If you can't get enough beautiful scenery in Bath, you're in luck - there's plenty more to see in the several picturesque villages surrounding the city, and we've put together a handy list for you to tick off during your visit... 

Castle Combe

Known as one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is nestled half an hour way from Bath in the Wiltshire countryside. If you're visiting without a car, try booking on to one of the many day tours from Bath, with operators including Mad Max and Rabbie's, or take a short train journey from Bath Spa station to Chippenham, where you can catch an onward bus to the village.

As well as admiring Castle Combe's infamous Cotswold stone cottages and charming road bridge over the River Bybrook, you can also enjoy high-octane days out at Castle Combe Circuit, and savour quirky takes on British pub classics at The Crown Inn in nearby Tolldown. If you're looking to stay in the area longer, The Crown also offers cosy rooms, or you can treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the lavish Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, voted the best hotel in the UK by readers of Condé Nast Traveller, and based just a 10 minute drive from the village. 

Image: Castle Combe

Lacock

Owned almost entirely by the National Trust, the Wiltshire village of Lacock is an attraction in itself. Harry Potter fans won't want to miss a visit here, with locations across Lacock used heavily in the production of the film series. The 13th-century Lacock Abbey's Chapter House and Warming Room served as Professors Snape and Quirrell's classrooms respectively in the first film, while its cloisters became the corridors of Hogwarts Castle. Outside the Abbey, one of the vilage's private cottages played the role of the Potter family home in the first film, and Lacock as a whole portrayed the village of Budleigh Babberton in the sixth film. 

But it's not all about Harry Potter! Lacock is also known as the former home of Henry Fox Talbot, who invented the photographic negative - head to the Fox Talbot Museum to learn more about his achievements and enjoy a range of temporary photography exhibitions. You can also enjoy great food and drink in the village's two characterful pubs, The Red Lion and Sign of the Angel, or head a few miles east to explore prehistoric stone circles and more at Avebury World Heritage Site. 

For comfortable and convenient bases to explore the area, look no further than the soothing surroundings of Beechfield House, or the gorgeous Bowood Hotel. Lacock is just 30 minutes away from the centre of Bath by car, and 45 minutes by bus and train. Lacock is also included in many of the public and private day tours available from Bath. 

Image: Lacock Abbey

Box

The home of Brunel's infamous railway tunnel, Box is another charming Wiltshire village situated on the outskirts of Bath. Here, you can enjoy dining on sumptous, locally-sourced seasonal food and drink at the Northey Arms and Quarrymans Arms pubs, including some of the best Sunday roast dinners in the area. You'll also find cosy rooms at both, which combine stylish modern design with each building's characterful historic features. 

Box's location makes it ideal for exploring Bath's numerous attractions, as well as the nearby market town of Corsham, where you'll find Corsham Court, a magnificent Elizabethan stately home set in grounds designed by Lancelot Capability Brown. The village is also surrounded by a variety of walking routes offering spectacular views over the nearby countryside, with a hearty meal waiting for you at one of the area's many fabulous pubs when you return! 

Image: Box, credit Edmund Shaw

Freshford

Despite being 15 minutes away from the centre of Bath by car, and 30 minutes by train, the sleepy village of Freshford feels much further away from the bustle of the city. Nestled in the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley, the village enjoys sensational views over the surrounding countryside, and is the ideal starting point for scenic walks along the River Avon towards the neighbouring village of Avoncliff, where you can connect to the fabulous Kennet & Avon Canal Path via the village's spectacular aqueduct. Or, why not make it a historic pub pilgrimage by starting at the 16th-century Inn at Freshford and finishing at Avoncliff's riverside Tudor pub The Cross Guns? 

You'll find plenty more fabulous eateries if you choose to follow the canal path to the larger town of Bradford-on-Avon. Head to Timbrell's Yard Restaurant, where you'll find simple yet delicious fresh food crafted using the finest West Country ingredients, or The Bridge Tea Rooms for a delectable traditional afternoon tea. Timbrell's Yard also offers stylish accommodation in the form of 17 individually-designed rooms. 

Be sure to take a detour to the spectacular Iford Manor, based just a 30 minute walk from Freshford, and featuring breathtaking landscape gardens, as well as an award-winning café. 

Image: Iford Manor Gardens

Chew Magna

Based half an hour's drive to the west of Bath, there's more than meets the eye at Chew Magna. Despite its small size, the pretty village is home to three popular pubs: The Pelican, The Bear & Swan, and The Queens. Stop by the latter and enjoy mouth-watering adaptations of traditional pub classics and light lunches, as well as local craft beers, ciders and more, all in beautifully renovated surroundings. Plus, if you want to stay longer, there are four cosy and luxurious rooms waiting for you upstairs. 

Chew Magna is the perfect hub for exploring the gorgeous North East Somerset countryside, with stunning natural attractions including Chew Valley Lake, Blagdon Lake, and the Mendip Hills lying on its doorstep, as well as a prehistoric stone circle in the neighbouring village of Stanton Drew. Further south, you'll find award-winning attractions Wookey Hole Caves and Cheddar Gorge & Caves, both promising action-packed days out, with show caves, museums, walking trails, and thrilling caving experiences, plus the most authentic Cheddar cheese you'll find anywhere in the world. At Wookey Hole, you'll even find a 4D cinema, vintage penny arcades, and adventure golf!

Image: The Queens Chew Magna

Read more: 

• Where to enjoy a countryside break in Bath
• Four country walks in and around Bath
• Six of the best pub walks near Bath