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Burges Salmon Living in Bristol, Bath and the Surrounding Areas

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Burges Salmon Living in , Bath and the surrounding areas Bristol is a vibrant and cosmopolitan with an Bristol historic maritime past and a flourishing culture of arts, music and theatre in the present.

It is the principal city of the West Country areas, still within easy reach of the centre, and has two mainline railway stations - are now rapidly growing in popularity and Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol increasingly worthy of consideration. - as well as easy access to the M4 and M5 This guide provides an insight into the motorways. Bristol International Airport; residential areas within a walk, bike ride, with scheduled and chartered flights to the ferry trip or short /car journey from the Continent, the Caribbean, North Africa and office. The following descriptions should New ; is less than 10 miles from the be used as an aid to your own research centre. As a Bristol resident you couldn’t be and do not represent recommendations better connected nationally: is less or endorsements. If you would like further than two hours away and the wonderful information on an area of particular scenery of the , , Devon interest, please let us know and we will and Cornwall is on your doorstep. happily put you in touch with a lawyer Many people who work at Burges Salmon who knows the area well. enjoy the rare luxury of living within A number of well-regarded independent walking distance of the office and for schools in and around central Bristol some, the daily commute includes a ferry- provide an excellent education, including taxi across the river. There is a wide variety Badminton, Bristol Grammar, Clifton of properties in close proximity to the College, Redland High School for Girls, where our offices are located. The Red Maids’ and Queen Elizabeth’s From Georgian terraces to Victorian villas, Hospital (QEH). In addition, Bristol converted dockside warehouses to plush Cathedral Choir, Colston’s Girls’, Cotham, waterfront apartments, you will be spoilt Redland Green School and St Mary for choice. Redcliffe & Temple are very well-regarded Prestigious Clifton and Redland have state secondary schools. For further always attracted a high proportion of information on schooling, please refer to lawyers but a number of lesser-known the ‘Useful Contacts’ section at the end of this guide.

Waterfront areas The city’s shipping and industrial past remains a prominent part of Bristol’s waterfront and if contemporary living is for you, then the harbourside area may offer the ideal location. Over recent years, the docks have been transformed into a modern and innovative centre where accommodation is sought by many young professionals: a number of previously derelict buildings - including a former brewery, a tobacco factory and a grain store - have been turned into upmarket apartments. Whether you opt for new- build or converted old-build, you’ll find a wide selection of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, cafés, galleries, art-house cinemas and theatres within walking distance. The office and Temple Meads rail station are a short walk, bike ride or ferry trip away.

Clifton Suspension Bridge during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

2 Clifton Wood overlooks

Hotwells and Clifton Wood Set on a steep hill between Clifton Village and the Waterfront, Hotwells and Clifton Wood offer an eclectic combination of buildings from Victorian townhouses to old harbour offices, boatyards and industrial warehouses, many of which have been developed into prestigious homes. With very easy access to the city centre - by foot, bus or ferry - Hotwells is a popular location and enjoys shops, restaurants and traditional , including the Hope and Anchor. Eighteenth century Dowry Square in Clifton Wood attracts sight-seeing visitors: it remains a residential square and hosts the occasional film, drama and documentary.

Clifton and Redland Royal York Crescent, Clifton Renowned for Brunel’s stunning Suspension Bridge and comprising some of the country’s most beautiful residential architecture, Clifton is probably Bristol’s best-known area. It is also the most exclusive, with high demand for property and prices to match. The area can be divided into three neighbourhoods - Clifton Wood (described above), Clifton Village with its boutique shopping and Whiteladies Road, all of which enjoy an ample selection of bars, restaurants and shops. The Whiteladies Road area is the more urban and ‘studenty’ of the districts, with a higher proportion of flats but, as with the rest of Clifton, the streets are wide and the buildings grand and spacious. You will find a range of Georgian, Regency and Edwardian terraces, many of which have been converted into modern townhouses Clifton and flats.

