Trowbridge features rich heritage, peaceful open spaces and a buzzing town centre with restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Plus, it’s not far from nearby iconic landmarks like Stonehenge. If you’re thinking of moving to Trowbridge, we’ve got everything you need to know about this charming county town in Wiltshire.
A brief history of Trowbridge
The history of Trowbridge is long and varied, and the town is known for its rich industrial heritage. The Kennet and Avon canal to the north played a pivotal role in Trowbridge’s prosperity, allowing coal to be transported from the Somerset Coalfield. This led to steam-powered manufacturing in woollen cloth mills and Trowbridge becoming an essential producer of contemporary clothing and blankets in southwest England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Where is Trowbridge?
Trowbridge is a county town of Wiltshire in South West England with a BA14 postcode. It lies eight miles southeast of Bath, Somerset and the city of Bristol. Swindon is 31 miles away, and London is 112 miles from the town.
Moving to Trowbridge
Let’s talk about property prices, average costs, and more.
Buying in Trowbridge
From delightful cottages to new-build properties, you’ll have plenty of homes to pick from if you’re moving to Trowbridge. While the area retains much of its charm with quaint cottages and period homes, developers have done an excellent job of integrating new-build homes into the local landscape.
Expect to pay an average of £263,939 for a home in Trowbridge. Detached homes are the most expensive property types, averaging £363,365, while flats are the most affordable, averaging £146,483.
Homes in Trowbridge are priced only slightly higher than the UK average of £264,244, so if you’re looking to get on the property ladder, expect to pay affordable prices. House prices rose by an average of two per cent over the last 12 months in Towbridge and 13 per cent in the previous five years.
There’s a good mix of chain and independent estate agents to help you find a home in Trowbridge.
Renting in Trowbridge
If you’re thinking of renting in Trowbridge, expect to pay an average of £650 per month for a home. One-bedroom apartments achieve in the region of £550 per month, while two-bedroom properties fetch around £700 per month. 54% of residents in Trowbridge rent their home.
It might not take top spot for the cheapest place to rent, but renters fair better here than in certain parts of the UK.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Trowbridge is pretty much in line with the UK average, which means you needn’t worry about paying significantly higher prices than other locations. The average meal for one person is around £15 (£12 average), while essential groceries are actually slightly lower than the UK average.
When it comes to utility bills, you can expect to pay an average of £164 a month for water, gas and electricity, and just under £35 per month for your broadband connection. The average broadband speed in Trowbridge is 44mbps, which is less than the UK average of 64mbps. This is good news if you’re working from home!
Life in Trowbridge
There’s much to discover in Trowbridge and surrounding areas, from admiring the town’s pleasant architecture to exploring further afield. Here are some of the best things to see and do, and how to get around.
Open spaces
Locals enjoy spending time in Southwick Country Park, which is 100 acres of green spaces ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Transport links
Trowbridge railway serves Bristol, Westbury and Southampton, as well as Weymouth, Chippenham and Swindon. Trowbridge is located around 18 miles from the M4 motorway.
Shopping
Absolutely Flowers is the place to find beautifully-arranged bouquets, while Willow Antiques might just have a gem waiting for your new home. And don’t forget to visit Castle Place Shopping Centre with its shops, dining options and market hall.
Eateries
From chain favourites like Wagamama to independent restaurants like Caffe Italiano, Trowbridge has a nice mix of eateries.
Nightlife
As a small town, Trowbridge mostly features local pubs and a few bars – though there is a popular nightclub called Zinc. Otherwise, nearby places like Bath, Bristol and Swindon provide a more eclectic offering for nightlife.
Art & culture
Head to the Court Street Gallery for artwork, jewellery and sculptures. Or spend some time browsing the Trowbridge Museum, a museum and gallery showcasing 1,000 years of West England’s cloth production history.
Things to do
Stonehenge is just 20 miles from Trowbridge and one of England’s most iconic landmarks, while day trips to Bath and Bristol are easily accessible. If you feel like staying closer to home, head to The Courts Garden, which is owned by the National Trust.
What’s not to like?
It may take a while to acclimatise to the lack of transport options if you’re moving from a larger city. While a local train station serves Trowbridge well, you’ll find it much easier to navigate in and out of the town if you own a car.
Who lives there?
Trowbridge has a population of around 8,000 and a median age of 36. It’s popular with families looking to lay down roots, as well as people aged 50 and above.
Crime rates
Trowbridge is well below the national average for crime rates, making the town a safe place to live for residents. Over the last 12 months, 2,944 crimes were reported in Trowbridge, compared to the national average of 10,394.
Thinking of moving to Trowbridge?
Get even more information about moving to Trowbridge with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on specific properties in this Wiltshire town so you can get to know the area before you move there.
Everything you need to know will be in one place, including information on property value, local area insights and more. Get yours with only a postcode.
Last Updated: November 6th, 2023
