The 9 trendiest places to live near Bristol - including Keynsham and Portishead

Bristol is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK, with thriving arts, food and music scenes along with stunning landmarks and scenery to boot. But with house prices rocketing and a higher population than ever, many have moved to or are thinking about new pastures within the city’s reach.

There are plenty of interesting areas to call home within 20 miles of the city, each boasting their own distinct character and beauty but still within a quick drive, bus or train ride of Bristol. Whether you dream of coastal living, escaping to the Cotswolds or firmly believe that community is key, we’ve compiled a list of the “trendiest” places to live near Bristol.

Thornbury

Thornbury is a quaint little market town around 13 miles outside of Bristol city centre. The area has an ever-expanding food scene, with seasonal produce at its heart, and is also home to a myriad of restaurants, farm shops and pubs. Thornbury is also steeped in history - Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once stayed in Thornbury Castle, which was built in 1511 and now serves as a hostel and restaurant.

Residents benefit from decent transport links - the nearest railway station is easily reachable by car and there are frequent buses from Cribbs Causeway and Bristol bus station. Cyclists will find it’s a relatively easy and flat route into the city, too.

Keynsham

Keynsham is a historic market town that has rocketed in popularity in recent years thanks to its proximity to Bristol and Bath, which are both just over 10 minutes away by train. Families benefit from Keynsham Memorial Park which boasts sports courts, community allotments and playgrounds.

The high street is dotted with independent restaurants and coffee shops, and for those who like their seasonal produce, the Somerset Farmers Market rolls into town on the second Saturday of every month. The area is home to Keynsham Music Festival, which celebrates its 26th year in 2023.

Portishead

Portishead lies a mere 10 miles west of Bristol and boasts brilliant transport links being situated just off the M5 and close to the M4. The historical fishing port features its very own sand and rocky beach and, being located in Somerset, is also surrounded by incredible scenic beauty.

Gordano Nature Reserve, Battery Point and the Clevedon Coast Path are particularly popular with local walkers. Portishead Marina offers a fantastic variety of cafes, restaurants and bars with pleasant views of sailing boats and yachts. On clear days, you can even see as far as Wales.

Saltford

Saltford is a sleepy village nestled between the bustling cities of Bristol and Bath. The area is situated alongside the A4 and the River Avon, with the mainline railway and Bristol to Bath cycle path passing through it. Saltford is surrounded by green belt land, preserving its rural setting, and boasts many outdoor and recreation facilities for activities including tennis, cricket, golf, horse riding, kayaking, rowing and sailing.

The village has a rich history with evidence that  Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Normans once lived and farmed there. Saltford Manor House was built in 1138 and is thought to be the oldest continuously occupied private house in England.

Chew Magna

Chew Magna is a pretty village set in the Chew Valley on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills. The area was praised as an “alternative to the Cotswolds” for anyone looking to buy a house in North Somerset by the Financial Times thanks to its proximity to rolling hills, lakes and dairy farms. Chew Magna lies just 10 miles south of Bristol and Bath, so is popular with commuters looking to escape to the peaceful countryside at the end of the working week, and features two pubs and a sailing club.

Long Ashton

Long Ashton is only a 20 minute bus ride away from Bristol city centre, but somehow feels miles away from the hustle and bustle, making it perfect for anyone looking for a quieter life without being too far away from everything the city has to offer. The large village boasts a strong community spirit as well as all the daily necessities anyone would need such as a Co-op, three traditional pubs, hair and beauty salon and a range of other shops and services.

Charfield

Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds with its many trees and neat hedgerows, Charfield is a picturesque village to call home. The area is conveniently located for Bristol and Gloucester, and boasts three pubs along with a convenience store, Post Office and historic churches.

Nailsea

Nailsea is a well-connected Somerset town with heaps of rural charm, nestled between Bristol and the seaside destination of Weston-super-Mare. With an amenable town centre, prime transport links and emerald green fields spanning for miles, Nailsea is becoming increasingly popular among Bristol commuters.

The town is well connected to Bristol, boasting its own train station and regular buses.It is also only a 20 minutes’ drive from Cribbs Causeway.

Newport

Ok, so it’s more than a stone’s throw away from Bristol over the Welsh border, but residents have been steadily moving over the channel to Newport ever since the Severn Bridge charges were dropped. The town is up and coming with beautiful scenery, a lively sporting and entertainment scene and affordable properties. It boasts its own train station with excellent links to Bristol and Cardiff.