Crewkerne, a Somerset market town where homes can be found for less than £100,000, has been hailed a "forgotten gem" by local residents who say its community spirit and independent shops are helping it buck the high street trend.
Just a short distance from the Dorset border, Crewkerne has a history stretching back to Saxon times and grew into an important wool and textile centre during the medieval period. Today, its historic character remains visible in the town centre, where stone buildings and Georgian houses sit alongside independent coffee shops, pubs, independent shops, and everyday amenities.
Historic charm and conservation
At its heart is the striking St Bartholomew's Church, whose tower rises above the town and surrounding Bincombe Valley. The present church was largely rebuilt in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, when Crewkerne was benefiting from the wealth generated by its wool and textile industries.
The town centre is also a designated Conservation Area, helping to protect its distinctive historic character. Yet despite its attractive setting and easy access to the surrounding countryside, Crewkerne remains relatively under the radar.
At the time of writing, property listings included a one-bedroom property in the town for £70,000, while a two-bedroom flat in Market Square was being advertised at £95,000. The town also benefits from its railway station, which provides services towards London Waterloo, while the surrounding hills and countryside offer plenty of opportunities for walking.
Community spirit praised by residents and traders
According to the people who live and work there, however, it is the community above all that makes Crewkerne such a special place. Bethany Hunt moved to the town from Bath around four years ago. She said she did not know many people when she first arrived but found a welcoming community through the St Bartholomew's Church.
Rachel Wood runs Fair Enough Somerset, an independent shop at Market Square which opened just a few weeks ago. The shop sells lifestyle products including homeware, local crafts, gifts and furniture, with a focus on fair trade goods, British-made products and small-batch makers. It also has a South West section showcasing products from local artists and makers.
Ms Wood said she had immediately been struck by Crewkerne's appearance. "It's beautiful," she said, highlighting the town's historic architecture, including its Georgian houses and distinctive local stone. The centre of Crewkerne is within a designated Conservation Area, she added, and Ms Wood said the response to her new business had already been hugely positive. "They've been amazing. Really supportive. There's lots of enthusiasm for independent businesses in Crewkerne."
The business owner said she already felt part of the community and pointed to the number of other activities and businesses helping to bring people together. She mentioned the museum, local coffee mornings and walking groups, as well as other independent businesses around the town. Among those are Green Dragon Bookshop, Market Street Bakery and His & Hers.
Independent shops bucking the trend
Karen Dupe owns the town's sole independent bookshop, Green Dragon Bookshop. She said there is a "huge sense of community in Crewkerne." Ms Dupe, who has lived in the town for 28 years, said she still loves the town and its surrounding countryside. "Often I walk with my dog and I can't believe it, and I feel like I'm on holiday."
She said there was also a strong sense of goodwill among residents, with people volunteering and coming together to support one another. Green Dragon Bookshop runs a travelling bookshop service for schools in the surrounding area. Ms Dupe also praised Crewkerne's public library at a time where many have closed across the country and described it as "absolutely brilliant". She highlighted the town's "great selection of indie shops" and its railway station, which provides direct services to London Waterloo. She described Crewkerne as a "forgotten gem", highlighting its position in South Somerset close to Dorset and Devon, as well as its good transport links, independent businesses and strong sense of community.
Angela Toogood, who works at Crewkerne Antiques Centre, said the business had expanded since the new owners took over. Crewkerne Antiques Centre has been established since 1991 and is currently owned and run by Steve and Teresa Ilett. Ms Toogood said the business regularly receives positive comments from customers, with some telling staff they could "spend hours in here." She said: "All businesses around the town try to look out for each other and support each other where we can." That support, she added, has developed into friendships between traders and shop owners.
Jeremy White owns the shop His & Hers with his wife, Sarah. The shop sells accessories, including jewellery, watches, scarves, hats and handbags in addition to collectable diecast models, trains, planes and more. He said the town is "bucking the trend" with an "eclectic mix of independent shops." He believes Crewkerne has undergone a significant transformation over the past two years. He said: "Crewkerne has come on leaps and bounds to what it was."
Mr White recalled a time when the town had been "full of charity shops, empty shops", but said he was excited to see it moving forward as more businesses arrived and people began travelling to Crewkerne to shop. When asked if he thinks there's a good community spirit in town, he said "Definitely. Without doubt."
The presence of larger supermarkets such as Waitrose and Lidl has also helped bring shoppers into the town, he said, with many then discovering its independent businesses. Mr White said: "We've got a customer base that ranges as far afield as Taunton down to Bridport, Weymouth, Bournemouth. They come to Crewkerne and they've heard about it."
Beyond the shops and historic buildings, Crewkerne is surrounded by the countryside of the South Somerset hills. Bincombe Beeches, a local nature reserve on Bincombe Hill above the town, offers views across Crewkerne and the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a pretty historic town with a close-knit community, independent shops and countryside on the doorstep, this little-known Somerset town could be one to watch.
