So many lovely Dorset and Somerset villages, but which one?

Lilyflower

Sorry, CC, you beat me to it. I didn't see your post before I wrote my own.

No problem, great minds…! It’s a proper town, most things you would need are there. Personally I would never move to a village, especially as I get older. They often don’t have all the facilities you need and residents can be quite tricky with newcomers.

DrWatson

Wow, masses of good ideas! Not so many for Somerset though, and there are lots of great locations, Wells is one, though it has no trains (if that might be important). I'd suggest somewhere just outside Taunton, perhaps?

In Dorset, goodness, so many great places, you'd need to decide if the tourist crowds for chunks of the year will be a nuisance, and if not, which end of the coastline (assuming seaside is good), you'd prefer? Over by Poole & Bournemouth, or near Dorchester & Weymouth, along by Bridport & West Bay, or even further west by Lyme Regis or Charmouth? Swanage or Wareham perhaps? Or inland, Sturminster, or Sherborne, that had a vote or two, and it's very nice. If you like shows, lots of good acts appear at the Bournemouth International Centre.

I'd actually suggest somewhere near Exeter (yes, Devon I know!), a terrific city, but lots of smaller places within easy reach, Exmouth, Topsham, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and more. Jolly good luck!

I’d actually vote against Charmouth, steep hill, limited parking and residents not welcoming to all. Our neighbour regrets moving there, though it looks OK on paper.

Hello Rosieday,

I’m in similar position as you , did you find somewhere in Dorset?

Hello RosieDay

I am in similar position and was wondering if you found somewhere in Dorset?

Doli55

If you're looking for a village rather than a town, then Sidbury in Devon, with its local pub, long established butcher/grocers and ancient parish church, is completely unspoilt and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Fabulous country and riverside walks! Easy access to Honiton mainline (Waterloo) and Exeter (Paddington) mainline stations.

My sister lives in Sidbury, Doli55. It is indeed a lovely village, and the butcher/grocers and the Red Lion pub are excellent. I visit her often and we visit Sidmouth, which has good independent shops, as well as Seasalt, Joules, Fat Face etc. and also nice coffee shops, restaurants and pubs, in addition to the seaside, of course. Would be interested to here where you moved to Rosieday.

I know someone your age who has relocated to Castle Cary, from France and absolutely loves it.

Another friend is in Honiton Devon. He moved from near Lyme Regis. Both places get his vote. He's single, late 50s.