3 Just the other side of Whiteladies Road, easily affordable. Neighbouring Stoke Southville, Windmill Hill Redland’s broad leafy avenues and Bishop is a quiet and attractive and Victoria Park Victorian villas attract a number of with good primary schools, a mixture of A thriving area on the south side of the students as well as families and young period and modern housing and easy river with easy walking access to the city professionals. Without the famous access to The Mall at Cribb’s Causeway, centre, Southville has progressed from Georgian terraces of Clifton, Redland Bristol’s major out-of- shopping and ‘up and coming’ to ‘definitely arrived’. is a more down-to-earth, although still entertainment complex. Attractive Victorian terraces line the highly affluent, alternative to Clifton. Cotham and Kingsdown river and ‘The Tobacco Factory’ theatre Whiteladies Road is within walking enjoys rave reviews in the national press Heading back towards the centre, Cotham distance as are Chandos Road and as well as housing a trendy bistro and and Kingsdown are slightly more urban Zetland Road, which host a handful of bar. The traditional shopping precinct alternatives to Clifton, offering period smaller independent bars and bistros. of Bedminster is nearby and Southville properties in close proximity to Whiteladies is now a very popular area with young Road and the City Centre. Kingsdown is Westbury Park, Henleaze professionals. Neighbouring Windmill a small and, in places, very picturesque and Westbury-on-Trym Hill and Victoria Park offer cheaper Georgian district, with historic King Westbury Park is a small, predominantly alternatives to Southville, with affordable Square at the bottom of the hill, quaint family-orientated area with a well-rated first-time buyer Victorian terraced houses St Michael’s Hill at the top and Georgian primary school and some very grand in quiet residential streets. houses. Like neighbouring Redland, cottages and Victorian terraces lining Westbury Park really gives the sense that narrow or cobbled streets in between. Montpelier and St Werburgh’s you are getting away from the urban Cotham is similar in character to Redland, Montpelier and St Werburgh’s have centre due to its large gardens, long with a significant student population and become increasingly popular. Both are views and close proximity to the wide large Victorian residences, many converted conveniently situated for the centre and open space known as The Downs. Most into attractive period flats. Road. With its bohemian housing in this area is Victorian villas, St Andrew’s, Bishopston community, Montpelier is considered to including some particularly attractive and Horfield be Bristol’s artistic quarter, offering an properties facing The Downs. There are eclectic mix of architecture from detached Always popular, the comfortable semi- also areas in Westbury Park which offer Georgian villas and terraced townhouses suburban districts of St Andrew’s, more modern housing, ranging from to new-build eco-homes. Historic Picton Bishopston and Horfield have 1920s semi-detached houses to new-build Street is home to the acclaimed Bell’s experienced a boom in recent years and developments. Heading further north, Diner restaurant and boasts a number have become over-spill areas for Redland, Henleaze is green, suburban and just as of organic cafés and delicatessens. Westbury Park and Henleaze. Bishopston popular with families as Westbury Park, Neighbouring St Werburgh’s offers more shares borders with Cotham and Redland largely due to another excellent primary affordable, ex-miner’s terraced Victorian and is consequently the pricier of the school located in the area. There is a good houses. With its City Farm, allotments, three. All are centrally situated, alongside selection of local amenities including nature reserve and village community the ever-popular Gloucester Road, which cafés, local shops, a branch of , feel, St Werburgh’s is increasingly popular features pubs, comedy clubs, restaurants, a public library, a small cinema and the with young families. Recently property cafés and quirky vintage clothing and open spaces of The Downs. Many of the prices have risen dramatically, especially in record shops. Most houses are typical properties here are Edwardian detached Montpelier, reflecting the area’s increased Victorian family homes: large three and and 1930s semi-detached townhouses. popularity but there are still bargains to four bedroomed terraced and semi- Nearby Westbury-on-Trym was once a be found, both here and in St Werburgh’s. detached period houses. Living here places village separate from the city of Bristol, you close to Colston’s Girls’, Redland and offers more variety in the types and Green and Cotham schools and some very values of properties available, as well as well-regarded state primary schools. a village centre. House prices in the areas of Henleaze and Westbury-on-Trym are Totterdown and Knowle similar to those in Westbury Park, while Not so long ago, Totterdown and more affordable housing may be found Knowle were thought of as relatively towards Eastfield and . undesirable areas but this is changing and they have quickly become popular and with families looking for period homes Situated to the west of Redland, on the within easy walking distance of the city far side of Durdham Down, is Sneyd Park. centre. With fantastic views over Bristol Dominated by large detached houses set and distinctive terraces of pastel-coloured along tree-lined avenues, this area has a houses visible from many parts of the city, range of styles and ages of property, most the area has enjoyed rising house prices with good-sized gardens and garages. due in part to its close proximity to Temple Some of the older mansion houses have Meads . been developed into modern flats. Prices vary greatly: a large house facing the Downs or Gorge can cost over a million; two-bedroom flats remain more

