Country living near Bath: Idyllic villages for commuters
If you’re considering living near Bath, there is an abundance of lovely, picturesque villages that provide countryside living yet are commutable into the City.
Each of these villages offers its own character, charm, and variety of properties to suit families, retirees, and remote-working professionals.
Bath is one of the most popular cities to live and work in. It boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and highly regarded schools that consistently perform above regional averages.
This, along with excellent shopping, culture, and dining, and direct links to London, makes it an increasingly attractive city for both professionals and families.
As a result, the villages that surround the City are highly sought-after, set within beautiful countryside yet easily commutable into either Bath, Bristol, or London.
For those seeking countryside living near Bath, we’ve compiled a selection of some of our favourite villages:
Combe Hay
Around four miles south of Bath is Combe Hay, a pretty, historic village set in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Property here includes historic stone farmhouses, converted barns, and generously sized rural plots. Many homes boast mature gardens and far-reaching views.
With rural pursuits on the doorstep and the renowned Wheatsheaf, a classic 16th-century village pub offering seasonal modern British cuisine, log fires, and a terraced garden, the area offers an inviting blend of tradition and comfort.
Freshford
The idyllic village of Freshford has its own train station, offering direct links to Bath (11 minutes) and Bristol Temple Meads (approximately 30 minutes), with London reachable in under 2 hours.
Commutable yet beautiful, the village offers a variety of house types. These range from Cotswold-style cottages to elegant Georgian terraced homes, Victorian semis, and contemporary properties.
Many homes in Freshford enjoy riverside frontage or leafy garden plots.
Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life, with scenic countryside walks and riverside drinks at The Inn at Freshford. Days out might include exploring the stunning Iford Manor Estate or unwinding at the nearby Homewood Hotel and Spa.
Wellow
Wellow lies just 6 miles south of Bath, tucked in a scenic valley within the Cotswolds AONB.
Period cottages, barn conversions, farms, and detached homes are dotted throughout Wellow, many with exceptional countryside views.
Wellow’s attraction lies in peaceful rural living, a warm community, a popular village pub, and access to walking and riding trails.
Commuters can reach Bath in under 20 minutes by car. Its location makes it a sought-after spot for hybrid workers and families seeking space and connection.
Monkton Combe
Just outside Bath, Monkton Combe, an elegant village surrounded by rolling countryside, combines classic rural living with easy access to city amenities, making it ideal for commuters seeking calm and connectivity.
Property includes substantial Georgian and Victorian houses, cottages, and newer stone-built homes, many with outstanding views. The Kennet and Avon Canal and Dundas Aqueduct offer walking and cycling routes.
Bath Spa station is around 10 minutes by car, or accessible via the Two Tunnels cycle path.
South Stoke
South Stoke (also known as Southstoke) offers an idyllic setting overlooking the Midford Valley.
The village is made up of period cottages, converted barns, and stone houses. Local highlights include the Packhorse Pub, which has received multiple local and national awards, plus access to scenic walking and cycling routes.
The Two Tunnels Greenway links South Stoke directly to Bath by bike in under 20 minutes.
Bath Spa station is a short drive away making it a highly desirable location for those commuting into the city.
Corston
Corston is a small, historic village located around 5 miles west of Bath. Property here includes stone cottages, farmhouses, and newer detached homes with views across the surrounding fields. Corston’s parish church and village hall support a quiet but welcoming community.
The A39 provides direct access to Bath in around 15 minutes, and bus links are reliable. It’s also near Newton Park and Bath Spa University, giving the village added appeal to academic professionals and families seeking a relaxed pace within commuting distance.
Hamswell
Just north of Bath lie a collection of tiny hamlets nestled within the rolling hills of the Cotswolds AONB, one of which is Hamswell, located about 6 miles northeast of the city.
Known for its timeless beauty and rural seclusion, properties here come to market infrequently and include listed farmhouses, country manors, and a handful of period cottages.
Despite its peaceful setting, Hamswell is only around a 20-minute drive from central Bath, making this a popular area for those seeking a countryside lifestyle within easy reach of the city.
While there are no direct public transport links, the location appeals to buyers looking for privacy and space, often favoured by creatives, second-home owners, and occasional commuters.
Newton St Loe
Just 4 miles west of Bath, Newton St Loe is a picturesque village within the Duchy of Cornwall estate. Housing includes cottages, detached homes, and converted agricultural buildings, many with uninterrupted views of parkland or farmland.
The village is home to Bath Spa University and the Newton Farm Shop & Café. It benefits from direct access to the A4 and a short drive to Bath Spa station.
Mixing history and convenience, Newton St Loe is especially suited to academics and professionals seeking calm whilst enjoying the convenience of living near Bath.
Bathford
Bathford is a thriving and picturesque village located just 3 miles east of Bath. It offers a range of homes, from Georgian terraces and Bath stone cottages to modern family houses.
Local amenities include a village shop, a popular primary school, and a pub. Situated just off the A4, Bathford has frequent bus links to Bath and is popular with commuters.
Riverside walks and easy access to Bathampton Meadows and the Kennet & Avon Canal add to Bathford’s natural beauty and family-friendly appeal.
Why choose country living near Bath?
Country living near Bath offers an opportunity to enjoy the peace of the countryside whilst being within an easy commute of the City.
The villages that surround Bath provide characterful homes, from Bath stone traditional cottages and detached homes with land, to contemporary barn conversions and elegant country residences, all within easy reach of Bath, Bristol, and even London.
How Garrington Property Finders can help
For professionals and families seeking a commuter-friendly countryside base, Garrington Property Finders offers a tailored and discreet service to help you find the perfect home.
Our bespoke searches are aligned with your working patterns, school requirements, and lifestyle preferences, ensuring you’re introduced only to properties that genuinely suit your needs.
We offer access to exclusive, off-market homes not publicly listed, and our in-depth local insight covers everything from village communities to travel times, school catchments, and future growth areas.
With exceptional commuter options and an enviable quality of life, the villages near Bath are among the most desirable places to live in the South West.
To discover how we can support your move to the countryside near Bath, please contact us for a confidential conversation without obligation.
