This village just outside Bristol has experienced a boom since the pandemic, drawing travellers with its picturesque countryside, award-winning pub and historic architecture
Somerset is a hub of some of the UK’s best-loved cities – but there’s more to explore beyond familiar favourites like Bath and Bristol. It is within the quieter villages of the region that travellers will find some of the best spots to roam the scenic countryside and appreciate historic architecture.
One such hidden gem is Pensford. Nestled between Bath, Bristol and Wells, Pensford is a small village – with a population of only about 1,000 people – but its petite size makes it ideal for a tranquil staycation. It has also been experiencing a tourist surge post-pandemic.
Pensford lies in the Chew Valley – a reservoir named for the River Chew and home to a rich biosphere. It is known for its countryside, historic buildings and the striking Pensford Viaduct, a disused railway viaduct that dominates the landscape
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The village dates back to the 14th century, and much of its medieval street layout remains intact today. In fact, Pensford is home to many protected buildings with Grade-II accreditation and is a recognised conservation area because of its historical significance.
One of the most-visited historic landmarks in the area is the 14th-century St Thomas à Becket Church. Set just beside the striking Victorian railway viaduct on the banks of the River Chew, the Grade II listed church boasts a tower that is nearly 700 years old.
The viaduct is another Grade II listed landmark that towers over the village. Standing at 29m tall and consisting of 16 stone arches, the viaduct was once the track for a busy railway line. However, after a flood caused significant damage in 1968, it never reopened as a railway line and now serves as purely an architectural landmark to accent the surrounding countryside.
Still, the viaduct is a huge draw for travellers for its historic significance and for the distinct vantage point it offers. Visitors will certainly also want to make a stop at The Rising Sun gastropub at the foot of the landmark, home to an award-winning and dog-friendly beer garden.
Pensford’s other two pubs – Travellers Rest and the George and Dragon – are also worth a visit. When you’re ready to hit the road again, there are plenty of nearby walking trails to explore. To appreciate the full beauty of the village and the surrounding countryside, you can join parts of the Two Rivers Way and the Three Peaks Walk – which is about a mile long.
The Two Rivers Way route itself runs from Congresbury in the River Yeo valley to Keynsham on the River Avon, where it meets the River Avon Trail – about 25 miles in length. It passes through farmland and historic villages around the Chew Valley.
The Three Peaks Circular Walk – which is about 17 miles long – leads into the rolling tops of Maes Knoll, Knowle Hill and Blackberry Hill. It then crosses the Two Rivers Way at Pensford and Chew Magna.
Exceptionally adventurous travellers can head to Hidden Valley Bushcraft and Forest School to really test their mettle. Located just outside Pensford, the school offers training in outdoor survival skills such as campfire cooking, shelter building and even overnight wild camping.
Of course, if you’re in the area it’s worth stopping into Bristol, which is only seven miles away and ranked 48th on Time Out’s list of the world’s 50 best cites for 2025. That said, travellers to Bristol Airport may find that their car is in worse condition than when they arrived.
Many holidaymakers using Bristol Airport have returned to find their cars damaged and with unexplained mileage after parking in unofficial ‘airport’ car parks. The local council has subsequently increased efforts to clamp down on this practice, which has been “blighting” the countryside and causing problems for locals.