4 Rich in history and vibrant in culture, Bristol is a great Bath place to live and work. If, however, you prefer to escape the city at the end of the day, the outskirts of Bristol and surrounding areas offer some beautiful town, village and options.

From the rolling hills and lakes of Bath to the spectacular caves The world heritage city of Bath is and gorges of the Mendips; from the surrounded by gorgeous countryside and charming estuary coastline of North charming villages, all within easy reach to the stunning river scenery of of Bristol. This area is fantastically well the , the area enjoys a wealth connected, with a frequent direct train of outstanding natural beauty, traditional service between Bath Spa and Bristol villages and elegant market . Temple Meads and the A4 or M4/M32 Bath offers a very different urban living leading directly into the centre of Bristol. experience; one of the most admired There is also a scenic Bath-Bristol cycle in the world, it is only a 15-minute path used by daily commuters as well as train journey to central Bristol. weekend leisure-seekers. A number of excellent educational institutions serve the This guide offers a brief overview of area including the renowned independent some of these readily commutable areas. schools Royal High School for girls and Please note these descriptions should be King Edward’s co-ed. Secondary schools used as an aid to your own research and near the top of the national league tables do not represent recommendations or include , Beechen Cliff endorsements. If you would like to know and Oldfield School. more about a particular location, we are likely to have a lawyer working at the firm Bath itself is a genteel, uniquely who lives close by and would be happy historic and internationally-admired to help. city, spectacularly located in the Avon valley. Bristol is a 15-minute journey by train (13 miles by road) and a rail service takes you directly from Bath to London Paddington in 90 minutes. Famous for its Roman Baths and for its architectural heritage as a Georgian spa resort, Bath has been revitalised as a unique English spa destination since the opening of the Thermae Baths in 2006. Gracious bridges sweep over the river Avon and every turn seems to reveal an historic square, a fascinating side-street or an atmospheric public garden. In the heart of the city, the imposing Gothic spires of are surrounded by narrow Georgian streets lined with interesting boutiques, traditional inns, sophisticated bars, gourmet cafés and restaurants. Shopping also extends from famous high street names to market antiques stalls and there are several supermarkets, including Waitrose. The city has two universities and a flourishing cultural scene. There are five theatres including the Theatre Royal and throughout the year the city hosts The Royal Crescent, Bath a number of internationally renowned

5 Bath

music, film, arts and literature festivals. homes come with panoramic views over served by local amenities including the While it cannot rival Bristol’s nightlife, Bath and beyond and are highly prized. Moorland Road shopping area. Bath has a respectable number of smaller A more affordable suburb popular with A 20-minute walk west of Bath, the nightclubs and rock, pop and folk venues young professionals is Larkhall. With its village suburb of Weston (not to be popular with students. Residential own local shops, delicatessens, pubs and confused with coastal town Weston- quarters are typified by elegant Georgian a community theatre; this is an attractive super-Mare!) is 12 miles from Bristol. architecture in honey-hued , option, a 30-minute walk from Bath city This is another thriving community steeply rising quaint streets and grand centre and 13 miles from Bristol. on the outskirts of Bath with a good terraces including the extraordinary Upper Oldfield Park is 12 miles from selection of local shops. The character Royal Crescent. Living in central Bath is Bristol and is becoming increasingly of the neighbourhood is defined by its highly desirable and this is reflected in its popular. This is due, in part, to Oldfield historic Georgian terraces built in Bath property prices. Park train station which offers a direct stone and set on wide streets. Less grand Some 1.5 miles south of Bath’s centre, train service to Bristol Temple Meads. than central Bath perhaps but also more Down is a suburban village well The area’s popularity is also related to affordable, Weston has the advantage served by bus links and with its own the extremely good and over-subscribed of being close to the M4 and A4, for village shops and pubs, a rugby club and Oldfield School nearby. Property is largely easy access to Bristol. Lower Weston local primary and secondary schools. Victorian, with some fine terraced and is especially popular as it sits close to Properties include 18th and 19th century semi-detached houses, all within walking Victoria Park with its large children’s Bath stone houses, of which several distance of Bath city centre and well outdoor playground. are Grade II listed. The most expensive

