There is and always has been a healthy rivalry between Bristol and Bath.

Which one is better?

Bath with its gorgeous Georgian architecture, stunning hills and views and somewhat affluent, high end reputation.

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Or Bristol, a cooler, younger trendier alternative just 12 miles away by train.

If you live in this picturesque village, you will never have to choose between the two.

Anyone lucky enough to live in Chew Magna on the edge of the Mendips is the same distance from both cities.

Without traffic it is not far at all from either Bath or Bristol.


This is what makes Chew Magna and the Chew Valley in the Mendips so attractive to commuters - especially before the pandemic when everyone was going into the office and hopefully will again soon.

The village is also right beside the lovely Chew Valley lake with its stunning views, boating and fishing and of course a wonderful fish and chips restaurant run by award winning Michelin star local chef Josh Eggleton.

You are not far from Bristol Airport either, so when things get back to normal and people start flying again, it is so easy to get there.

Chew Magna is the largest village in the district, and can trace its importance back to Saxon times.

It was a thriving woollen centre in the middle ages.

The village is very environmentally friendly and is striving to become zero waste which prompted the Guardian newspaper to claim it is 'probably the greenest parish in Britain'.

There are lots of lovely independent shops in Chew Magna, and some great pubs serving good country ales and cider as well as classic pub dishes.

Because of its proximity to both Bath and Bristol houses are expensive, and the main road through the village does tend to slice it in half a little.

But it is a very picturesque place to visit, with thatched cottages and some beautiful old country houses.

Nice idea to have a walk around the beautiful Chew Valley Lake followed by a hearty pub lunch in one of the pubs in Chew Magna.
