Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


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



<p>The largest village in the rather gorgeous Chew Valley with its beautiful lake, woodland and hills, Chew Magna lies about 10 miles south of Bristol and 15 miles from Bath, on the edge of the Mendips in north-east Somerset. It is a conservation area with old stone bridges over the river Chew, raised pavements and more than its fair share of listed buildings, but also a vibrant community with fab places to eat in and around, and plenty going on. The perfect spot 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="1874" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-lazy-lobster-500197583_18227363683289346_8929102365575442044_n.jpg" alt="lazy lobster chew magna somerset" class="wp-image-108924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-lazy-lobster-500197583_18227363683289346_8929102365575442044_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-lazy-lobster-500197583_18227363683289346_8929102365575442044_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-lazy-lobster-500197583_18227363683289346_8929102365575442044_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-lazy-lobster-500197583_18227363683289346_8929102365575442044_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-lazy-lobster-500197583_18227363683289346_8929102365575442044_n-768x959.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-lazy-lobster-500197583_18227363683289346_8929102365575442044_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Lazy Lobster</figcaption></figure>



<p>There is no shortage of pitstops in Chew Magna. Head to the <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> are a good shout. In the village you&#8217;ll find pubs <a href="https://thebearandswanchewmagna.co.uk/" 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>. Josh and Holly Eggleton (of <a href="https://thepelicanchewmagna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pony at Chew Valley</a> fame – the former Michelin-starred Pony &amp; Trap re-imagined as restaurant and cookery school) now offer brilliant food, drink and rooms at <a href="https://thepelicanchewmagna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pelican</a>. </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> are a treat. 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 should also be on 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>You will find all the basics plus sustainable, zero-waste, organic produce 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, <a href="https://www.chewvalleychamber.co.uk/w-j-pearce-sons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelly&#8217;s</a>, 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>The village has all kinds of sports and activities including barre 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. </p>



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



<p>Keep in the loop with what&#8217;s going on at the <a href="https://www.chewmagna.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">village website</a>, which has the latest on clubs and societies as well as practical info such as transport, businesses, health and more.  </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> are nearby. Visit <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>, and 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. It didn&#8217;t take place in 2025 &nbsp;–&nbsp;there was new festival instead called <a href="https://lakeparadiso.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Paradiso</a> – but it returns in 2026. <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-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>It ain&#8217;t the cheapest, with the average price coming in at £499,000 over the last year. Detached properties went for an average of £775,000, semis for £446,667 and terraced for £338,333.</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="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/chew-magna-1189308.jpg" alt="house for sale chew magna somerset" class="wp-image-111089" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/chew-magna-1189308.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/chew-magna-1189308-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/chew-magna-1189308-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/chew-magna-1189308-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/chew-magna-1189308-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">All the period drama at this <a href="https://www.cooperandtanner.co.uk/properties/19918284/sales/28133007#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6-bed Grade II-listed house</a> in Upper LIttleton, Chew Magna, £1.895m.</figcaption></figure>



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



<p><a href="https://www.magnaminors.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magna Minors Day Nursery &amp; Pre-School</a> in the neighbouring village of Chew Stoke is rated Good by Ofsted. There is also a nursery at New Manor Farm in nearby Bishop&#8217;s Sutton. </p>



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



<p>Chew Magna is pretty darned good for schools. <a href="https://www.chewmagna.bathnes.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chew Magna Primary</a> and <a href="https://www.chewvalleyschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chew Valley School</a> are rated Good by Ofsted, as is secondary <a href="https://www.smrt.bristol.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School</a> in Bristol. </p>



<p>Independent options within 30 mins include: <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/national-school-reviews/sidcot-school-winscombe-nr-bristol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidcot School</a> and <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sidcot-junior-school-winscombe-nr-bristol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidcot Junior</a> (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) and Bristol Grammar; and 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 260 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Chew Magna

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