Backwell is an excellent base for visiting the local cities of Bath, Bristol, and Wells, for walking in the nearby Mendip and Quantock hills. Local Landmarks include Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury Tor, Chew Valley lakes, Tyntesfield Court and the coastline off the Bristol Channel. Further afield, Backwell is well positioned to visit South Wales, the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean and the Black mountains to the west, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds to the north, Longleat, Salisbury and Stonehenge to the east, and Exmoor and the Devon coast to the south.

Backwell was South West village of the year in 1997 and offers an excellent range of local amenities that includes a Bakery, Chemist, Post Office, Spar, Off Licence and Newsagents. There are three public houses all offering food, the New Inn specialising in seafood. There is a traditional fish and chip shop in the village and local Chinese and Indian take-aways. Backwell also has a Public swimming pool and squash courts as well as a large park and children’s play areas. A dentist, doctor’s surgery and three churches can also be found within this well-equipped and friendly village.