6 Surrounding areas

North East Somerset it is a conservation area and has retained nearby in Beyond the outskirts of Bath, North its character, friendliness and quiet gorge. Like , properties East Somerset is a designated Area of charm. Excellent local amenities serve here are sought after and include Outstanding Natural Beauty containing the residents: several shops, a post office delightful country cottages and elegant many pretty villages within easy reach of and banks, a dentist, doctor’s surgery, detached Georgian houses. Bristol. For outdoor pursuits this area is nursery, two very good primary schools, Also fantastically placed for Bristol hard to beat, with and prep school Sacred Heart and the well commuters, is an 18th lake offering sailing and fishing respected Chew Valley . century established at the and the Mendips renowned for walking, Homes can range from period cottages confluence of the and the horse-riding and mountain-biking built from local stone in the heart of the River Avon. Conveniently located on opportunities. village, to prestigious barn conversions on the A4 midway between Bristol and the rural outskirts. is a conservation village of Bath, Keynsham offers two secondary special architectural and historic interest Freshford is an idyllic village set amongst schools and several primaries. The located on the banks of the River Chew beautiful countryside in the Avon Valley, 6 range of properties reflects Keynsham’s and at the edge of woodland threaded miles southeast of Bath just off the A36. development over the centuries, from with streams. Famed for its impressive It is served by Freshford railway station Grade II listed farmhouses and Victorian Victorian viaduct, Pensford is very well which has a half hourly peak service to terraced townhouses to 1930s semis and situated on the A37, seven miles south of Bristol (journey time 30 minutes). The modern estate homes. Bristol and eight miles west of Bath. With local sits beside the river and Other areas worth a visit include Bishop 17th and 18th century properties, several is noted for its regular offering of music, Sutton, , , Compton of them listed, this is an attractive option whilst the village hall hosts many events Martin, and Litton. with a village primary school, post office, including painting classes, aerobics and local shops and ‘The Travellers Rest’ pub drama productions. The local school, Useful websites for both Bath and North offering good food and great views over Freshford Church of Primary East Somerset: the Chew Valley. School, has a good Ofsted rating. www.bathnes.gov.uk Chew Magna is a wealthy commuter Eight miles south of Bristol and 10 www.bath.co.uk village and the largest settlement in the miles from Bath, is a Chew Valley. Superbly situated on the small village with a pub, shops and post northern edge of the , this office. Neighbouring , thriving community is just nine miles from 15 miles south of Bristol, has a primary Bristol city centre. Although very popular, school and features beautiful walks

