England is undeniably one of the most attractive countries to live in, in terms of old world charm and historical significance. And while bigger cities such as London, Birmingham and Liverpool regularly take the credit, considering the wealth of culture that courses through these iconic urban enclaves, the country also boasts a plethora of charming smaller towns, each with its own unique selling point. Places such as Windsor and Altrincham more than hold their own when it comes to alternative places to live in England, thanks to things such as location, amenities and quality of life. Read on to unearth the best small towns to live in in the UK.
Windsor
If it’s good enough for the Royal family, it’s probably good enough for most other people. Royal Windsor, to use its full and proper title, remains one of the homes of the British Royal family to this day and is centred around the stunningly majestic Windsor Castle (which was built by William the Conqueror). Sitting on the banks of the River Thames, the town is about 20 miles west of London and enjoys proximity to Heathrow Airport.
Living in this ancient Berkshire town brings a measure of social profile, owing to the Royal connections, but it is also a beautiful and wonderfully functional town to live in, for many reasons. Transport links are excellent – the capital city is a short drive or train journey away – and the M4 corridor functions as a gateway to the rest of the west of England and on into Wales. Windsor boasts highly-rated schools, sophisticated nightlife, riverside restaurants, and excellent shopping.
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Lichfield
Conveniently located in the Midlands county of Staffordshire, Lichfield is a proud cathedral city with stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The town sits just north of Birmingham – so city life is not far away – but it is also surrounded by peaceful rural areas, with miles of open countryside to explore. In short, the best of both worlds is on offer in Lichfield.
Aside from its historic feel and strong community, families choose to live in the town because of its excellent schools – such as Streethay Primary – while professionals are drawn in by excellent commuting options. The M6 toll road is close by, and access to the rest of the country is superb.
Many people choose to live in or near the city centre, with shops, restaurants, and cultural highlights on the doorstep – in addition to an enticing array of historic homes. Boley Park boasts modern family homes and vibrant local amenities, so is a highly popular residential area. The Friary is close to the town and is in demand because of its beautiful period properties.
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Altrincham
Just south of Manchester, Altrincham is one of the most desirable places to live in north-west England – in fact, property prices here are some of the most expensive outside London and the south-east, such is its appeal.
Families are drawn here for a myriad of reasons: leafy residential roads, imposing properties of modern and period appeal, a thriving town centre with a busy independent food and makers market, and a host of outstanding primary and secondary schools. Public transport links are excellent: Altrincham is connected to the railway network and Manchester’s Metrolink tram system. Commuters are also perfectly positioned thanks to the area’s proximity to the M56 motorway, which links Manchester and Liverpool. From there, the M6 has routes south towards London and north towards Scotland.
This charming town is also home to Premier League football players thanks to its ideal location close to the sporting hotbeds of Liverpool and Manchester, making it one of the best small towns to live in in the UK.
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Epping
Surrounded by countryside and blessed with natural beauty, yet only 20 miles from central London, Epping’s location is one of its biggest selling points. This market town is so close to England’s capital city that it has its own stop on the underground rail network, but the feeling here is distinctly different – peaceful, pleasant, and removed from the chaos.
It’s proudly and defiantly ‘Essex’, with a strong sense of community: both a historic, proudly English town, but with a sophisticated modern twist that hints at cosmopolitan proximity. Beyond the captivating high street, replete with the biggest high street brands and independent cafes, the area boasts all the facilities and amenities you would expect. Schools in the area are hugely in demand, and for good reason: the area is home to some of the best in England. Woodland space also provides a big pull: High Beach gives access to the bucolic 6,000-acre Epping Forest, which is hugely popular with dog walkers, runners, and cyclists.
In nearby Chingford, there is the historic Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, which draws in tourists and creates a buzz of its own. Highly prized, Epping properties include spacious family homes, Victorian terraces, and modern apartments.
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Bamburgh
Driving into this small coastal village in the far north-east of England, residents and visitors alike can marvel at the breath-taking scenery on offer. Centuries-old Bamburgh Castle sits majestically on the horizon, jutting out of a colossal rock next to the North Sea; an undeniably beautiful sight.
Despite its relative remoteness, the quality of life here is unquestionably high for its lucky residents. They cherish many elements of the town: the fresh air, the sense of space, a tight-knit community, stunning beaches, and excellent restaurants. There are good schools in the wider area beyond the village, especially in the nearby historic towns of Alnwick and Berwick (which sits right next to the border with Scotland). Bamburgh is also just an hour’s drive from both Edinburgh and Newcastle, two great northern conurbations full of history and culture. The old ‘Great North Road’ from London to Scotland – now the A1 – is just a few miles from Bamburgh, and runs through the length of Northumberland.
For leisure, there is a golf club and various local societies and events to get involved with. Tourists flock to Bamburgh Castle in summer, while residents – who need no convincing that their home is one of the best small towns to live in in the UK – have the benefit of it all year round.
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Banbury
On the edge of the glorious Cotswolds, Banbury has a bit of everything: big enough to be vibrant and atmospheric, but cosy enough to feel like you’re living in a large village. This historic market town in the north of Oxfordshire is surrounded by rural countryside, but major urban centres aren’t too far away, with the Midlands to the north and London to the south.
In the town itself, which is home to the charming River Cherwell, there is a thriving shopping and commercial centre, which is long established but still evolving. Banbury train station offers quick connections to the famous university city of Oxford, just 30 miles away, while London (Marylebone station) is just one hour away by train. Families have been drawn to Banbury for a long time thanks to its many outstanding primary and secondary schools.
The UK is famed for its historic culture. Small towns give us evidence that contentment and stimulation can be enjoyed where history meets modernity, and when personality meets practicality. Other places that fit this bill include Bakewell (Derbyshire), Margate (Kent), Keswick (Cumbria), Ludlow (Shropshire), and Dorchester (Dorset). However, there are hundreds of other towns and villages which all boast their own unique charm. Just as humans come in all shapes and sizes, so do wonderful places to live in the UK’s countryside.
