Let’s be honest, when you first drive into Yeovil, you might not be instantly struck by postcard-perfect beauty. What you see first is a busy, practical working town, shaped by industry and real life. I felt that way too, years ago. But then I stayed. I explored. And I learned that Yeovil is one of those places that reveals its charms slowly, like a friend who tells their best stories once they trust you. It’s a proper, no-nonsense Somerset town with a heart of gold and a fascinating past, and it’s become a wonderfully comfortable place to call home.
If you’re wondering whether Yeovil is a nice place to live or what there is to do here, you’re asking the right question. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a “yes, if…” Yes, if you appreciate towns with authentic character over chocolate-box pretence. Yes, if you want fantastic connections to some of England’s best landscapes. And yes, if you believe a community is defined by its people and its history, not just its fancy shop fronts.
The Heartbeat of the Town: Yeovil’s Centre and Market
Forget sterile shopping malls for a minute. The real pulse of Yeovil can be felt in its town centre, especially on market days. The Queen Street area and the old cattle market site hum with activity. Walking through the stalls, you’re hit by the scent of fresh flowers, the earthy smell of local vegetables, and the cheerful banter between traders and regulars. This isn’t a tourist market; it’s a functional, weekly ritual. You’ll see people buying their weekly groceries, hunting for a bargain on tools, or picking up a unique piece of local crafts.
It’s this practicality that I’ve grown to love. You can get almost anything you need here. The high street has its share of familiar chains, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find independent butchers, bakers, and family-run shops that have been here for generations. I buy my cheese from a deli that knows exactly how ripe I like my Somerset Brie, and my books from a quirky independent store where the owner recommends books based on what you read last month. This network of local knowledge and service is what builds a community, and in Yeovil, it’s still very much alive.
Your Daily Dose of Green: Ninesprings and Beyond
Now, this is where Yeovil surprises many people. A short walk from the bustling town centre, you can find yourself in the peaceful embrace of Ninesprings Country Park. It’s the town’s green lung. I’ve lost count of the afternoons I’ve spent here, following the meandering paths along the streams, listening to the water cascade over the weirs. The park is beautifully maintained, with charming bridges, grottos, and a cafe that does a solid cream tea. It’s always full of dog walkers, joggers, and families feeding the ducks. For a bigger adventure, you can follow the paths out into the wider Yeovil Country Park, where the views open up across the fields. Having this accessible, free natural space on your doorstep is an incredible quality-of-life booster, especially if you have children or just need to clear your head.
A Town Built on Skill: Gloves, Cheese, and Stone
To understand Yeovil today, you have to look at what it did yesterday. For over two centuries, Yeovil wasn’t just in the glove-making industry; it was the heart of it. At its peak, thousands of skilled workers, known as ‘glovers’, produced millions of pairs of leather gloves here, exporting them worldwide. While the industry has faded, its legacy is etched into the town. You can see it in the architecture of the old factory buildings, some of which have been creatively converted into apartments or offices. The sense of craftsmanship and hard work is part of the town’s DNA.
Then there’s the cheese. You might be puzzled to see “Yeovil” listed as a type of cheese in old cookbooks. Surprisingly, the town was once famous for a particular style of blue cheese, much like Cheddar or Stilton. Although “Yeovil Cheese” is no longer commercially made, it’s a delicious snippet of the town’s agricultural and culinary history that always makes for a good pub quiz fact!
The most stunning landmark, however, is St John’s Church. You can’t miss its magnificent, almost luminous, golden tower. It’s made from Ham Hill stone, a local honey-coloured sandstone that glows in the sunset. Stepping inside is a moment of pure awe. The interior is a forest of breathtaking fan-vaulted ceilings, some of the finest in England. It feels more like a miniature cathedral than a parish church and stands as a permanent testament to the wealth and ambition of Yeovil’s past merchants.
The Practical Side of Life: Schools, Transport, and Getting Around
So, what’s it like to actually live here? From a practical standpoint, Yeovil scores very well. There’s a good selection of primary and secondary schools, both state and academy-rated. For healthcare, Yeovil District Hospital serves a wide area and is a significant local employer, particularly alongside the aerospace company Leonardo, which continues the town’s technical manufacturing heritage.
Transport links are arguably one of Yeovil’s biggest assets. The A303 runs right past it, providing a direct artery to London and the South East, as well as to the West Country. This is the game-changer. While the train station is on a branch line (you’ll likely change at Westbury or Salisbury for mainline services), the road network is what makes Yeovil a fantastic base for exploration.
Your Gateway to the West Country: Unbeatable Day Trips
This is my favourite part about living here. Within an hour’s drive, you have an embarrassment of riches. Fancy a mystical day out? Glastonbury with its Tor and abbey ruins is just 40 minutes north. Need a seaside fix? The stunning Jurassic Coast at West Bay or Lyme Regis is under an hour south. Want world-class attractions? The Fleet Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton is literally on the doorstep and is utterly fascinating, even if you’re not an aviation buff. You can stand under the shadow of a Concorde and explore historic aircraft carriers.
A little further afield, you have the cathedral city of Salisbury, the beautiful Dorset countryside, and the epic landscapes of Exmoor. I often tell friends that Yeovil is like having a backstage pass to the South West. You’re close to all the big-name destinations, but you get to come home to a town that has affordable houses, less tourist traffic, and a real sense of belonging.
Conclusion: So, Is Yeovil a Nice Place to Live?
Yeovil won’t dazzle you with immediate glamour. It’s a working town, with the same challenges many UK towns face. But if you’re looking for an authentic, unpretentious place with a deep history, a strong community spirit, and arguably one of the best strategic locations in Somerset for exploring, then yes, Yeovil is a genuinely nice place to live.
It offers a balanced, realistic quality of life. You get the convenience of town amenities, the solace of beautiful green spaces, and the freedom of the open road leading to adventure. It’s a town for people who value substance, history, and connection. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who take the time to look beyond the surface, it can become a very rewarding home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Yeovil most famous for?
A: Yeovil is historically famous for two main industries: glove-making and cheese production. It was once the global centre for high-quality leather gloves. Today, it’s also known for its stunning St John’s Church and its proximity to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Q: Is Yeovil a good place for families?
A: Yes, it can be. With several good schools, large green spaces like Ninesprings Country Park, and family-friendly attractions like the railway centre and nearby museums, it offers a solid environment for family life. The sense of community is strong.
Q: How far is Yeovil from the coast?
A: The nearest part of the Jurassic Coast, such as West Bay or Lyme Regis, is about a 45-minute to one-hour drive south, making a day trip to the seaside very easy.
Q: What is there to do in Yeovil on a rainy day?
A: Visit the incredible Fleet Air Arm Museum (largely indoors), explore the history and architecture of St John’s Church, browse the shops and indoor market in the town centre, or catch a film at the cinema.
Q: Does Yeovil have a railway station?
A: Yes, Yeovil has two stations: Yeovil Junction and Yeovil Pen Mill. They are on a branch line, so direct services are limited, but connections via Westbury or Salisbury provide access to the main UK rail network. Most residents rely on the excellent road links (A303, A37).