Blagdon lake

7 Similar in character to North East Somerset, this separate county borders with south Bristol and extends west to the estuary coastline. As well as rural, coastal and farmland scenery, North Somerset is also home to the unique 19th century property, House, Wraxall. The area contains several towns and villages in close proximity to Bristol city centre. The and train station provides frequent services to Bristol Temple Meads and the A370 Long Ashton bypass gives dual carriageway access straight to the heart of Bristol. Nailsea is a popular seven miles south-west of Bristol with a high street, supermarkets and banks and a weekly market. There are regular rail and bus services, several primary schools, a secondary school, library and good sports facilities. Sharing a train station with Nailsea, the nearby suburban bungalows on Portishead Hill. The dock favourite residence for the Victorian well- village of Backwell has a reputation for and harbour area are currently part of a to-do, it is now a growing commercial excellent schools. It has good state and major rejuvenation project with quality centre but retains much of its genteel independent primaries, while Backwell townhouses and luxury flats continuing charm, with a restored Grade I listed pier, secondary school is recognised as one to be built in the Port Marina district. A ornamental gardens and boating lake. of the best in North Somerset. There is nature reserve is retained at the edge Some fine examples of period Regency a pleasant leisure centre with swimming of the development and some luxurious and Victorian architecture may be found, pool and properties vary from character newbuild detached homes are beautifully including large detached residences on period houses to modern family homes. situated overlooking the reserve and the wide tree-lined avenues, many with sea . Portishead’s amenities are views. There is a good selection of shops, Moving north to the , good, with three supermarkets including supermarkets, banks and restaurants, a Portishead is a coastal town increasingly Waitrose, local shops and pubs, a good hospital, station, several primaries popular with professionals choice of primary schools and the highly and a secondary school, local library, to Bristol. Portishead’s transformation respected secondary sports centre, cinema and monthly from Victorian industrial village to up- nearby. farmers’ market. Outdoor sports facilities and-coming smart commuter town is are also good, with golf, rugby and reflected in the range of properties on Further down the North Somerset sailing clubs as well as several equestrian offer. Traditional Victorian terraces in the coastline, the elegant, 19th century town centres nearby. centre give way to 1950s chalet-style of Clevedon is 14 miles from Bristol. A Inland and to the south of Bristol, the Mendips village of Churchill has a lovely old centre with a clock tower, a Methodist church and pretty farmland surroundings. Some beautiful detached Georgian homes, character cottages and spacious modern properties are often available. Bristol is 14 miles away on a direct route via the A38. You may also wish to investigate the other North Somerset villages of Blagdon, Burrington, Butcombe, Upper and , and . Useful website for North Somerset: www.n-somerset.gov.uk

Port Marina, Portishead

8 Somerset In the heart of the West country and with extensive moorlands, rolling hills and a dramatic coastline, Somerset is a beautiful county. Home to an array of quaint villages and towns, the area hosts numerous country fairs and carnivals throughout the year reflecting the pleasures of rural life. Cycle paths and walking tracks allow for leisurely off- road countryside explorations while the train stations at Frome, , and Westbury () ensure brisk transport links for commuters. Frome is an historic market town 24 miles from Bristol and on the direct rail line. It is host to Somerset’s largest annual Vicars’ Close, Wells community festival and has a thriving local arts scene with several galleries, studios and theatres. The centre of town is a conservation area and properties range from atmospheric beamed weavers’ cottages to Georgian terraced townhouses. Very little development has taken place over the years and as a consequence Frome now has more listed buildings than any other Somerset town. Essential amenities are good, with well established shopping, leisure and educational facilities. is a family-orientated suburban town with a good high street, weekly markets and a leisure centre with swimming pool. The Bath and West Showground is located nearby. Delightful Wells is England’s smallest lovely walks lead out to the surrounding The medieval town of hugs city and with a mere 10,000 residents it countryside, including the spectacular the southern slope of the Mendips and is enjoys a uniquely rural town atmosphere. gorge walk culminating in the limestone approximately 13 miles from Bristol. An Famous for its glorious 12th century steps of ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. Many residences important wool-producer in the Middle cathedral, moated Bishop’s Palace and in the area enjoy panoramic views of the Ages, it was a river port in earlier times. gorge and lakeland and houses range historic gardens, there is also a twice- There is much evidence of rebuilding and from period cottages to Victorian semis weekly market and a selection of shops, re-facing of buildings in Axbridge during and 1920s/30s detached properties. cafés, pubs and restaurants. Educational the 18th and 19th centuries but the heart There are also contemporary family provisions are excellent, with Wells of Axbridge has changed little and it homes within quality new developments. Cathedral and the retains a number of early listed buildings Cheddar is also home to the highly highly rated Blue School comprehensive in the Square and lining the main streets. secondary. Properties include impressive regarded Kings of Church of townhouses in the historic centre, cosy England School. Burnham-on-Sea remained a small village until the late 18th century but is terraced period cottages and large Further south, the ancient Saxon town now a popular seaside town as well as detached Victorian, Art Deco and modern of Bruton is 28 miles from Bristol and the home of the shortest pier in Great homes in the residential outskirts. Bristol situated on the . Sexey’s School Britain. Burnham-on-Sea is notable for its is 21 miles away. (a co-ed state boarding school founded in beach and mudflats, the annual Burnham 1889) is a well-regarded comprehensive in Famous for cheese, caves and the largest Carnival and local farmers’ market. gorge in the UK, the village of Cheddar the town and there is a local train station retains its ancient natural charm and offering a direct 90 minute journey Other popular places in the area include: beauty despite its tourist attractions. to Bristol. Among the town’s historic Cameley, , Located 20 miles from Bristol, like Wells courtyards and quaint gardens, residential and . this is a popular choice for commuters. properties include small stone cottages, Useful website for Somerset: The historic provides a grand detached houses and country village landmark, while a number of manors converted to flats. www.somerset.gov.uk

