Langley Burrell is a little village, walking distance to Chippenham - train station side. It has a pub and village hall and lovely country walks. Closer to Chippenham centre than any of the big estates - Cepen park, Pewsham.
I have friends in Radstock and it's a bit of a hidden secret really. Old mining town, surrounded by countryside with walks along all the old railway lines. Which are now cycle paths.
It has a bizarre shop which is a branch of Co-op with Co-op supermarket, a post office, travel, agents, electrical shop, gift section and Independent living shop. You can buy your groceries, a wheelchair, a holiday, some slippers and wellies, a dress, garden bench and a washing machine all in the same shop. It makes me laugh everytime we visit them! They have children in a local primary and sceondary school and are very impressed with both. Victoria hall- next to the library, offers high standard dance classes, theatre, workshops, cinema showings, pottery classes, singing, art exhibitions.
Some nice pubs and a nice family itallian restaurant. The Moody goose at The Prior in neighbouring town Midsomer Norton- 5 mins away is amazing for a special night.
No good for trains to Bristol and Bath, but fine for cars and buses.
Bradford on Avon has a station. It is a lovely town, can be touristy on bank holidays and only one road across the river so does bottle neck at peak times.
Nothing wrong with Chippenham. I like countryside, hills and sunsets, so would pick Langley Burrell or Radstock. to be close to Bath and Bristol. Chippenham is so close to the M4 so great for road network.