Living in Martock

Martock is widely regarded for its strong sense of community and local engagement. Residents are often involved in volunteering, village societies, and neighbourhood projects, giving the area a connected and supportive feel. Community events are held throughout the year, including the Carnival, Christmas fayre, and regular farmers’ markets in the main square. The Martock Parish Hall and the Martock Community Office are focal points for activities, information, and local support services.

The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits, with numerous footpaths, cycling routes, and the nearby Ham Hill Country Park offering expansive views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Recreation grounds, play areas, and the proximity of the Somerset Levels add to Martock’s outdoor lifestyle appeal. Green spaces and well-kept gardens reflect the pride residents take in maintaining the character and natural beauty of the village.

Martock is perceived as a safe and peaceful village, with lower crime rates compared to larger towns and cities in Somerset. The close-knit local community helps maintain a watchful presence, promoting neighbourliness and mutual support. While minor anti-social behaviour may occasionally be reported, serious incidents are rare.

Community initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch networks, contribute to a sense of security among residents. The local police team engages with the community and holds regular meetings to address issues concerns, helping maintain high levels of public reassurance. Areas of new development have benefited from careful planning to continue the tradition of community safety.

Martock’s consistently low crime rates and active local engagement contribute to its enduring appeal, particularly for families and retirees seeking a quieter, more secure lifestyle in the Somerset countryside.

Parking in Martock is generally straightforward, with many traditional homes offering private driveways and off-street options. The village centre has several public car parks, and on-street parking does not tend to be overly competitive. Resident parking permits are not commonly required, and visitor parking is usually available without difficulty, particularly outside of busy market days and special events.

The A303 trunk road is a major arterial route running just south of Martock, connecting the village with other parts of Somerset and beyond. Local road links are well-maintained, providing convenient routes both for commuting and local journeys. Overall congestion levels remain low compared to urban centres, though the A303 itself can experience increased traffic during school holidays and peak travel times.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Yeovil – approx. 15 minutes via A303 (7 miles)
• Taunton – approx. 35 minutes via A358 (22 miles)
• Ilminster – approx. 15 minutes via A303 (10 miles)
• Langport – approx. 20 minutes via B3165 (9 miles)

These road links make Martock a practical base for travelling throughout South Somerset and further afield.

Martock offers a selection of welcoming pubs, cosy cafés, and local eateries reflecting the village’s atmosphere and Somerset’s foodie reputation. Popular pub choices include The White Hart and The George, both known for their traditional menus and sociable ambiance. Several independent cafés and bakeries, such as the renowned Ham Farm Bakery, serve locally produced snacks, baked goods, and light lunches.

For dining out, the area features a mixture of English and international cuisines available at local restaurants and neighbouring villages. Takeaway options include fish and chips, Chinese cuisine, and pizza, catering to a range of tastes. While Martock itself has a relaxed evening scene, nearby Yeovil offers more extensive nightlife, with venues ranging from cocktail bars and pubs to cinematic experiences and theatre performances.

The overall social scene in Martock is friendly, laid-back, and community-focused, making it well-suited for those seeking a quieter, rural way of life but with the option to explore more vibrant settings within a short drive.

School quality: Martock Church of England Primary School is highly regarded and there is easy access to reputable secondary schools nearby, making the village appealing for families with children.

Parks and green space: Several parks, playgrounds, and nearby open countryside provide safe and enjoyable places for children to play and explore outdoors.

Childcare: A range of pre-school options and local childminding services support families with younger children.

Safety: With low crime rates and a community-oriented culture, Martock offers a secure environment for family life.

Family activities: The village hosts events including fetes, outdoor markets, and seasonal celebrations, with plenty of outdoor activities available both in the village and nearby natural attractions.

Martock is an excellent choice for pet owners, particularly those with dogs, thanks to its wealth of walking routes, countryside footpaths, and proximity to open fields. Ham Hill Country Park and the Somerset Levels provide expansive areas for off-lead exercise and exploration. The village has a several local veterinary surgeries, pet supply shops, and friendly policies towards pets in both public spaces and housing.

Cafés with outdoor seating often welcome dogs, and many of the local pubs have dog-friendly policies. The general attitude in Martock is positive towards animal ownership, reflecting the area’s rural traditions and close connection to the countryside. Various pet services, including grooming and boarding, are available nearby, making day-to-day pet care straightforward for residents.

Martock benefits from a range of transport links that make it easy for residents to commute, travel, and explore the broader South West region. While the village itself does not have a railway station, regular bus services connect Martock with nearby towns including Yeovil, Taunton, and Langport.

The closest mainline train stations are in Yeovil (Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction), both approximately a 15-minute drive, offering direct rail routes to Exeter, London Waterloo, Bristol, and Weymouth. The nearby A303 trunk road provides a direct east-west connection across southern England, making Martock well-suited to commuters.

Airports within reach include Exeter Airport (under an hour by car), Bristol Airport (also about an hour’s drive), and Southampton Airport (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).

Key commute times:

• Yeovil – approx. 15 minutes by car (7 miles)
• Taunton – approx. 35 minutes by car (22 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by car (45 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour by car (49 miles)

These transport connections ensure Martock offers rural tranquility without isolation.

Primary Schools:

Martock Church of England Primary School is the principal primary institution, known locally for its committed staff and good Ofsted rating (last rated 'Good' in November 2022). Families also have access to nearby Ash Church of England Primary School just outside the village, offering another reputable option within a short drive.

Secondary Schools:

Martock does not have a secondary school within the village; however, nearby schools serve the area. Huish Episcopi Academy in Langport (about 7 miles away) is a popular choice for Martock families. The Academy was most recently rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022. Preston School and Westfield Academy in Yeovil are also accessible, both offering a range of GCSE and post-16 options.

Independent Schools:

For independent education, the neighbouring town of Yeovil is home to The Park School, an independent co-educational school for ages 4 to 16. Hazelgrove Preparatory School in Sparkford is another sought-after independent option, particularly for boarders and younger students.

Further Education & Colleges:

Yeovil College is the closest major provider of further education, offering a wide range of vocational courses, A-levels, and apprenticeships. The college is around a 15-minute drive from Martock.

Universities:

Martock does not have a university, but the University Centre Somerset in Taunton (part of Bridgwater & Taunton College) is accessible for higher education. The University of Exeter and the University of Bath are the nearest large universities, reachable by car or rail in just over an hour.