Walkers have recommended a beautiful village with well-rated pubs and a "posh" deli that's just an hour up the M5 from Bristol. Ombersley in Worcestershire is distinctive for its black and white timbered buildings, which give the impression of stepping back in time.
Last summer it was rated by estate agent Leaders as the fifth 'most beautiful place to live in Britain'. Its entry on the list read: "Ombersley dates back to the eighth century, when the village was referred to in a charter granted to Saint Egwin of Evesham Abbey.
"The distinctive style of many of its properties - based on a black and white timber frame - sets it apart from many other villages of a similar era and gives it a picture postcard feel." Although only home to a couple of thousand residents, the pretty village has plenty to offer to visitors too.
Read more: The underrated West Country village named 'the country's coolest place to live'
If you fancy a stroll there are several suggested routes on AllTrails, including a 3.5km walk called 'Ombersley Turn Mill'. It's described as a "beautiful circular route that takes you past fish ponds, along the banks of the River Severn and back up beside a stream", with "great views to Ombersley Church".
A longer 9km route also takes in the neighbouring village of Uphampton as well as the Holt Fleet pub. One AllTrails reviewer who had completed the walk wrote in the comments section: "Ombersley is lovely - several pubs and a lovely posh deli and butcher's that serves brunch, lunch and light meals (and lovely cakes)."
The deli they were likely referring to is Checketts Fine Foods, whose menu includes a £13 Ploughman's lunch including a handmade pork pie and scotch egg. The most recent reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor this week: "Lovely find. Beautiful place with very friendly staff. Would highly recommend. Great range of hot & cold drinks, food & homemade cakes. Shop for some lovely, unusual gifts."
If you'd prefer a drink there are several pubs to choose from - The Crown & Sandys, the Cross Keys and the King's Arms are all well-rated. The latter promises a menu of "legendary pub classics with delightfully fresh modern twists".
Last August Ombersley was also named by estate agents at Savills as one of Britain's 54 most desirable villages - and that's reflected in the house prices. According to Zoopla, the average sold price for a property in Ombersley in the last 12 months was £549,504.
Among the properties currently listed for sale is a four-bedroom detached house at £585,000, with the agents describing the village as a 'sought-after' location with "great access to Droitwich, Worcester and the motorway networks". At the lower end of the budget there's also a three-bedroom mobile home for sale at just £150,000. Again, agents highlight its location "on the edge of the sought after village of Ombersley".
How to get there
From Bristol city centre it's about an hour and 10 minutes in the car, traffic permitting. It's straight up the M5 then off at Junction 6 (Worcester North/Kidderminster), then about 10 minutes from there.
If you're in north Bristol the journey is even quicker - people in Patchway, for example, can just about make the journey in an hour. While you're up that way you could also stop off at the historic spa town of Droitwich, if you want to make a day of it.
By public transport it's not quite so straightforward - from Temple Meads you can catch a train to Worcester Foregate Street, then get the number 303 bus towards Kidderminster which stops in Ombersley.
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