Flax Bourton Parish Council

The Village

Flax Bourton is a small North Somerset village surrounded by farmland and semi-ancient woodlands. It lies about four miles south west of Bristol city boundary - and only six miles from the city centre. This combination of rural charm and convenient access to urban facilities makes Flax Bourton a highly desirable location.

Today the village has around 380 houses ranging from listed manor houses and quaint cottages, to modern town houses and octagonal architect-designed dwellings. The main focal point of the village is St Michael and All Angels Church on the main road, and tucked away down Station Road is Flax Bourton Church of England primary school. On the main road as you enter the village from Bristol is the Dew Drop Inn.

Surrounding Flax Bourton are some beautiful walks through Bourton Combe woodland and across farmland. Much of the land surrounding Flax Bourton used to belong to Lord Wraxall, who died in 2002. After much speculation, his spectacular Victorian Gothic-Revival estate was bought by the National Trust with the largest ever grant awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Parts of Tyntesfield are visible from the farmland adjoining Flax Bourton towards Wraxall.

Despite its beauty and charm, the village does face some disadvantages from its proximity to a major city. The A370 road to Weston-super-Mare cuts along the southern fringe of the village, and brings with it heavy traffic. In 1967, the first Briton ever to be breathalysed was pulled over on the road in the village, and local people have continued to be concerned about road safety ever since. In 1971 Somerset County Council proposed raising the speed limit through Flax Bourton to 40mph, but 100 electors objected and the 30mph limit stayed. Stancombe Quarry lies close to the village behind Bourton Combe, which also creates its own noise and traffic.

The overriding impression of Flax Bourton is a village that enjoys its green valley environment; maintaining enough distance from the city to feel rural, yet close enough to enjoy the amenities that Bristol has to offer. The best of both worlds.