South Somerset
South Somerset forms much of the eastern side of the County of
Somerset. It comprises nearly a third of the County with a
population of 165,000 and covers an area of 370 (958
km2) square miles. South Somerset consists of
a mixture of both sparsely inhabited rural areas and a network of
market towns. The rural nature of the area is emphasised by the low
population density of 1.7 persons per hectare (the England average
is 4.1).
Some key facts about South Somerset from the 2011
census:
- Population of 165,000 (2015 mid-year estimates published in
June)
- There are estimated to be 72,100 households in South Somerset
(2015 mid-year estimates published in June)
- 70.29% of homes are owner occupied (38% owned outright)
- The majority of dwellings are detached - 36.6%,
27,750 in number (as in June 2016)
- Average household size is 2.3 (census 2011)
- 81.3% of residents self reported being in very good or good
health
Click here
for the community profile for South Somerset.
The District has 121 parishes with 102 parish and town councils
and 39 wards. Parish and Ward profiles are available.
These can also be accessed by searching 'your area' from the homepage.
Parish
Profiles
Ward
Profiles
Area
Profiles
A Place to Visit
South Somerset offers you the perfect ingredients for a country
break: a warm welcome, quality accommodation, lovely scenery and a
choice of activities and entertainment
You can unwind in a luxurious hotel, cosy farmhouse, traditional
village inn or your very own country cottage. Savour award-winning
local produce on the menus of many restaurants and a taste of
Somerset's famous cider in one of the quiet country pubs.
Try cycling, horse riding or Shanks's pony to explore the
beautiful countryside. South Somerset has two country parks to walk
and watch wildlife and birds and miles of footpaths. There are two
reservoirs with access to the waterside for anglers and many
fishing lakes and rivers. Enjoy a round of golf, an afternoon at
the races, an evening at the theatre or a day out visiting historic
houses and gardens. Discover bustling market towns and pretty
villages. Go shopping for delicacies, arts, crafts and antiques, or
take a tour on a town trail.
South Somerset is also the perfect base to explore some of the
South West's major attractions with Bath, Exeter, Stonehenge and
the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site all within easy reach.
To find out about places to stay, attractions to visit and
what's happening now, go to the Visit
South Somerset website.
A Place to Live
Country walks, uncrowded roads, a rolling green countryside,
unpolluted air, space to breathe and relax. This is what South
Somerset offers. But that's not all...
Yeovil town centre boasts a range of high quality shops: from
Marks and Spencer and Laura Ashley to The Body Shop, HMV and
Waterstones. For leisure activities, look no further than the Yeo
Leisure Park. Opened in 2002, facilities include two restaurants
(Pizza Hut and Frankie and Bennys), bowling alley and bar (1st
Bowl), a multi-screen cinema (Cineworld) and fitness club and
health suite (Cannons)
Small market towns like Wincanton, Chard, Castle Cary and
Ilminster add their blend of charm and interest. And if you want to
see the cricket at Taunton, the Festival of Bath or take the
family down to the coast at Lyme Regis, all are a leisurely drive
away.
Find out more about our market
towns.
A Place to Work
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Approximately 22 per cent of the working population of
South Somerset are employed in either manufacturing or engineering.
This compares to 12 per cent in Somerset as a whole and 11 per
cent in the South West region.
We are committed to the county-wide delivery programme known as
Into
Somerset. Recognising that Somerset has a tremendous amount to
offer businesses considering relocation, this inward investment
organisation actively promotes the county through intensive
marketing and promotion.
Find out more
about working in Somerset
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