Village just up the M5 from Bristol is 'one of Britain's most beautiful' (2025)

Estate agents also describe the village as a 'sought-after' place to live

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A beautiful village just an hour up the M5 from Bristol has been recommended by walkers for its well-rated pubs and a "posh" deli.

Ombersley in Worcestershire is known for its black and white timbered buildings, which make you feel like you are stepping back in time.

Just a couple of years ago 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.

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. A TripAdvisor reviewer said: "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".

Ombersley has previously been 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 RightMove, the average sold price for a property in Ombersley in the last 12 months was £507,036.

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.

This article was first published in March 2023 and was republished in April 2025.