When I arrived in Larkhall, a charming suburb of Bath, I wasn’t the only journalist drawn to its picturesque streets. A group of cameramen with American accents were filming the village square for a documentary. It’s easy to see why—Larkhall feels like a scene from a period drama or a quaint mystery series without the murder. It’s a place where aprons, vintage cars, and homemade pies still evoke a sense of nostalgia and community.
Unlike the modern trend toward large supermarkets under harsh fluorescent lights, Larkhall holds onto its independent spirit with a farm shop, butchers, bakery, pet shop, and deli. The village buzzes with cultural life too, hosting at least two weekly performances at its theatre, ranging from amateur dramatics to stand-up comedy. Its internationally renowned floristry school even attracts students from as far as the US, Japan, and Canada.
Among its many treasures are a bar, social club, deli, Georgian inn, pottery studio, printworks, and my personal favourite—the Beaufort Bookshop. This bookshop doesn’t have fixed opening hours but usually welcomes visitors most Saturdays. When you step inside, you find yourself surrounded by two floors filled with vintage leather-bound books, classic paperbacks, and rare tomes. The generous bookseller even offered me a significant discount on several finds—a testament to the village’s warm spirit.
READ MORE: Motorist Fined Over £2,000 for Drink-Driving and Speeding
READ MORE: Somerset Set for Glorious Sunshine Throughout Bank Holiday Weekend and Beyond
Is this the idyllic village lifestyle you’d expect only in novels or on television? According to TJ, a 34-year-old charity shop manager, Larkhall is unlike any place she’s lived before. She cherishes the community spirit, especially during the annual Larkhall Festival held every May. The festival features parades, a Voice of the Village talent show, window dressing competitions, dog shows, and treasure hunts, leaving homemade flags and bunting decorating the village for weeks after.
TJ also values the exceptional local schools, praising the quality of education her children receive. In fact, the three primary schools in the area—St Saviour’s Infant Church School and St Mark’s Church of England School—were all rated ‘good’ in their latest 2022 inspections, offering peace of mind to families in a time when school-parent relationships can sometimes be strained.
Dylan, a 51-year-old real estate agent with multiple Larkhall properties, highlights the community feel as a key draw, contrasting it with nearby Camden’s more urban vibe. “It’s got the butchers and the deli, and that’s what people love,” he says.
However, beneath the blue sky and community spirit lies a cloud—literally in the form of a contentious parking debate. Signs urging support for free parking and opposition to a proposed Resident Parking Zone (RPZ) pepper the neighborhood. While the RPZ aims to prioritize residents by allowing them to buy parking permits and ease congestion, a recent consultation drew 739 responses, with 79 percent opposing the plan.
“We’ve managed to squash it,” TJ says, relieved, although she notes the council is now attempting to introduce the RPZ street by street.
Not everyone opposes the idea. Marcus, a butcher and longtime resident, embraces the village lifestyle’s balance of city proximity and close-knit community. He remains indifferent about the RPZ, admitting he rarely uses parking himself.
Councillor Joel Hirst, responsible for sustainable transport strategy at BANES, explained that the council is still reviewing consultation feedback and will engage with the community before making any decisions. Their goal is to design streets that prioritize safety and accessibility for all, while balancing residents’ and businesses’ interests.
Aside from parking, Larkhall’s main downside is its cost of living. Average house prices hit £470,596 last year—significantly above the national average of around £285,000. It’s a pricey place to call home, but for many, the unique charm and community feel make it worthwhile.
Is there anything else to gripe about? TJ laughs, “Kids complain about slow internet and the lack of next-day delivery!” But those minor frustrations hardly diminish the magic of this hidden gem on Bath’s hill.