Living in Melksham

Melksham’s social life is defined by a strong sense of community and local pride. Annual events like the Melksham Food and River Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-On draw together residents from across the area and neighbouring towns. Local clubs, societies, and volunteering groups offer opportunities to get involved, whether through sports, arts, gardening, or community support activities. The Assembly Hall is a focal point for cultural performances, film nights and public meetings.

Green spaces such as King George V Playing Fields, the Millennium Riverside Walk, and the nearby countryside encourage outdoor activities and family picnics. The canal path and river walks are especially popular with walkers and cyclists alike. Weekly markets bring fresh produce and crafts to the heart of the town, reinforcing the friendly, approachable character of everyday life in Melksham.

Crime rates in Melksham are generally in line with other small towns in Wiltshire, and the area is widely regarded as safe. The majority of incidents reported are non-violent and the town is seldom affected by more significant crime typically seen in larger urban centres. Wiltshire Police have an operational presence in the town, and visible community policing initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch groups, encourage an environment of mutual support among residents.

Efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour have been supported by the local council and community groups, especially around the town centre and recreational parks. Many residents view Melksham as a secure place to live, with areas such as the Bowerhill suburb particularly noted for being quiet and family-oriented. Ongoing regeneration and public safety campaigns are continuously monitored to ensure consistent levels of safety for both new arrivals and long-term inhabitants.

Parking in Melksham is typically more straightforward than in larger nearby towns or cities. The town offers several car parks in and around the centre, as well as on-street parking options. While some streets operate on a residents’ permit scheme, most parking is time-limited but free for short stays. During shopping hours or local events, the most popular central car parks may fill up quickly.

The A350 road skirts the east of Melksham, providing streamlined access to key routes such as the M4 motorway. This makes the town a popular choice for drivers commuting to regional employment hubs. Peak-hour congestion is mainly limited to junctions and routes leading directly into the town centre but generally remains manageable by regional standards.

Nearby towns and travel times:

• Chippenham – approx. 20 minutes via A350 (8 miles)
• Trowbridge – approx. 15 minutes via A350 (6 miles)
• Bath – approx. 35 minutes via A365 (14 miles)
• Swindon – approx. 45 minutes via A350 and A3102 (35 miles)
• Salisbury – approx. 60 minutes via A350 (37 miles)

Melksham’s food and drink scene is rooted in traditional Wiltshire fare, with a mix of old-style pubs and modern eateries. Many locals enjoy The Kings Arms, a popular pub serving real ales and hearty dishes. The Bear Hotel in the heart of town is a long-standing establishment with a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for Sunday lunches or an evening drink. For those seeking international flavours, there are Indian, Chinese and Italian options, all within easy reach of the High Street.

Cafés like The Art House Café and The Café @ Leekes offer light bites, coffee, and desserts in relaxing settings. Several locally-run takeaways provide additional variety, from fish and chips to pizza and Asian street food. Although Melksham does not have an extensive nightlife scene compared to larger cities, there are occasional live music events, quiz nights in pubs, and social clubs catering to different interests. Those wanting a livelier night out tend to head to Bath or Trowbridge, both easily accessible from the town.

School Quality: Melksham offers a selection of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, with most rated "Good" by Ofsted. Families find a supportive educational environment with active parental involvement encouraged by schools.

Parks and Green Space: The town boasts several public parks, playing fields, and easy access to the countryside, providing safe and attractive locations for children’s play and family walks.

Childcare: There is a variety of nurseries and pre-schools in Melksham, including day nurseries and childminding services, which support working parents.

Safety: The town's smaller size and visible policing contribute to a sense of security, making Melksham appealing for families seeking peace of mind.

Family Activities: Family activities include swimming at the Melksham Blue Pool, local football and cricket clubs, and community events such as markets and seasonal festivals, all centrally located and accessible.

Melksham is considered a pet-friendly town, with numerous walking routes and green spaces suitable for dog owners. King George V Playing Fields, riverside trails, and the nearby Kennet & Avon Canal path are favourite spots for daily exercise. Open countryside surrounds the town, offering endless walking and running options for energetic pets.

Local veterinary practices and pet supply stores cater to a range of needs, and several local cafés and pubs welcome dogs. Residential lettings tend to have a reasonably open attitude to pets, particularly for houses with gardens. With its proximity to rural areas and a generally relaxed attitude to animals in public spaces, Melksham supports pet-owning households well.

Melksham benefits from a convenient position in central Wiltshire, making it well suited for commuters and those relying on public transport. The town is served by Melksham railway station, located on the TransWilts line, providing direct links to Chippenham, Swindon, Trowbridge, and Westbury. Although trains are not as frequent as in larger towns, upcoming rail investment aims to improve this route. Regular bus services connect Melksham to Bath, Devizes, Trowbridge, and surrounding villages.

For road users, the A350 provides direct north-south access, linking Melksham to the M4 motorway for journeys towards London, Bristol, or Wales. The A365 and A3102 offer alternative routes to local towns and countryside. Bristol Airport is around 45 minutes away by car, and London Heathrow is reachable in under two hours.

Key commute times:

• Bristol – approx. 60 minutes by car or train
• Bath – approx. 30–35 minutes by bus, train, or car
• Swindon – about 35 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car
• Chippenham – 12 minutes by train or about 20 minutes by car
• London (Paddington) – just over 90 minutes via Chippenham by train

Parents searching for schools in Melksham will find a diverse choice of educational options across all levels. The town is particularly well-regarded for its primary schools, secondary education, and further education facilities, making it attractive for families wishing to settle in the area.

Primary Schools:
Melksham has several primary schools. Bowerhill Primary School offers modern facilities, and was last rated "Good" by Ofsted in 2023. Forest and Sandridge CE Primary School is another popular option, also graded "Good" in its most recent inspection (2022). St. George’s Church of England Primary School, rated "Good" in 2018, provides a supportive environment with a strong community ethos. Aloeric Primary School completes the top list, with Ofsted noting its inclusive teaching approach in its 2021 "Good" inspection.

Secondary Schools:
Melksham Oak Community School is the town’s principal secondary provider. The school has modern buildings and a broad curriculum, and it was graded "Good" by Ofsted in 2018. It provides both GCSEs and sixth form opportunities, with strong links to further education providers in Wiltshire and Bath.

Colleges and Further Education:
Melksham is a short distance from Chippenham College and Wiltshire College & University Centre in Trowbridge, both offering a wide range of A-level, vocational, and adult-learning courses.

Universities:
There are no universities in Melksham itself. The closest major universities are Bath Spa University and the University of Bath, both under 30 minutes’ drive away, making the town a viable base for university students commuting to Bath or Bristol.