Living in Wedmore

Wedmore is notable for its strong community spirit, with residents often describing it as welcoming and inclusive. Weekly markets, such as the Wedmore Farmers’ Market, are popular events that showcase local produce and crafts, fostering a sense of locality and sustainability.

Village life is enriched by a calendar of social activities and events, including the Wedmore Real Ale Festival, Open Gardens, and the summer Street Fair. Local societies, clubs, and the busy Village Hall offer everything from art exhibitions and fitness classes to children’s groups and charity fundraisers.

The surrounding Somerset Levels provide abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Walkers and cyclists enjoy the network of footpaths and bridleways, while nature lovers can explore the nearby Avalon Marshes or Mendip Hills for birdwatching and scenic views.

Wedmore is perceived as a safe and peaceful rural village, benefitting from a low level of crime compared to urban areas in Somerset. The close-knit community is generally watchful and supportive, fostering an environment where residents feel secure.

Like many small villages, Wedmore experiences mostly minor incidents such as occasional vehicle crime or petty theft, but serious incidents are rare. Local policing is provided by Avon and Somerset Constabulary, who maintain a visible presence in the area and liaise closely with the community through regular meetings and outreach.

Community safety initiatives, including Neighbourhood Watch, are active in Wedmore, further promoting a sense of well-being and safety among residents.

Parking in Wedmore is typically manageable, with a mix of on-street parking and several dedicated parking areas near the village centre and amenities. While the picturesque narrow lanes can be busy during peak events or market days, residents usually find spaces easily outside of these times.

There is no residents' parking permit scheme in place in Wedmore, and most properties have off-road or driveway parking. The village is served by the B3139 and B3151, providing convenient links to larger A-roads and the M5 motorway for regional travel.

Wedmore’s road access ensures that nearby towns are within a short drive:

• Cheddar – approx. 12 minutes via B3151 (5 miles)
• Wells – approx. 20 minutes via B3139 (9 miles)
• Burnham-on-Sea – approx. 22 minutes via B3139 and A38 (11 miles)
• Glastonbury – approx. 20 minutes via B3151 (9 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 50 minutes via A38 (25 miles)

Wedmore boasts a thriving food scene, with a selection of characterful pubs, local restaurants, and inviting cafés. The Swan, at the heart of the village, offers renowned gastropub dining with an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The George Inn, another long-standing establishment, provides classic pub fare and a welcoming atmosphere.

For casual dining, there are delicatessens, bakeries, and tearooms serving homemade cakes, light lunches, and quality coffees. Takeaway options, including fish and chips or pizza, can be found locally and in neighbouring villages like Cheddar.

While Wedmore itself has a relaxed, village-style nightlife, occasional live music and community events take place at the pubs or the Village Hall. For a broader choice of bars, clubs, or theatre experiences, residents tend to travel to Wells, Glastonbury, or even into Bristol or Bath.

School quality: Local options such as Wedmore First School Academy and Hugh Sexey Church of England Middle School offer high standards with positive Ofsted reviews, supporting children’s educational journeys within a nurturing atmosphere.

Parks and green space: Wedmore is surrounded by countryside, with play areas, sports fields, and access to nearby nature reserves, making outdoor play and family time easy to enjoy all year round.

Childcare: Several nurseries and childminders operate locally, some linked to the Wessex Learning Trust, ensuring families have access to professional childcare solutions.

Safety: Low crime rates and a friendly, close-knit community contribute to peace of mind for families living in Wedmore.

Family activities: Annual events, outdoor adventure in the Mendip Hills, and local clubs mean children and families have many choices to stay active and involved.

Wedmore is exceptionally well-suited for pet owners, particularly those with dogs. The surrounding countryside, including numerous public footpaths and bridleways, offers plenty of space for scenic walks and off-lead runs. The Mendip Hills, Avalon Marshes, and Cheddar Reservoir are all within easy reach and popular with dog walkers and nature lovers alike.

There are veterinary practices nearby, pet supply shops in local towns, and several dog-friendly pubs and cafés in the village and surrounding area. Local accommodations and holiday cottages also often welcome well-behaved pets. As with many rural areas, residents are generally accepting and supportive of animals, with many homes having spacious gardens and secure outdoor areas.

Wedmore, though rural, benefits from several transport links connecting it to Somerset’s main towns and beyond. The nearest train stations are in Highbridge & Burnham or in Weston-super-Mare, both approximately a 25-30 minute drive. These stations provide direct services to Bristol, Taunton, and even London Paddington via connecting lines.

Regular bus services connect Wedmore with Wells, Cheddar, Burnham-on-Sea, and other surrounding villages, making local travel convenient for residents without a car. Key roads, such as the A371 and A38, are easily accessible, providing routes to the M5 motorway and connecting major towns in Somerset.

For air travel, Bristol Airport is the closest, located about 17 miles away and reachable in around 40 minutes by car, offering both domestic and international flights.

Approximate commute times by public transport:

• Wells – 30 minutes by car or bus
• Bristol – 1 hour by car or train from Highbridge/W-s-Mare
• Bath – 1 hour 10 minutes by car/car plus train
• Taunton – 45 minutes by car
• London – approximately 2.5 hours via train from Highbridge & Burnham (with changes)

Wedmore and its surrounding area provide access to a range of schools catering to different age groups and educational preferences. The schools are highly valued by the community and attract families who prioritise education.

Primary Schools
Wedmore First School Academy is located in the heart of the village, offering education for children aged 4-9. The school is part of the Wessex Learning Trust and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its most recent inspection (2019), praised for its supportive environment and commitment to student development.
Hugh Sexey Church of England Middle School is nearby in Blackford and caters for ages 9-13. This school is also part of the Wessex Learning Trust and received a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2022), known for a broad curriculum and strong community ethos.

Secondary Schools
King Alfred School Academy in Highbridge offers secondary education for ages 11-18. The school, under the Priory Learning Trust, has a 'Good' rating from Ofsted (2021) and provides a wide range of GCSEs and A Levels, as well as extracurricular opportunities.
Wells Blue School, just a short drive away, is a well-established secondary in Wells, also rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2021), with a reputation for academic achievement and an extensive extracurricular programme.

Independent Schools and Sixth Form
Millfield School, located in nearby Street, is one of the UK’s leading independent schools, famous for its academic and sporting excellence. Wells Cathedral School in Wells is another historic and prestigious independent school, specialising in music education alongside a broad curriculum.
Sixth form provision is available at The King Alfred School Academy and Wells Blue School, offering substantial A-level and vocational programme options.

Colleges and Universities
Strode College in Street provides further education, apprenticeships, and adult learning, highly regarded in the region. For higher education, Bath Spa University and the University of the West of England (in Bristol) are accessible within an hour’s drive, broadening options for local residents.