Living in Somerton

Community life in Somerton is a key part of the area's appeal. The town has a reputation for its friendly and welcoming residents, and there are active local societies that span a wide range of interests—from arts and crafts to gardening and local heritage. The Somerton Arts Festival stands out as a notable annual event, attracting visitors from across Somerset and encouraging participation from people of all ages.

Local amenities include a well-stocked library, multiple churches, and the Somerton Sports and Recreation Ground, which hosts everything from football to bowls. The nearby Millennium Garden, with its landscaped features and seating, provides a peaceful setting for locals to relax. Community centres and village halls are regularly used for fitness classes, local meetings, and social events, strengthening the town's sense of togetherness.

Somerton’s rural setting ensures easy access to scenic walks on the Somerset Levels, while families and individuals alike enjoy the wildlife and open spaces at places like Etsome Field and the town’s public parks.

Somerton is generally regarded as a safe and peaceful town within Somerset. The area experiences lower crime rates than larger urban centres, and residents are known for looking out for one another. The community’s size means that incidents of serious crime are infrequent, with most issues relating to minor antisocial behaviour.

The presence of a local police beat team and regular community policing initiatives help to keep residents informed and reassured. Safety concerns are often addressed quickly through neighbourhood forums and local council engagement. Areas within and around Somerton known for their tranquillity include the older residential streets and the countryside fringes.

Ongoing investments in public lighting, neighbourhood watch schemes, and community outreach further support a sense of security in Somerton. Overall, most residents feel confident walking through the town at any hour, contributing to the town’s positive reputation for safety.

Parking in Somerton is relatively straightforward. The town centre offers several free and low-cost public car parks, particularly around the Market Place and West Street. On-street parking is usually available, particularly in residential areas, although spaces may be at a premium during market days and local events. Resident permit schemes are not currently widespread, but restrictions are in place around certain busy zones.

Road access to Somerton is excellent due to the town's close proximity to the A303, which forms one of the primary east-west routes through the South West. The A372 and B3151 provide additional connections to neighbouring towns and villages. Somerton is not subject to high congestion levels, with typical commute times remaining reasonable, even during peak periods.

Nearby destinations and road routes:

• Yeovil – approx. 12 miles via A37 (25 minutes)
• Taunton – approx. 23 miles via A372/A358 (35 minutes)
• Wells – approx. 18 miles via A372/A39 (35 minutes)
• Glastonbury – approx. 9 miles via B3151 (20 minutes)

Somerton’s accessibility and manageable road traffic appeal to those commuting to neighbouring towns or travelling across the region by car.

Somerton boasts a traditional high street dotted with independent cafés, classic English pubs, and a select range of restaurants and takeaways. The Market Place and Broad Street are at the heart of the eating and drinking scene, with historic pubs such as The White Hart and The Globe Inn providing locally brewed ales and hearty meals. Stylish bistros, like The Courtyard Café, offer artisan coffees and homemade cakes.

The town’s restaurants focus on local Somerset produce, with menus often featuring seasonal dishes and regional specialities. A handful of takeaways cater to everyday needs, whilst the quarterly food markets provide opportunities to try local cheeses, baked goods, and other delicacies. Residents seeking a livelier nightlife tend to travel to nearby Glastonbury or Yeovil, but the town’s events calendar often includes quiz nights, open mic evenings, and live music at local venues and community halls.

Overall, food and social life in Somerton leans towards relaxed, informal settings, making it ideal for enjoying traditional Somerset hospitality in a friendly atmosphere.

School quality: Somerton is home to well-regarded primary schools and is close to reputable secondary academies and colleges, giving families confidence in their children’s education.

Parks and green space: The town benefits from its location amidst the countryside and offers a range of parks, sports fields, and outdoor play areas suitable for children of all ages.

Childcare: Local nurseries and childminders serve the town, with further options available in nearby towns, making it convenient for working parents.

Safety: Low crime rates and a strong sense of community offer reassurance to families living in Somerton, with many streets considered quiet and secure.

Family activities: A schedule of family events, community fairs, and sports clubs provides plenty of opportunities to keep children and young people engaged throughout the year.

Pet-friendly living is a key part of the appeal of Somerton. The town’s green spaces, plentiful parks, and access to miles of public footpaths make it easy for dog owners and pet lovers to enjoy the outdoors. Etsome Field and the sports ground are popular with dog walkers, while the expansive Somerset Levels offer open countryside for longer walks.

Somerton supports pet ownership, with several local veterinary practices and pet supply shops in the town and nearby. Most local landlords are open to pets by agreement, and the friendly character of the community means pets are a common sight at outdoor cafes and in public spaces.

Nearby attractions such as nature reserves and riverside walks enhance opportunities for exploring with pets, making Somerton an ideal setting for animal lovers seeking both rural adventure and local convenience.

Somerton is well-situated for transport within Somerset and beyond. While the town itself does not have its own railway station, it benefits from good road links and regular bus services connecting residents to key regional hubs.

Public transport options include:

• Regular bus routes to Glastonbury, Street, Yeovil, and Taunton
• Nearest railway stations: Castle Cary (approx. 7 miles), with direct trains to London Paddington, Bristol, and Exeter

The A303 dual carriageway is easily reached from Somerton, providing fast connections east towards Wiltshire and west to Devon. For air travel, Bristol Airport is around 35 miles away, offering flights to UK and international destinations.

Typical journey times:

• Yeovil – approx. 25 minutes by car
• Taunton – approx. 35 minutes by car
• Bristol – approx. 1 hour by car
• London (Paddington) – approx. 1 hour 45 minutes by train from Castle Cary station

Cycle and footpaths make local journeys convenient within Somerton and to surrounding villages, further contributing to sustainable travel options.

Education is a central part of life in Somerton, with a selection of primary and secondary schools serving local families. The area is well-regarded within Somerset for its commitment to schooling, and the catchment is popular with parents seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Primary Schools:

Somerton Primary School sits at the heart of the community, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its 2019 inspection. The school is noted for its supportive staff, strong academic results, and inclusive ethos. Nearby, Keinton Mandeville Primary School (rated 'Good', Ofsted 2018) and Charlton Mackrell C of E Primary School are also popular choices for families within the local area.

Secondary Schools:

Students typically move on to Huish Episcopi Academy, located around four miles away in Langport. This academy is well-known throughout Somerset for its wide-ranging curriculum and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023. Several local pupils also attend Ansford Academy in Castle Cary, which offers strong pastoral care and academic outcomes.

Independent Schools:

The wider Somerset region offers respected independent options, including Millfield School in Street and Hazelgrove School near Sparkford. Both attract pupils from across the region and beyond, with Millfield renowned for its outstanding sports facilities and academic opportunities.

Further Education and Universities:

Colleges in the area include Strode College in Street, widely regarded as one of Somerset’s leading sixth forms and further education providers. For higher education, the nearest universities are the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, and the University Centre Somerset in Taunton, all accessible within an hour's drive.