Chew Magna buildings reflecting the history of the village. The River Chew flows through the village. Just outside the village is Chew Magna Reservoir: this small Bristol Water supply reservoir intercepts the Winford Brook. There is one primary school, and an adjacent secondary school, several shops and small businesses, three churches, and three pubs serving the area. There is also a football pitch and children's play area. The village frequently wins regional categories in the Calor Village of the Year competition, and is currently moving towards zero waste status, having been described as "probably the greenest parish in Britain". Chew Magna has
Samuel Chew (captain) named in his honor. Samuel Chew (captain) Samuel Chew (1750 – 4 March 1778) was an officer in the Continental Navy. Born in Virginia, Chew, a resident of Connecticut, was appointed by the Marine Committee 17 June 1777 to command the Continental brigantine "Resistance" with which he had much success against British commerce. The brigantine, carrying ten quarter-pounders, fell in with a British Letter-of-Marque (20 guns) on 4 March 1778. In the hand-to-hand struggle which ensued, Captain Chew, fighting gallantly, was killed but his ship managed to break off the battle with its superior opponent and return safely to Boston.