Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>The largest village in the rather gorgeous Chew Valley and its beautiful lake, woodland and hills, about 10 miles south of Bristol and 15 miles from Bath, on the edge of the Mendips in north east Somerset. A conservation area with old stone bridges over the river Chew, raised pavements and more than its fair share of listed buildings, it&#8217;s also a vibrant community with fab places to eat in and around, and plenty going on. Ideally placed for those who want to work in Bristol and live in the countryside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-lazy-lobster-451973434_18193970425289346_3323683796437950084_n.jpg" alt="lazy lobster chew magna somerset" class="wp-image-100171" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-lazy-lobster-451973434_18193970425289346_3323683796437950084_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-lazy-lobster-451973434_18193970425289346_3323683796437950084_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-lazy-lobster-451973434_18193970425289346_3323683796437950084_n-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-lazy-lobster-451973434_18193970425289346_3323683796437950084_n-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-lazy-lobster-451973434_18193970425289346_3323683796437950084_n-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Lazy Lobster </figcaption></figure>



<p>No shortage of pitstops, head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MoonDanceCafeChewMagna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moondance Cafe</a> for coffee, cakes, light lunches and delicious milkshakes. For seafood the small plates and specials at village hairdressing salon turned Michelin-listed <a href="https://www.lazylobsterltd.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lazy Lobster</a> is a good shout. In the village you&#8217;ll find pubs <a href="https://ohhpubs.co.uk/our-venues/the-bear-and-swan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bear &amp; Swan</a> and <a href="https://www.thequeenschewmagna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Queens</a>. The Pelican re-opened in November 2024 under brother and sister Josh and Holly Eggleton as an extension of <a href="https://theponychewvalley.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pony at Chew Valley</a> – the former Michelin-starred Pony &amp; Trap re-imagined as restaurant, cookery school and venue with events. </p>



<p>Enjoy lunch on the banks of the Chew Valley Lake at <a href="https://www.woodfordlodge.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodford Lodge</a>. The award-winning fish and chips to eat in or take away at <a href="https://saltandmalt.co.uk/chew-valley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salt &amp; Malt</a> is a treat to have on your doorstep. Add Modern British bistro <a href="https://www.chew.kitchen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chew Kitchen</a> in Chew Stoke and <a href="https://www.chewmoos.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chew Moos</a> ice cream in Dundry to your must-try list. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1296" height="972" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/20201223_165840_1296x.jpg" alt="Chew Valley Gin Distillery" class="wp-image-101238" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/20201223_165840_1296x.jpg 1296w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/20201223_165840_1296x-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/20201223_165840_1296x-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/20201223_165840_1296x-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/20201223_165840_1296x-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1296px) 100vw, 1296px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chew Valley Distillery</figcaption></figure>



<p>All the basics plus sustainable, zero-waste, organic produce and more from some of the region&#8217;s best producers at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jamesandrhias/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jar&#8217;s</a> deli and emporium. <a href="https://www.banksiaflowersandgifts.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Banksia Flowers &amp; Gifts</a> (does what it says on the tin). There&#8217;s a proper butchers, WJ Pearce &amp; Sons and you won&#8217;t run out of booze, with gin at the <a href="https://cvdistillery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chew Valley Distillery</a>, biodynamic wine at the <a href="https://limeburnhillvineyard.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Limeburn Hill Vineyard</a> and <a href="https://www.wildingcider.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wilding Cider</a> all close by.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>All kinds of sports and activities including some more unusual ones like barre (a cross between Pilates and ballet) and trendy pickleball as well as yoga, tae kwan do, squash, tennis and zumba. Join the <a href="https://www.chewvalleysailing.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chew Valley Sailing Club</a> to sail on the lake. GP surgery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.valleyartscentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valley Arts </a>supports a programme of live music, comedy, theatre and dance in local venues, including the annual month-long <a href="https://www.valleyartscentre.co.uk/fringe-festival-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valley Arts Fringe Festival</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>Just south of the village is Chew Valley Lake – actually a scenic reservoir and a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) – for walks, bird watching, fishing and fish &amp; chips at the Salt &amp; Malt. Prehistoric standing stones <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stanton-drew-circles-and-cove/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanton Drew Circles &amp; Cove</a>. <a href="https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/come-and-visit-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yeo Valley Organic Farm</a> for the gardens, canteen, occasional open air theatre, yoga class or other events. Kids might like <a href="https://chewvalley-animalpark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chew Valley Animal Park</a>; adults can aim and fire at <a href="https://shooting.bracesofbristol.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Braces Shooting Grounds</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/00-valley-fest-437939875_18432713026011784_3483707320609566390_n_Fotor.jpg" alt="valley fest" class="wp-image-95712" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/00-valley-fest-437939875_18432713026011784_3483707320609566390_n_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/00-valley-fest-437939875_18432713026011784_3483707320609566390_n_Fotor-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/00-valley-fest-437939875_18432713026011784_3483707320609566390_n_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/00-valley-fest-437939875_18432713026011784_3483707320609566390_n_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Valley Fest</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.valleyfest.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valley Fest</a>, a small family-friendly food, drink and music fest on the banks of Chew Valley Lake, comes with big headline acts, rising stars and some of Bristol&#8217;s top chefs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>It ain&#8217;t cheap, with an average prices coming in at £741,500. Detached properties go for £1,012,500, semis for £370,000 and terraced at £656,250.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/00chewmagnab35461ca-3297-4a79-9141-f9fe141f0e78-0-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg" alt="House for sale Chew Magna Somerset" class="wp-image-100994" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/00chewmagnab35461ca-3297-4a79-9141-f9fe141f0e78-0-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/00chewmagnab35461ca-3297-4a79-9141-f9fe141f0e78-0-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/00chewmagnab35461ca-3297-4a79-9141-f9fe141f0e78-0-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/00chewmagnab35461ca-3297-4a79-9141-f9fe141f0e78-0-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/00chewmagnab35461ca-3297-4a79-9141-f9fe141f0e78-0-ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-converter-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A stunning Grade II listed country house with three separate apartments, stables, arena and paddocks. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com/properties/residential/for-sale/lower-langford-north-somerset-bs40/brs012371633" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for £2m</a>,</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>The Nursery at New Manor Farm in nearby Bishop&#8217;s Sutton is rated Outstanding by Ofsted; Magna Minors Day Nursery &amp; Pre-School in the neighbouring village of Chew Stoke is Good.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Pretty darned good for schools. State options Chew Magna Primary and Chew Valley School are rated Good. Nearby Bishop&#8217;s Sutton and Stanton Drew primaries are Outstanding. State secondary St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School in Bristol is Outstanding. Independent options within 30 mins include: Sidcot (Quaker) in Winscombe; <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/wells-cathedral-school-wells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wells Cathedral School</a> in Wells; in Bristol, <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/badminton-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Badminton</a> (girls), Clifton College Upper School and Prep, Queen Elizabeth&#8217;s Hospital (boys), Bristol Grammar; slightly further afield, is Bristol Collegiate. Then there are all the Bath Schools. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Writer, broadcaster, comedian and NHS doctor Phil Hammond has lived here for years. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s only a 30 min drive into Bristol, from where you can get to London Paddington from Temple Meads station in around 90 mins. Bristol Airport&#8217;s about 10 mins away, then the rest of the world is your oyster. </p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Chew Magna

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