Living Just Outside London
While the exciting pace of London is ever so appealing, the city is surrounded by picturesque and readily accessible commuter towns, allowing a chance to slow down. These tranquil towns just outside the city – some historic and quaint, others modern and purpose-built – offer a welcome respite. They come with impressive accessibility, with some less than 30 minutes by train from the centre of London and others well-connected by smooth roads. These refreshing and homely hamlets offer access to excellent schools and thriving communities, well-stocked markets, slow living spaces where you can afford reflective country walks and a relaxed village feel. Here are some of the best commuter towns close to London.
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
This Georgian village is a mere 38 kilometres from the city, or a quick 23-minute commute to London Marylebone. With the best of both worlds, the otherwise historic market town offers modern living options in newer developments near the railway station. Dating back to 1185, the village was home to Enid Blyton and is tucked away at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, enveloped by fair grounds ideal for country walks during sunny weekends. The “golden triangle”, made up of a series of lovely leafy streets south-west of the railway station, contains the most attractive places to buy or rent property in the village. Replete with fantastic schools, Beaconsfield runs a selective, skill-based admission system wherein children are tested around the age of 10 or 11 to gain entry into grammar and upper schools in the area. The effectiveness of its education system reflects why the village is home to the National Film and Television School and one of the best girls' schools in the country – Wycombe Abbey, which has produced notable alumni like Clarissa Ward.
St Albans, Hertfordshire
Once a Roman stronghold called Verulamium, St Albans is a cathedral city located 32 kilometres northwest of Central London. Part of the London commuter belt, this town boasts excellent transport links to the city, with frequent commuters taking a quick 21-minute train to London St Pancras International. For those who value their daily dose of greenery, they can drive through picturesque villages to the Wheathampstead and Ayot Greenways stations. Properties in St Albans are a mix of impressive Georgian houses and quaint medieval cottages, ideal for those seeking a traditional village lifestyle. Sought-after areas to buy in town are Marshalswick and Clarence Park – both of which are close to the train station. Adding to the cultural and natural landscape are the Verulamium Museum and park running alongside River Ver, Clarence Park and a city market that dates back to the 9th century. St Albans is also well-served with excellent schools – both state and private, including St Albans High School for Girls.
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
Resting on the south bank of the River Thames, around 24 kilometres southwest of central London, Walton-on-Thames has a fascinating history dating back to the Roman era, with a number of historic landmarks and attractions, including St Mary’s Parish Church, still retaining some Saxon architectural material. In addition, the Wellington Pub continues to serve as a memorial for New Zealand soldiers who were hospitalised in the village during World War I. Well connected with London Waterloo station and with only a 22-minute commute into the city, the town centre houses many shops, restaurants, cafes and The Heart – a retail and residential complex. Walton-on-Thames softens the landscape of the development with green spaces like the Walton Health and Oatlands Park, Thorpe Park and Bushy Park. Residents and visitors also typically enjoy the Brooklands Museum, and the annual food and Christmas festivals – strengthening the community spirit while benefiting it.
Windsor, Berkshire
Home to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and residence to the British Royal Family, Windsor is a meagre 22-minute rail ride to London Paddington. The town is situated west of the city on the River Thames and opposite Eton. It was first settled by William the Conqueror and has been the site for many important royal negotiations over the years. Sports and leisure amenities are provided in archery, hockey and running at Home Park, along with other natural spaces including the Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water Lake. You’ll find the most coveted homes between Frances Road and Kings Road and on St Leonard’s Hill – which is a private road south of the town centre. With some of the best academic opportunities in the country, Windsor has OFSTED-rated schools, many private educational institutions including St George’s and Upton House, and wider schools like Papplewick, Heathfield and St. Mary’s in Ascot, St John’s Beaumont in Old Windsor and Eton College – known the world over for producing many of Britain’s Prime Ministers and other high-level politicians.
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Founded back in the 1920s by Sir Ebenezer Howard, Welwyn Garden City is regarded as the second garden city in the United Kingdom. It’s located approximately 32 kilometres north of London, making for a commute of 30 minutes from the town to Kings Cross Station. The name Welwyn comes from “welig” meaning “willow” in Old English, alluding to the willow trees running alongside River Mimram. As a custom-planned urban development in the countryside, it boasts an array of amenities, fantastic local and transportation infrastructure, and abundant communal spaces outdoors. Welwyn is built to encircle a central park which is surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants – offering many places to unwind. The houses here are neo-Georgian in style and rest on wide, quiet, tree-lined streets. Popular attractions include the iconic Parkway fountain, Stanborough Park, Better Gosling Sports Park, Campus West and a multitude of art galleries.
The English countryside’s serene, slow landscapes are known to have inspired one too many poets, artists and filmmakers. These towns now offer the perfect opportunities to relocate or simply escape to the countryside to enjoy, while remaining conveniently close to London.