seasonal events such as Fleet Food Festival and Christmas Festival further enhance community spirit.

Green spaces and the Basingstoke Canal are integral to local life, providing opportunities for dog-walking, cycling, and picnics. Fleet Pond Nature Reserve is a much-loved local gem – the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire – offering walking trails and wildlife watching.

A network of community centres, like The Harlington, host everything from fitness classes and learning workshops to live performances and cinema nights. There are regular farmers’ markets, art fairs, and sports clubs including football, cricket, tennis, and running, helping residents stay active and connected.

School Quality: Fleet is sought-after by families thanks to its excellent choice of primary and secondary schools with positive Ofsted results and reputations for supportive pastoral care.

Parks & Green Spaces: The town offers outstanding access to outdoor amenities, with the large Fleet Pond, Oakley Park, and the Basingstoke Canal providing safe play spaces and family walking or cycling routes.

Childcare: A wide range of nurseries and after-school clubs cater to younger children, and local support networks for new parents are well established.

Safety: Fleet is perceived as a safe, low-crime area, contributing to peace of mind for families moving into the area.

Family Activities: There are numerous family events and activities throughout the year, such as the annual carnival, parks, play centres, and sports clubs for children of all ages.

Fleet is highly accommodating for pet owners, with numerous green spaces, woodland walks, and the expansive Fleet Pond Nature Reserve. The Basingstoke Canal towpath is a favourite route for dog walking, offering miles of scenic paths away from traffic.

Local amenities include several veterinary practices, dedicated pet shops, and pet-friendly cafes and pubs. Many residential areas are noted for welcoming pets, and there is generally a positive attitude to pet ownership among landlords and neighbours.

The town’s well-kept parks and abundance of countryside access mean pet owners can easily find safe and enjoyable spaces to exercise their animals, making Fleet especially appealing for dog owners and lovers of the outdoors.