Just for its pubs, clubs, galleries and restaurants, there’s nothing quite like the buzz of Bristol. Teeming with so much life that sometimes you need to escape the endless noise, traffic, crowds, and parties! That’s why we feel so lucky to be surrounded by quaint and quiet villages and towns – all of which are only a day trip from Bristol – offer the idyllic retreat we were looking for. When you need a break, check out the prettiest towns and villages near Bristol.
1. Lacock
You might recognise this rural Wiltshire village. It has become a regular filming location over recent years due to its beauty, featuring the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice, several Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey and Wolf Hall. Lacock is owned almost entirely by the National Trust and is home to the stunning Lacock Abbey.
Thanks to its almost untouched appearance, it attracts thousands of visitors all year round. But takes on a special magical quality during winter. Many are drawn to it in the summer months too as a fantastic outdoor swimming spot with River Avon passing through.
📍 How to get there: 40 minutes by car.
2. Clevedon
Highlighted for “attracting growing numbers of refugees from the city’s [Bristol] gruelling transport network and pitiless property market”, Clevedon was named one of the best places to live in the South West in 2024. The little seaside town’s historic pier is one of the country’s most beautiful, but there’s so much more to Bristol’s pretty neighbour – including one of the largestseawater infinity pools in the world, Clevedon Marine Lake. Elsewhere, wander beside “tree-lined avenues of smart Victorian villas” and along the beautiful bay.
📍 How to get there: 35 minutes by car.
3. Cheddar
Cheddar is known around the world for its cheese and its spectacular gorge, and there is plenty to do during a day out at this Somerset tourist spot. The village itself offers quaint tea rooms, cafes and riverside walks, as well as gift shops, the Cheddar Toy Museum and Cheddar Reservoir. Once on the Cheddar Gorge cliffs, there are several points where you can see magnificent views of Cheddar, Glastonbury Tor, the Somerset levels and Bridgwater Bay.
📍 How to get there: 40 minutes by car.
4. Mells
One of the prettiest villages in Somerset, Mells, can be found not far from Frome and is incredibly picturesque for those looking for a lovely stroll outside of Bristol. Known for its lovely architecture, ancient streets and traditional thatched cottages, Mells is bursting with history. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and the Grade I listed Manor House of Raymond Asquith, 3rd Earl of Oxford and Asquith, dates back to the 16th century. Plus, every Easter Monday, people travel from far and wide to attend the village’s annual Daffodil Day. Daffodils and cute cottages- what’s not to like?
📍 How to get there: 55 minutes by car.
5. Sandford
Home to one of the most famous ciders from Somerset, Thatchers Cider, Sandford offers great views and walks, and of course, there are regular visitor tours of the farm, too. What other reasons do you have to visit this peaceful part of Somerset? The Railway Inn, a gastropub located in Sandford village, is run by Thatchers and is bursting with character inside, with huge beams propping up the ceiling and a sunny conservatory-style dining area. The village’s old railway station has also been turned into a small heritage centre, where people can buy refreshments and learn more about the local history.
📍 How to get there: 35 minutes by car.
6. Saltford
Grabbing a drink at the Jolly Sailor or going for a dip at Saltford Weir, this riverside village is the perfect summer spot. Located on the Bristol to Bath cycle path, it’s steeped in history too – with Saltford Manor House thought to be the oldest continuously occupied private house in England. You’ll find a myriad of walks around the limestone houses, lush countryside and River Avon too
📍 How to get there: 30 minutes by car and 1 hour by bike.
7. Wedmore
Nestled in the Somerset Levels, Wedmore is as picturesque and perfect as the prettiest villages come near Bristol. Several annual festivals take place in Wedmore including the village’s Real Ale Festival in September. Lovers of cider should make a stop off at Wilkins Cider Farm, a short drive from the village. The village is also well-known for its fashion shops and nearby 18th-century flour mill, Ashton Windmill, an 18th-century flour mill, where you can expect spectacular views over the Somerset Levels, Cheddar Gorge and Mendips.
📍 How to get there: 50 minutes by car.
8. Little Badminton
Best known for the grand Badminton Estate and the annual Badminton Horse Trials, this Cotswold village boasts an impressive collection of chocolate-box cottages. From almshouses to thatched cottages, farmhouses and country cottages painted yellow, dwellings in the village date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and form a picture-perfect scene. Check out the hamlet of Little Badminton, which, built around the village green, also houses the remnants of a sunken medieval village.
