A number of towns surrounding Bristol have been singled out as being some of the ‘best places to live’ in the country.
Online guide Muddy Stilettos has compiled its annual list of the top places to call home in each region.
The suburbs, villages, towns and cities that made the cut within a short distance of Bristol were chosen for different reasons - either for their best restaurants and pubs, stunning green spaces, cool independent shops, brilliant farmers’ markets or must-see attractions.
The lifestyle website uses insider knowledge of places outside of London to help potential buyers and renters decide where they’d like to live.
The local round-up is part of the site’s top 250 places to live guide for 2023. Below are ten top places picked in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire - along with the reasons they were chosen.
5. Corsham, Wiltshire
Only ten miles from oh-so popular Bath, Corsham is built from the same pale stone, is just as pretty but significantly more affordable. It’s a real hidden gem of charming Georgian buildings, cobbled streets, Almshouses and parkland, making this historic market town a must-see place to visit and stay. Why? Muddy Stiletto’s says: “A gorgeously attractive town with a hint of Bath (but minus the price tag), Corsham famously appeared in the Aidan Turner-fronted Poldark series and has an ever-expanding coterie of indie businesses from bookshops to homeware stores and regular markets and events. Stately home Corsham Court is easily walkable from the high street and not only houses art exhibitions, but is also the site of one of Bath Spa University’s campuses. Plus it’s home to the living embodiment of the town’s motif – the peacock. You’ll often see them strutting around the streets when you shop. Highlights: Corsham is small but packs a mighty punch when it comes to cafes, restaurants and pubs. We recommend Woody’s the Deli on the high street – you can take away, eat at the counter or even order home delivery and for rustic, relaxed decor and Italian flavours like sourdough pizzas, salads and sides, pop into Mother & Wild, also on the high street. For Sunday roasts and country- pub vibes, visit The Methuen Arms which also has rooms and for laid-back bar vibes, makes sure you pop into Kettlesmith’s – the craft ale pub that also stocks local gins and has regular live music nights. If your favourite weekend afternoon pastime is pootling around a gorgeous emporium of vintage goodies and funky retro relics, you’re in for a treat with Previous offering fabulous homewares, jewellery, cards, children’s toys and gifts. Across the road you might be in luck of seeing TV’s Paul Martin – the dashing heirlooms expert from Flog It! fame – who has his own antiques shop on the high street called The Table Gallery. If you’re a culture vulture, then The Corsham Gallery will ensure your visual needs are taken care of while The Corsham Bookshop can provide all your bookish ones. Once a month there’s a regular craft fair called Corsham Creative Market and during the year the town council runs street events like food fairs. | Peter - stock.adobe.com
6. Dursley, Gloucestershire
This under the radar market town has a lot going for it, from a cool, arty community to lush countryside walks, all with great commuter links. Muddy Stilettos says: “Hugged by lush green hills and sitting on the Cotswolds Way, Dursley offers all the perks of a buzzing market town with the added bonus of nature trails and breathtaking views on your doorstep. This place has a strong arty streak, attracting a talented, bohemian community of creators, crafters and artists. The town centre is a lovely place to wander, centered around a picturesque 18th century Town Hall. Well connected to Bristol and a train station into London, it scores highly on great facilities including having a pool and leisure centre.” There are a handful of great pubs including The Old Spot at the bottom of Stinchcombe Hill. Go to Della Casa for some authentic pizza or pasta or travel to Nepal with a mouth-watering meal at The Everest. For cafe seekers try Leaf & Ground with its lovely deli and great locally sourced menu. There’s a more than adequate market-town scattering of shops, from card shops and general stores to a pet shop, butchers, antique shop and gift shops. Once a month you can stock up on locally sourced artisan food and drink at the Dursley Farmers Market held at the Town Hall. | John Corry - stock.adobe.com
7. Frome, Somerset
The community-minded town’s packed with arty, artisan indy businesses and cafes, and hosts the best street market in the West. Muddy Stilettos says: “The community-minded town’s packed with arty, artisan indie businesses and cafes including an indie cinema and a music venue where the likes of Paul McCartney and the Foo Fighters ‘just pop in’ – and it hosts the best designer-maker-producer street market in the West.” Start with award-winning pizzas at Eight Stony Street, Moorish tapas bar and restaurant The High Pavement, Bistro Lotte (which sometimes has live music) and cafes The River House, Rye Bakery with a cafe in a former chapel and La Strada (especially the cakes/desserts). The streets around Catherine Hill and Cheap Street are stuffed with interesting independent shops selling vintage clothes, books, flowers and more. The Frome Independent Market – designer makers/artisan food and drink/vintage – is on the first Sunday of the month. You’re also not far from Longleat, there’s wild swimming and scuba diving at Vobster Quay and gorgeous countryside all around. | Helen Hotson - stock.adobe.com
8. Malmesbury, Wiltshire
A charming market town with plenty of indie shops, cafes and a fabulous newly refurbished hotel. Muddy Stilettos says: “Malmesbury ripples with rich history as England’s oldest borough – it even has a resident 12th-century Abbey, still very much in use today, and is home to England’s oldest hotel, The Old Bell. Its thriving high street is supported by a weekly artisan farmers’ market. There’s a fabulous community spirit here, which encompasses annual events like the Malmesbury Carnival and residents feel super-lucky to have found it. Malmesbury is the base for over 3,500 Dyson workers and also home to the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology.” You won’t just want to sleep at The Old Bell, a stylish and sumptuously decorated hotel in the heart of Malmesbury. While it is Britain’s oldest hotel (and right next store to the 12th century remains of Malmesbury Abbey), it also has a great bar and terrace, the menu is delicious and it’s 100% dog-friendly, even serving canine afternoon teas on tiered cake stands! The Kings Arms is also well worth a look as is fave foodie pub The Potting Shed which is just out of town, and locals love the Keralan cuisine of The Spice Merchant. There are stacks of indies here. The almighty Hobbs House Bakery is on the high street, so stock up on their Sherston Overnight White. Sassy and Boo and French Grey are our favourite places for browsing for clothes and gifts. Perfection Health and Beauty is a cool beauty salon just out of town. | Getty Images