9 town and almost every house along the service whisks you into Bristol in just over Sometimes described as ‘the gateway high street is more than 100 years old, half an hour. With its honey-coloured to Wales and the West’, this council from the Georgian Gothic tollhouse at stone buildings and bridges, Bradford-on- district ranges from the edge of the the western end to the splendid groups Avon is sometimes thought of as Bath’s Cotswolds to the northern of of medieval barns. There are numerous charming little sister. An 11th century Bristol and includes some attractive and footpaths (many signposted), bridle paths tithe barn provides an historic landmark convenient towns and villages. By car, and pleasant walks in all directions. and there is a good choice of cafés and South Gloucestershire is within easy reach restaurants along the pretty high street. Useful websites for South Gloucestershire: of both Severn crossings and the M4/M5 Residential properties include imposing interchange. There is a train station at www.southglos.gov.uk Grade II listed terraced townhouses, Bristol Parkway, some 8 miles from Bristol www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk grand detached Victorian homes in city centre, which operates regular services Wiltshire spacious grounds, beamed cottages and traditionally stonebuilt contemporary to Bristol Temple Meads and London Although a more substantial commute developments. St Laurence is a highly Paddington. Strong secondary schools in from Bristol, Wiltshire is richly rewarding rated comprehensive school serving this area include The Ridings’ Federation - with river valleys, forests, stunning views the town and surrounds. There is also International and across the downlands and picture postcard a local library, film society, golf course, The Castle School, Thornbury. villages. , ’s ancient rowing clubs and tennis courts and some Founded during the 12th century, stone circles and the stately homes attractive canalside pubs and cycleways. Chipping Sodbury, with its historic of Longleat, Stourhead and Bowood high street, is a quiet market town, eight House are all within this gracious county. Other potentially commutable towns miles north-west of Bristol, offering Wiltshire also offers some of the highest in Wiltshire include , situated good schools, shops and local amenities. quality independent schools in the area, between Bath and , with its Properties in the town centre are including Marlborough College (co-ed day Bath stone architecture, ,30 characterised by Grade II listed Georgian and boarding), The , miles north-east of Bristol, with and Victorian stone-built houses, while Salisbury (day and boarding for girls) itsrich heritage and good schools and on the outskirts lie picturesque country and Stonar School, Atworth. The main theCotswold town of Sherston, 5 miles cottages and luxury rural modern homes. train stations are situated in Bradford-on- west of Malmesbury, with its typical wide Avon, Chippenham, , , high street and good range of local shops. Frampton Cotterell is a comfortable, and Westbury, all providing traditional suburban village attractively Further places worthy of investigation excellent transport links with Bristol. situated on the River Frome in the are Biddestone, Box, Castle Combe, greenbelt of Bristol, seven miles north- Bradford-on-Avon spans the River Avon Kingston Langley, Lacock and east of the city. Housing includes 17th and the and is Luckington. and 18th century cottages, as well as 27.9 miles from Bristol, eight miles from Useful websites for Wiltshire: modern properties. There is a rugby club, Bath. Perhaps the most easily accessible numerous country walks and a riding Wiltshire town for lawyers working in www.wiltshire.gov.uk school nearby. Bristol, this town is a popular choice for www.wiltshire-web.co.uk commuters: the frequent direct train www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk Further north, Charfield is set on the southern edge of the spectacular Cotswolds (deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). This village is surrounded by wonderful scenery and is 19 miles from Bristol. There are some fine 17th century almshouses, a good primary school and The Castle secondary school in Thornbury is close by. Acton Turville is a typical Cotswold village situated about 18 miles north-east of Bristol near the Wiltshire border. It is strategically placed at the junction of several local routes and is surrounded by open fields within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is compact and centres around the village green and well, which are surrounded by a fine collection of predominantly Cotswold stone buildings. Marshfield is at the southern end of the Cotswold Hills, eight miles north of Bath and 15 miles east of Bristol. The layout Bradford-on-Avon conforms to that of a typical market

