Over many, hundreds of years the United Kingdom has been divided and re-divided into a series of counties. In England, it was during the Anglo-Saxon period that the country was split into “shires” for administrative purposes. These shires were administered by “shire reeves” (sheriffs) and these original divisions were solidified after 1066 by the Normans. The famous Domesday Book, held in the National Archives in Kew, London, charts these county boundaries. Much later on, in the later part of the 19th century, local councils began to formalise counties in the process of modernising governance across the country. Across the United Kingdom, counties have been subject to changing political and social needs, and their development over the years gestures towards the country’s complex and interesting history.
One of the benefits of the county system is that, due to each county’s extensive records, it is now easier than ever to make an informed decision about where in the country you might like to live. For instance, where are the best schools? Where are the best locations for leisure activities? Where are the best jobs, public transit hubs, restaurants, pubs, and community centres? We will cover some of the above in our list below.
Surrey
Located in the southeast of England, Surrey has a reputation for being affluent, conveniently located, and beautiful. The county has some of the best schools in the United Kingdom – largely private schools – and is the ideal place to raise children. It is within a stone’s throw of London and so provides the best of what the city has to offer alongside the peace and stability of the countryside. For those interested in nature, the Surrey Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are many lovely walks to be had in the area. Guildford and Woking are picturesque and vibrant townships, and the county also has an incredibly low crime rate. The housing here is top tier, although it is among some of the most expensive in the country.
Hampshire
Located in the south of England, Hampshire gives you access to both coastline and countryside. Home to the New Forest National Park and the South Downs, Hampshire is the ideal home for lovers of the outdoors. There are many gorgeous walks, particularly in the New Forest, where you can see deer and other wildlife. Cities like Southhampton break up the idyllic rolling countryside and provide all the amenities to make an afternoon at the beach feel like a seaside holiday. There are fantastic transit links to London and other parts of the country and the job market is thriving.
Oxfordshire
Readers will of course know Oxfordshire, located in south central England, for the world-renowned University of Oxford, but there is so much more this lovely county has to offer. Oxfordshire has truly lovely countryside, including the Cotswolds, known for its beautiful rolling green hills, stone houses, and quaint villages. Oxford itself is a beautiful city with strong job offerings in education and the science and technology sectors. Oxfordshire is the ideal home for those looking to immerse themselves in a long, intellectual history and for those who love long, leisurely strolls through undulating hills and delightful villages and market towns.
North Yorkshire
Located in the north of England, North Yorkshire features some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the country. Home to the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Parks, this county is ideal for those who love the outdoors or for those who fancy themselves budding novelists or poets (think Wuthering Heights). York, a historic city, offers a combination of ancient architecture and history with stylish, modern living. For fans of Harry Potter, York is the place to be with its winding streets and mediaeval shop fronts – The Shambles, a mediaeval shopping street, is said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley – and its towering cathedral, and its impressive universities. Housing is relatively affordable still in this area and there are excellent rail links to Leeds and Manchester.
Devon
Located in the southwest of England, Devon truly has it all. With some of the most stunning coastline in the country, Devon is the place, if you picture yourself living in a ramshackle cottage by the sea. Devon has a mild climate (ideal for an outdoorsy lifestyle), rural charm, and very good schools, particularly in and around the city of Exeter. The University of Exeter provides many excellent employment opportunities, and Devon is well-connected by rail to other parts of the country. Property is at the pricier end of things but with such outstanding access to the coast and truly sublime landscapes, you are getting your money’s worth.
Buckinghamshire
Situated in the southeast of England, Buckinghamshire is home to the beautiful Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and some of England’s most picturesque landscapes. The county’s towns, like High Wycombe, Marlow, and Amersham, have many fantastic schools and it is a popular location for families. Towns in Buckinghamshire are very well connected to London via rail and the M40 motorway. The area has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, with many village fêtes and cultural activities on the go. There are outstanding historic sites like Waddeson Manor to visit, and excellent shopping locations. The county also has a very strong economy and there are many job opportunities both in the county itself and in London.
The list above takes you through some counties with the best of everything: nature, villages, housing, schools, and work opportunities. Each county offers unique advantages, meaning you can find a place that suits you and your exact needs. Whether you want to wake up every morning and take a dip in the clear waters of Devon, you enjoy spending your weeks roaming the moors, or you like to nip into town for a lovely cup of coffee and a stroll down a historic street on a Saturday morning, there is something in the list above just for you.
