Getting around

Stalbridge is on the A357 that links to the A303 in the north and to Sturminster Newton, 5 miles to the south and to Blandford Forum, 15 miles away and the A350. Barrow Hill road joins the A30 for Milbourne Port, 5 miles and Sherborne, 8 miles. Buses run regularly from the village to Sherborne and Yeovil and there are two local train stations. Templecombe is less than 5 miles away and Sherborne is 8 miles. Both run services to Exeter via Yeovil and Honiton and to London Waterloo. For air travel Bristol Airport is 43 miles, Exeter Airport is 62 miles and Bournemouth Airport, just 39 miles, offers many European flights.

A trip to the shops

You'll find a family-run supermarket and café in Stalbridge as well as a post office, pharmacy, opticians, a butcher's, florist, service station, hair dressers, plus French collectibles and vintage tools. At nearby Sherborne, 8 miles, there are more independently-run shops offering everything from antiques and art to gifts and fashion sitting alongside UK brands such as Joules and Mistral. It's also home to supermarket giants Waitrose and Sainsbury's. Just 14 miles away in Yeovil the Quedam Shopping Centre boasts nearly 50 stores with brands such as Boots, Dunelm, M&S, Top Shop and Laura Ashley and in Blandford Forum, 16 miles, you'll find a wide range of independent and well-known brands.

Taking time out

Stalbridge is a hive of activity with pubs, a library, village hall, the historic St Mary's Parish Church and a host of sports, social and leisure activities. There are football, cricket, tennis and running clubs, scenic walks and groups for art,singing, youth, walking, fitness and much more. You can cycle, run, or horse-ride along the pretty Stalbridge Trailway with its tranquil nature reserve and the nearby River Stour is perfect for anglers. At Sherborne you've a choice of two leisure and sports centres and you can watch the latest blockbusters at Cineworld in Yeovil. The UK's largest collection of cars and motorbikes is housed at the Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford, or step back in time at Sherborne Abbey and the Castle ruins and the Sturminster Newton Mill and Museum.

Education

The village has several toddler and pre-school groups and Stalbridge Primary School takes local children aged from 5 to 11. For senior pupils Sturminster Newton High School caters for students from 11 to 18, while at Sherborne The Gryphon School takes students from 11 to 19. Also at Sherborne the independent Leweston school offers a nursery, prep school, senior and sixth form facilities. For full or part-time professional or business courses, an apprenticeship, A levels or degree studies, Yeovil College has a wide variety of education and training opportunities.