Living in Uttoxeter

Uttoxeter is notable for its strong community spirit and active local life. As a traditional market town, it hosts a weekly outdoor market on the Main Square, which brings together local traders and residents. Annual events such as the Uttoxeter Beer Festival, Food Festival, and lantern parade encourage community engagement and celebration.

Green spaces are abundant. Bramshall Road Park and the Millennium Green provide ample space for recreation, walking, and children’s play. The Dove Valley, canal towpaths, and the nearby Staffordshire countryside offer excellent walking, cycling, and outdoor pursuits for all ages. Community centres and local societies, including the Uttoxeter Rotary Club and the U3A (University of the Third Age), help foster social connections among all generations in town.

Crime rates in Uttoxeter are generally lower than national urban averages, contributing to a sense of safety that appeals to families and retirees alike. Like many smaller towns, Uttoxeter sees occasional anti-social behaviour, especially around the town centre during weekends, but serious crime remains infrequent.

Neighbourhood policing teams are active in the area, often engaging with residents through community forums, public meetings, and local initiatives. Various neighbourhood watch schemes are also present, helping to foster a shared sense of responsibility for safety and community welfare. Most residents consider Uttoxeter to be a welcoming and safe place to live, with ongoing efforts to maintain public order and respond to local concerns.

Parking in Uttoxeter is straightforward compared to nearby urban centres. The town offers a good mix of short-stay and long-stay car parks close to the town centre, including parking options near supermarkets, the railway station, and the main shopping streets. On-street parking is available in residential areas, although permits may be required in certain locations close to the core.

Uttoxeter is well-placed for road travel, lying on the A50, which provides dual carriageway access between Stoke-on-Trent to the west and Derby to the east. The A518 connects the town with Stafford, and the wider Staffordshire road network means nearby destinations are within easy reach:

• Stoke-on-Trent – approx. 25 minutes via A50 (16 miles)
• Derby – approx. 28 minutes via A50 (19 miles)
• Stafford – approx. 40 minutes via A518 (20 miles)
• Burton upon Trent – approx. 35 minutes via A50/A38 (20 miles)

Congestion is generally not a major issue, except during peak times or on race days at the Uttoxeter Racecourse.

Uttoxeter boasts a diverse selection of food and drink venues, offering everything from traditional English pubs to independently owned cafés and international restaurants. Local favourites include The White Hart Hotel, known for its real ales and classic British menu, and The Bank House Hotel with its relaxed bar and brasserie. Popular coffee shops and bakeries can be found throughout the high street, alongside more recent additions serving global cuisines.

The nightlife scene in Uttoxeter is relaxed with a handful of pubs hosting live music or quiz nights, especially on weekends. The Malt Shovel and The Old Swan are cherished by locals for their friendly atmosphere and rotating real ales. While Uttoxeter does not have nightclubs, residents benefit from the proximity to larger towns like Derby or Stoke-on-Trent for a broader nightlife experience. Takeaways and casual dining options also contribute to the local food scene, and regular food markets and events offer opportunities to sample Staffordshire specialities and street food.

School quality: Uttoxeter is home to several good-quality schools, both primary and secondary, making it a practical choice for families seeking educational continuity from early years to sixth form.

Parks and green space: Numerous parks such as Bramshall Road Park and Millennium Green offer safe, expansive areas for play and recreation, along with easy access to the countryside for family days out.

Childcare: The town supports a range of nurseries, preschools, and after-school clubs, catering to the needs of working parents and younger families.

Safety: Lower crime rates and an active community network contribute toward a safe environment for raising children.

Family activities: Uttoxeter Racecourse, leisure centres, and a local cinema provide plenty of options for shared family experiences, while larger attractions such as Alton Towers are just a short drive away.

Uttoxeter is considered pet-friendly, offering a variety of green spaces and countryside walks suitable for dog owners. The nearby Dove Valley and Staffordshire Way provide scenic trails, and Bramshall Road Park is a popular spot for daily walks with dogs.

Local veterinary clinics such as Glenthorne Vets and several grooming salons serve the town and its outskirts, while pet shops and garden centres stock pet essentials. Many pubs and cafés in Uttoxeter welcome dogs in designated areas or outdoors, supporting a generally inclusive attitude toward animals. Housing in Uttoxeter often includes private garden space, making it a suitable choice for pet owners seeking both convenience and access to rural excursions.

Uttoxeter is well-connected for a market town, with efficient transport links to larger centres and national networks. The town is served by Uttoxeter railway station, situated on the Crewe to Derby line. This provides direct access to both Derby and Crewe, making commuting straightforward for workers and students. Regular bus services offer local and regional routes, ensuring good public transport coverage across Staffordshire and to nearby towns.

The A50 dual carriageway cuts just south of Uttoxeter, offering fast access to both the M1 and M6 motorways, which link the Midlands with the North West and the South East. This road is also key for those travelling to Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, or Burton upon Trent. Birmingham International Airport and East Midlands Airport are both around 45 minutes’ drive, ensuring that Uttoxeter is conveniently placed for frequent flyers and those requiring national or international travel.

Typical commute times:

• Derby – by train, approx. 31 minutes direct
• Stoke-on-Trent – by train, approx. 40 minutes (with one change)
• Birmingham – by road, approx. 1 hour via A50/A38
• Nottingham – by road, approx. 1 hour via A50

Schools in Uttoxeter are well-regarded, providing families with several options across all education stages. Education provision caters to children from early years through to sixth form, with both state-maintained and independent options available.

Primary Schools: Notable primary schools in the area include St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Thomas Alleyne's Church of England Primary School. Picknalls First School is also a popular choice locally, with an established reputation (Ofsted rating: Good, February 2023). These schools are known for their supportive communities and strong academic results.

Secondary Schools: Thomas Alleyne’s High School is the main secondary school in Uttoxeter, serving ages 13-18 and providing a well-rounded curriculum. The school has a long-standing history in the town, and consistently performs well (Ofsted rating: Good, January 2022). Ryecroft Middle School is an additional option for pupils aged 9-13 and is also rated as Good by Ofsted (March 2019).

Colleges & Sixth Forms: Thomas Alleyne’s High School has an established Sixth Form which prepares students for university or vocational paths.

Universities: There are no universities in Uttoxeter itself. However, the town is conveniently situated for higher education institutions in nearby cities. Keele University in Newcastle-under-Lyme and the University of Derby are both within easy commuting distance, allowing residents to benefit from a rural lifestyle while retaining access to major educational centres.