📍 How to get there: 30 minutes by car.
9. Pensford
Just seven miles from Bristol, Pensford is famous for its disused viaduct. You can’t miss it as you explore the village. If you walk down to the church, you will see the viaduct in the background. It was unsafe, however, and closed in 1968 after the great flood of Pensford. The last train to cross the viaduct was in 1964 and now it’s a beautiful grade ll listed building. Nearby, you’ll find the cutest round house in Stanton Drew and its very own Stonehenge.
📍 How to get there: 25 minutes by car.
10. Tetbury
Long Street in Tetbury was once named one fo the world’s most beautiful streets, which is “dotted with one- and two-story stone houses that have been there for at least a few hundred years.” But the whole of the village is breathtaking if you ask me. The second largest town in the Cotswolds, it’s also home to King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort. So it must be special. Check out The Goods Shed Arts Centre, converted from a Victorian GWR railway building, which has everything from live music and theatre to regular community dance classes and choir practices.
11. Chew Magna
With the Chew Valley Lake and the Mendips on your doorstep, you’re in a special location when you visit Chew Magna. It’s the largest village in the Chew Valley (and the “poshest” according to The Sunday Times) filled with beautifully, intricate buildings. Make sure to fill up on food from The Pony Chew Valley, Jar’s Deli and the Lazy Lobster; sample a tipple or two from the local Wilding Cider and Limeburn Hill Vineyard; before exploring some of the prettiest countryside around.
📍 How to get there: 25 minutes by car.
12. Castle Combe
Castle Combe is one of the prettiest villages in the world and one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds, just 20 miles from Bristol. This honey-coloured village offers chocolate-box perfection. You’ll find rows and rows of quaint cottages. Plus, a 14th-century market cross, a medieval water pump, the 13th-century church of St Andrews and a peaceful stream. Check out our guide to the prettiest UK villages, which includes Castle Combe and more.
📍 How to get there: 35 minutes by car.
13. Frome
How pretty is the town of Frome? Well, there’s a little stream flowing down one street. Cheap Street is beloved for its Medieval charm, independent boutiques and incredible eateries – and worth the visit alone. If you do intend to visit, try and line it up with the monthly Frome Independent Market. Taking place on the first Sunday of each month between March and December – and attracting over 80,000 visitors each year – it has become a mini-festival for everything from local food and drink to art, antiques and vintage clothing.
📍 How to get there: One hour by car or train.
14. Thornbury
The historic Thornbury Castle once housed Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn and is now a luxury hotel. But Thornbury is one of the prettiest towns for much more than that. With a colourful and exciting centre, you have to check out the traditional shop L E Riddeford that’s said to have inspired the comedy series ‘Open All Hours’ starring Ronnie Barker and David Jason; and don’t skip the 6 O’clock Gin distillery tours.
📍How to get there: 30 minutes by car.
15. Wells
Alright, so Wells isn’t a village. It isn’t even a town. It’s in fact England’s smallest city, but it did play a village in Edgar Wright’s action comedy, Hot Fuzz. Grab a pint at The Crown or chase swans around Market Square for a movie experience. Also, check out The Swan Hotel, where Simon Pegg’s Nicholas Angel stays, or the local newsagent City News.
Wells Cathedral – described as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals – and the breathtakingly medieval, The Bishop’s Palace were, for obvious reasons, left out of the movie, however. Be sure to visit the Palace Gardens. Its 14 acres feature waterfalls, springs, trees and flowers, plus a swan-filled moat. Outside of old stuff, this city is jam-packed with modern cafes, restaurants and pubs – including the veg-led eatery Root (yes, it’s the same as we have here in Bristol).
📍How to get there: 45 minutes by car.
16. Bruton
Easily one of the prettiest towns or villages near Bristol, Bruton is world-famous for its art gallery, Hauser & Wirth, which also has locations in London, New York and Zurich. But it’s a seemingly endless supply of quirky, independent shops and being surrounded by lush meadows and orchards that makes this spot such a delight. Stay over at Number One Bruton – the elegant Georgian townhouse and medieval forge converted into a hotel – and eat at its tiny farm-to-table restaurant, Briar, to make the most of this beautiful village.
📍 How to get there: 1 hour by car.