Living in Street

The sense of community in Street is strong, shaped by a mix of long-standing residents and newcomers. Local life is built around family-run businesses, community centres, and frequent events at venues like Crispin Hall, which offers a wide range of cultural activities, classes, and performances. Volunteer and charity initiatives are well supported, and neighbourhood networks help foster a welcoming atmosphere.

The surrounding landscape encourages an active lifestyle. There are several public parks, sports clubs, and access to the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The annual Street Carnival is a highlight, drawing spectators from across the South West, and regular farmer’s markets contribute to the area's friendly, community-oriented vibe.

Street generally enjoys a reputation as a safe and peaceful village with relatively low crime rates compared to urban centres in Somerset. Most incidents tend to be low-level, such as anti-social behaviour or occasional petty theft, with serious crime considered rare in the area.

The community benefits from active Neighbourhood Policing Teams who work to maintain safety and raise awareness about personal and property security. Street also partakes in local initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes and regular public meetings to keep residents informed. Areas close to the village centre and shopping outlets tend to be closely monitored, and the general perception of safety among residents is positive.

Parking in Street is generally considered accessible, particularly outside peak retail hours when the popular Clarks Village attracts a significant number of visitors. Residential areas typically benefit from on-street parking, and newer developments often provide off-street or allocated spaces. In the village centre, time-limited on-street parking and several public car parks accommodate both locals and tourists, with permit schemes available for residents in certain zones.

Street offers straightforward road access, with the A39 running through the village and connecting to the M5 motorway for longer journeys. Congestion is not a major issue, though traffic can increase during Clarks Village sale events or holiday periods.

Nearby towns and cities with typical travel times:

• Wells – approx. 15 minutes via A39 (8 miles)
• Glastonbury – approx. 5 minutes via A39 (2.5 miles)
• Bridgwater – approx. 30 minutes via A39 (17 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 55 minutes via A39/A37 (33 miles)

Street offers a varied food and drink scene, anchored by its history as a social hub for both locals and visitors drawn to Clarks Village. The High Street and surrounding areas boast popular traditional pubs like The Bear Inn and The Victoria Club, as well as several modern cafés and tea rooms offering locally sourced and artisan produce.

Dining options in Street encompass family-friendly restaurants, Italian and Indian cuisine, and a mix of independent takeaways and well-known chain outlets. For those seeking evening entertainment, several pubs host live music events, pub quizzes, and social clubs, while nearby Glastonbury expands options with more adventurous nightlife and festival-related activities. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, appealing to families and those seeking a welcoming social scene rather than bustling late-night venues.

School Quality: Street’s schools have strong reputations, with both state and independent options rated favourably by Ofsted. The presence of Millfield School adds to the area’s educational profile.

Parks and Green Space: The village boasts several well-maintained parks and playgrounds, with easy access to rural countryside and scenic walking trails.

Childcare: A good choice of nurseries and pre-schools exists locally, while after-school and holiday clubs are commonly available through schools and community groups.

Safety: The neighbourhood’s safe reputation and strong sense of community make it an attractive place for families.

Family Activities: Families benefit from a calendar of community events, leisure centres with pools and gyms, nearby attractions such as the Avalon Marshes, and easy outings to Glastonbury and Wells.

Street is highly suitable for pet owners, with multiple parks, fields, and access to open countryside for dog walking. The Greenbank Pool park and the Millennium Wood offer car-free environments to exercise pets, while networks of footpaths lead towards Glastonbury and beyond.

There are several local veterinary practices and pet supply shops, with nearby establishments offering dog-friendly services and cafés. The general attitude towards pets is positive, and many rental properties welcome pets subject to agreement. Walking routes along the Somerset Levels are particularly popular among dog owners.

Street offers reliable transport links considering its rural setting. The closest railway stations are located in Castle Cary and Bridgwater, both about 11 miles away, which provide services to London, Exeter, and other key destinations. There is no direct rail service in Street itself, but frequent bus services link the village with Glastonbury, Wells, and Taunton, as well as Bath and Bristol. The A39 is the main road serving the area, connecting to the M5 motorway, making car travel efficient for commuters.

The nearest airports are Bristol Airport (about 25 miles north) and Exeter Airport (almost 55 miles south-west), offering domestic and international flights. Commute times from Street to nearby hubs include:

• Bristol – Approx. 55 minutes via A39 and A37 (33 miles)
• Bath – Approx. 50 minutes via A39 and A367 (31 miles)
• Taunton – Approx. 40 minutes via A39 (25 miles)
• Glastonbury – 5 minutes by car (2.5 miles)

Street is recognised for its robust educational offering, catering for all ages. The area is home to several well-regarded primary schools, such as Hindhayes Infant School (Ofsted rated Good, June 2022) and Elmhurst Junior School (Ofsted rated Good, March 2022). These schools are valued for their inclusive ethos and strong links to the community.

The most prominent secondary option is Crispin School Academy, a comprehensive that holds a Good Ofsted rating as of November 2017. Crispin enjoys a solid academic reputation across Somerset, drawing pupils from Street and surrounding villages. Millfield School, a world-renowned independent school, is based in Street and offers both day and boarding education for ages 13–18, with an international reputation in sport and academia. The school’s facilities are among the best in the region, attracting families from the UK and abroad.

For further education, Strode College is a respected sixth-form college located in the centre of Street, providing a wide range of A-levels, vocational qualifications, and adult learning courses. There are no universities within Street itself; however, the city of Bristol and the university town of Bath are accessible and popular choices for higher education.