Local Area

Local Area

“It was such an amazing getaway from Bristol for us. You would never have thought such a gem is literally 20 minutes away from Bristol.”
Guest review, December 2023

The Meadow Yurt at Southleigh Farm is located just outside Pensford, a charming village nestled in the rolling hills of the Chew Valley in Somerset. Our luxury yurt is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside, whilst being just a stone's throw from the vibrant cities of Bath, Bristol and Wells.

Southleigh Farm is surrounded by rural countryside, and the yurt meadow borders 200 acres of Lords Wood, an ancient woodland, with public access and footpaths.

Chew Valley Lake, renown for its world-class fishing, with walking and bird watching opportunities, is just a few miles from the yurt. Two beautiful Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - The Cotswolds and The Mendips - are also within a few minutes drive.

If you want to explore the dynamic and historic cities of Bath and Bristol, both are a 20 minutes drive away. The famous Cheddar Gorge, and towns of Wells and Glastonbury are within 30 minutes of the farm. From the main road, a bus stop 5 minutes walk away from the farm can take you to Bristol, Bath, Wells and Glastonbury - so you can leave the car at home.

 

You could easily while away a few days exploring the immediate surroundings of the yurt, with footpaths and wild swimming spots all within walking distance. Whilst many of our guests choose to remain at the yurt cooking, reading and relaxing, there’s also lots of things to do close by when you stay with us. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Explore the Chew Valley: The Chew Valley is right on your doorstep. We provide local OS Maps and binoculars for you to use during your stay. Take a walk through Lord’s Woods, take a dip at the local wild swimming spots, discover your inner druid at the Stanton Drew stone circle, bike ride along Chew Valley Lake or nearby Blagdon Lake, or visit one of the many charming villages in the area.

  • Enjoy the local food and drink: There are plenty of great local spots to visit for a bite to eat and a glass of something chilled. Chew Valley is home to a number of excellent pubs and restaurants close by, serving up everything from traditional pub fare to fine dining.

  • Bristol (6 miles): Bristol has its own unmistakable identity, borne from its centuries-old heritage and an irrepressible creative spirit. The city is packed with things to see and do. Explore the historic harbour-side, tour the cobbled streets overlooked by world-famous street-art, follow the sound of live music from one of the many venues, or take a trip to Brunel's SS Great Britain, or one of the many other museums and galleries. Bristol is also home to a wide range of dining options.

    Visit Bristol

  • Bath (8 miles): The only UK city designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the elegant city streets of Bath are world-renowned for the Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and beautiful crescents. Stroll across the Pulteney Bridge, soak in the Thermae Bath Spa, or admire the Jane Austen Centre.

    Visit Bath

  • Wells (12 miles): This charming cathedral city is known for its stunning Wells Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace and Gardens, and the picturesque Vicars' Close. Explore the Wells Market Place, delve into the intriguing Cheddar Gorge, or take a boat trip on Wookey Hole Caves.

    Wells Tourism

  • Relax and unwind: After a day of exploring, why not relax and unwind in your luxury yurt? Take a dip in the hot tub, enjoy a meal on the deck, or simply curl up by the fire with a good book.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. For more inspiration and detailed ideas, check out the Chew Valley area’s directory, www.inchewvalley.co.uk. It features local places to eat, things to do and walking routes. With so much to see and do in the area, you're sure to have a memorable stay at Southleigh Farm.

“We had a wonderful stay at the yurt, it is in a great location to get to various places including Bath and Bristol. We wished we could have stayed longer as there was so much to explore! The Carpenters Arms is well worth a visit. The yurt was beautiful and is perfect for a peaceful and relaxing stay. We would love to return for another visit and explore more. Thank you for a fantastic stay.”
Guest review, August 2023