Top Ten Lovely English Villages Near Bath

The Great West Way hosts a wide array of quaint hamlets and picturesque villages, many adorned with historic buildings, thatched cottages and country pubs. Along the route is the UNESCO city of Bath, which may be worthy of its World Heritage status, but is also surrounded by many charming Cotswold villages set within the neighbouring Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Now is the perfect time to make your plans for after lockdown. So whether you fancy a Christmas get-away or a staycation in 2021, why not start thinking about your ideal escape to the country? We asked Jenna from Bath Self Catering to highlight 10 of her favourite villages between the Somerset and Wiltshire borders, each with their own unique draw and cosy accommodation should you wish to stay a while.

Castle Combe

Thought by many to be the prettiest village in all of England, this charming Cotswold village is like a picture taken straight from your favourite confectionary box, comprising of several streets lined with honeycomb cottages that lead down to a trickling stream. The Garden House, a former 18th Century dairy, allows you to stay close to this quaint community, set within the courtyard of a Georgian Farmhouse, with roaming access to a dog-friendly garden and terrace area.

Cheddar

Renowned for the infamous cheese produced in this Somerset village since the 12th century, Cheddar is still stored in the local Caves to mature to this day. The winding road leading through Cheddar Gorge is wonder enough, but this designated Site of Special Scientific Interest has a lot more to offer in terms of raw rural beauty and a bounty of wildlife. The Post House is a beautifully restored Grade II Listed bakery and post house, with a calming French influence adding to the old-world charm of its interior. The property is located a short drive away in the Mendip Hills, making it the perfect base from which to explore this gorgeous region.

Freshford

Sitting comfortably on the outskirts of the city, just five miles from Bath, the village of Freshford sits alongside the junction of the River Frome and Avon and is home to a plethora of beautiful stone buildings which are encircled by lush fields and rich woodland. Surrounded by undulating hills and valleys, the village benefits from its views as much as its diversity of flora and fauna. Stable Cottage offers a rural sanctuary in the form of a carefully converted stable block, with a number of inviting walks and local pubs from which to enjoy a drink with family nearby.

Lacock

The medieval village of Lacock is a real feast for the eyes, with its timber-framed cottages and magnificent abbey, no wonder this striking backdrop has featured in various films and period dramas, such as Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, as well as the Harry Potter films. With a rich 800 year history, Lacock Abbey has seen many interesting events over the years, as an Augustinian abbey, a Gothic ruin and the birthplace of photography. If you’re looking to stay near this exquisite film-set, you might try a stay at Whitley Coach House, renovated by the neighbouring Georgian house to provide a comfortable home away from home just 5 minutes from the village of Lacock.

Pensford

Nestled idyllically within the Chew Valley near to both Bristol and Bath, Pensford has been identified as being of special architectural and historic interest and later became a designated area of conservation, with a striking old viaduct at its heart. If you’re looking for a place to stay within easy commuting distance to regional attractions, Park Farm Country Cottages can be found close-by, with an excellent network of circular footpaths through the farm, forest and valleys.

Chew Magna

Set on the rural Somerset levels, only a few miles from the cosmopolitan city of Bristol, the unassuming village of Chew Magna has a long history dating back to Saxon times and listed in the Domesday Book as 'Chiwe' from the Celtic word meaning 'winding water'. Evidence of the wool industry remains at the old 'tucking mill' by the River Chew, having prospered through this trade in medieval times. If you’re looking to make base in this quaint hamlet, then you will find the Oak Barn edge of the village surrounded by mature trees and open countryside, with a cycle route right on the doorstep.

Bathford

Tucked away on the edge of this walled village, the Old Dairy Barn is - as its name suggests - a former dairy which has been lovingly converted to a luxury self-catering let for all ages to savour. Located less than three miles from the city of Bath, Bathford is idyllically located nearby the serene waterways of the Kennet and Avon Canal, with towpath walks and narrow boats for hire however you wish to explore. Houses are built in traditional Cotswold style with rubble stone walls and gabled windows beside two ancient fords in this beautiful area of conservation.

Biddestone

A quaint squared village nestled within the Cotswolds, where the majority of buildings boast Georgian facades with stone tiled roofs. At its heart is the village green, where communal and celebratory events are hosted throughout the year. If you’re looking for a taste of village life, then you may choose to stay at Anvil Cottage; a beautiful 5 Star Gold self-catering cottage, set in the grounds of an 18^th century house with direct views to the duck pond.

Midford

The village of Midford boasts quick and easy access to the centre of Bath and consists predominantly of cottages and family homes beneath the backdrop of the Midford viaduct. It also sits as a gateway to the Two Tunnels cycle path, with a range of neighbouring country and riverside walks to enjoy. Fisherman’s Retreat is a family-owned luxury cottage set nestled in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and overlooks the glorious Midford Valley, from the banks of the Midford brook, making it a tranquil escape for birdwatchers, fly fishers, cyclists and walkers alike.

Bathampton

Travel just beyond the perimeter of the city and you will find the sleepy village of Bathampton on the banks of the River Avon. This country setting offers peace and tranquillity mere steps from the Bath UNESCO World-Heritage site, and for those looking for a pastoral retreat, The Stables at New Leaf Farm offers 3 bedrooms in a cosy 4-star cottage just two miles from Bath’s historic centre. Feel yourself unwind along the Kennet and Avon Canal, which passes through the village, or enjoy a pub lunch or river cruise at your leisure, whatever takes your fancy.

This is a guest article written by Jenna from Bath Self Catering, an association of luxury self-catering holiday cottages scattered in and around Bath. We hope we’ve inspired future adventures in this beautiful region of England, but for further ideas about planning your future trip along the Great West Way, visit both our See & Do and Explore pages too.