10 South Wales has excellent rail and road links across the Severn Estuary. While , the Capital of Wales, offers a bustling shopping, arts, culture and entertainment scene, the surrounding rural area also has much to offer the keen walker, hiker, horse- rider or mountain-biker. A number of small towns, villages, tiny hamlets and scattered farmsteads provide peaceful options for commuters. Main train stations are located in Cardiff, Newport and the Severn Tunnel Junction (near Magor). Other rail stations include Chepstow and Caldicot, all offering services to Bristol. Travel by car is also highly feasible, although it can be somewhat costly due to the Severn Bridge toll. The Valley, near Chepstow Chepstow is an ancient market town 18 miles from Bristol. There is an impressive Excellent schools include Chepstow rural and coastal walks. There is a large Norman church which stands on the cliffs School comprehensive and Sixth Form and comprehensive school and a leisure overlooking the river Wye and Chepstow’s independent school St John’s on the Hill. centre, as well as local shops. Bristol is 22 smart racecourse is active throughout Chepstow train station provides a regular miles away. the year, hosting not only races but also one-hour service (nondirect) to Bristol antiques fairs and agricultural shows. Other Welsh towns and villages that Temple Meads. Permanent award-winning art installations may be of interest include Caerleon, have played a part in the regeneration of Caldicot is a small town conveniently Caerwent, Earlswood, Gaerllwyd, the high street and the town centre offers located for Bristol commuters just off the Mynyddbach, Newchurch, Usk and a good range of shops and restaurants. M4 in the South East corner of Wales. Shirenewton. Farmers’ and county produce markets Attractively situated on the / Useful website for South Wales: are held regularly and there is a library, Bristol Channel estuary, it has a castle and www.thisissouthwales.co.uk museum, leisure centre and hospital. lake and access to a number of popular

Area map

Useful contacts General www.thisisbristol.co.uk www.visitbristol.co.uk www..co.uk/bristol www.whatsonbristol.co.uk www.at-bristol.org.uk www.streetmap.co.uk

Education www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

Permanent accommodation to lease/to buy www.themovechannel.co.uk www.zoopla.co.uk www.rightmove.co.uk www.home.co.uk www.reallymoving.com www.bristolpropertylive.co.uk

11 www.burges-salmon.com

One Glass Wharf, Bristol BS2 0ZX T +44 (0) 117 939 2000 F +44 (0) 117 902 4400 6 New Street Square, London EC4A 3BF T +44 (0) 20 7685 1200 F +44 (0) 20 7980 4966

Burges Salmon LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (LLP number OC307212), and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. It is also regulated by the Law Society of . Its registered office is at One Glass Wharf, Bristol BS2 0ZX. A list of the members may be inspected at its registered office. Further information about Burges Salmon entities, including details of their regulators, is set out on the Burges Salmon website at www.burges-salmon.com.

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