If you ask anyone at Bridgfords who knows Yarm best, the answer will probably be the same: Helen.
With years of experience helping families buy and sell homes in the area, she’s seen first-hand what draws people to this picturesque market town — and why so many who move here, stay. We sat down with Helen to get her unfiltered take on life in Yarm, from schools and coffee spots to hidden gems and even a mini castle on a wall…
What’s the local school scene like in Yarm?
Helen says:
“Schools are a big reason people move to Yarm. For primaries, there’s Layfield Primary, Levendale Primary and Yarm Primary — that’s the one just off Spitalfields. Conyers is the main secondary school, and it feeds straight from those primaries. It’s really popular.”
“If you’re looking for independent options, there’s Yarm School which runs all the way from nursery to sixth form”
Where would you recommend for a coffee or bite to eat on the High Street?
“Everyone loves Strickland & Holt — it’s a Yarm institution. They sell everything from gorgeous gifts to cards, and there’s a lovely coffee shop tucked in the back. At Christmas, they even run wreath-making workshops!”
“For coffee, Nossa is hands-down the best. It’s independent and the guy who runs it really knows his stuff — they do amazing pastries too. Fourteen Drops is great as well, more wine bar meets deli, but they do serve coffee and light bites.”
“Food-wise, I always say Muse is the classic. It’s the one people think of when they’re going somewhere special. Then you’ve got Cena for great local Italian, and The Ship just outside of town — they’re famous for their parmos and you’ll find literally hundreds on the menu!”
What’s a hidden gem most people don’t know about?
“There’s a castle in Yarm. Well… sort of. People always come in asking where the castle is — and it’s actually this tiny one built on top of a garden wall down a little alley on West Street which is parallel to the High Street. It’s become a bit of a local legend. It’s part of the ‘treasure trail’ walks families do and it’s just one of those quirky little things that makes Yarm feel magical.”
Best family-friendly activity in or around Yarm?
“We always tell people about the alpaca walks just off Leven Bank. It’s a bit of a hidden treasure. You book ahead and get to walk the alpacas along this beautiful trail — great for kids, and not far from most homes in the area.”
“If you’re willing to go a bit further, you’ve got places like Teesside Retail Park with Ninja Warrior and Level X Middlesborough has indoor karting and crazy golf — but if I’m honest, most people want to stay local, and Yarm offers enough for a family-focused lifestyle.”
What’s the vibe like day-to-day? What do you love about working here?
“It’s never boring! There’s always something going on. Yarm’s High Street is full of character — busy, but friendly. You’ve got regulars, business owners, It just feels like a proper community.”
Do you get many buyers relocating to Yarm from outside the area?
“Definitely. We had a couple in from Bristol recently. He’d grown up around here and they wanted to come back and settle down. Yarm’s that kind of place — people move away for a while, then find their way back when it’s time to put down roots.”
“We also help first-time buyers and families find their forever home here. Being part of that journey, seeing people excited to move in — that’s the best part of the job.”
Any final tips for someone considering a move to Yarm?
“Take a stroll along the High Street, grab a coffee from Nossa, and follow the river to Lovers’ Walk. You’ll see exactly why people love living here. And if you spot the mini castle — you’ve truly found the heart of Yarm!”
Thinking about moving to Yarm?
Whether you’re looking for your first home or your forever one, Helen and the Bridgfords team are here to help. And if you’d like to discover new homes available in the area, don’t miss The Cornfields by Banks Homes, offering high-spec living just a stone’s throw from Yarm’s thriving High Street.
