Can I find the Holy Grail near Bristol?

[Buffythechillislayer]

I'm originally from Cardiff but have lived in Hertfordshire for years. Lockdown has made me realise that I don't want to be so far from my family, especially as my sister is just about to have a baby.
I'd love to move to Cardiff but my husband wants to stay in England so we've decided to look no more than 40 mins max from the Prince of Wales bridge.
But I don't even know where to start!
We have 2 boys - so good primary and secondary schools are important, as are amenities for the boys - cinema, swimming, parks etc.
My husband will still need to commute to London once a week.
We love country walks with nice pubs and I love a pretty town centre with independent shops I can mooch around.
I run a travel business from home so good networking opportunities, local co-op spaces and nice coffee shops are also on my list, as is being no more than an hour from a beach!
I'm not asking for much
We have approx £400k for an attractive 3/4 bed with not much needing to be done to it.
All suggestions welcome.
Thanks x

Does it have to be in England?! What about looking around Chepstow/Monmouth/Magor?

Thornbury?

Thornbury was going to be my next suggestion actually!

Bath?

I was going to suggest Chepstow or Monmouth too. Your DH could easily train it in from the Severn Tunnel Junction.

Clevedon? Not sure on facilities but it's a nice place and about an hour to Cardiff.

Thornbury

@FranklyDearIDontRiverdance

Does it have to be in England?! What about looking around Chepstow/Monmouth/Magor?

My husband only agreed if we stayed in England. He always does this little groan when we cross the bridge, as if the natives will eat us or something

I'm in Bristol.

I was going to suggest Clevedon.

Not sure that the OP's budget would get a 3/4 bedroom house in Clevedon.

Portishead, Frome

Just to add, Clevedon is popular with retired people, but also has a young family vibe. It has an active sailing scene, interesting rocky beaches, an arty feel on the high street (the high street doubles up for the high street in Broadchurch).

It has a decent Secondary School (Sorry I don't know about Primary). Houses can be pricey though.

Oh yes, forgot about Portishead! (How could I?). I have lots of friends there. Great place.

Portishead is also near the motorway.

Thornbury is lovely. Wotton-under-Edge. Chipping Sodbury.

@baffledbyworksheets

Bath?

Would we be able to afford Bath? I'd love to live there but not sure we could.

Bath property prices are stupid money I doubt the budget would stretch. I’d love to live there but short of winning lotto it’s a pipe dream

@Timetospare

Thornbury?

I've looked at Thornbury. It does look nice and is certainly affordable for us. I was a bit put off by the lack of train to Bristol. I think my husband would prefer to leave the car at home and train it to London.

@Milicentbystander72

Just to add, Clevedon is popular with retired people, but also has a young family vibe. It has an active sailing scene, interesting rocky beaches, an arty feel on the high street (the high street doubles up for the high street in Broadchurch).

It has a decent Secondary School (Sorry I don't know about Primary). Houses can be pricey though.

Never actually seen Broadchurch but will look later!

I stand corrected op, a quick search on rightmove show some terraced, semi-detached and the odd detached property within budget.

@Milicentbystander72

Oh yes, forgot about Portishead! (How could I?). I have lots of friends there. Great place.

Thanks for all these suggestions. Will look at Portishead as well.

@Idontkowmyname

I stand corrected op, a quick search on rightmove show some terraced, semi-detached and the odd detached property within budget.

Interesting thanks. I hadn't even looked as presumed it would be completely out of our reach.

I think Frome would be a good bet.

Frome is indeed lovely. However you're getting further away from the bridge.

The reason I was suggesting Clevedon and Portishead area is that it's nearer to get into Wales.

From Frome to Cardiff is approx 1 hour and 40 mins. However Portishead to Cardiff is 48 mins.

Just suggestions though as always.

Bradford on Avon?

Frome does have a train service though.

Now that I think about it, Portishead is tricky as there is only one road in and out. Hopefully there will some form of public transport (train, tram) in the not too distant future, but discussions about this have going on forever...

What about Stroud? Never been, but it always seems to get good write-ups on here.