Variety is the spice of life, so they say, and Britain is blessed in this regard: an immeasurable array of places to live that offer differing, contrasting, and deeply appealing options. The buzz of big cities like London, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester is undeniable – but there is so much life beyond them. In fact, many small towns in the UK can offer a richer, more charismatic charm, and better reveal the true heart and soul of this historic country.
WINDSOR
If it’s good enough for the Royal family, maybe it’s good enough for you. Yes - Royal Windsor, to use its official title, is one of the homes of the British Royal family to this day and is centredbuilt around the stunningly majestic Windsor Castle (which was built by William The Conqueror) and sits on the banks of the River Thames, about 20 miles west of London. Living in this ancient Berkshire town brings a measure of social prCotswoldsofile, owing to the Royal connections, but it is also a beautiful and wonderfully functional town to live in, for manyfor so many reasons. Transport links are excellent – the capital city is a short drive or train journey away – and the M4 motorway is a gateway to the rest of the west of England and on into Wales. Windsor has highly-rated schools, sophisticated nightlife, riverside restaurants, and excellent shopping.
LICHFIELD
Nicely located in the Midlands, in the county of Staffordshire, Lichfield is a proud cathedral city with stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s just north of Birmingham – so city life is not far away – but is also surrounded by peaceful rural areas, with miles upon miles of countryside to explore. In short, you get the best of both worlds. Aside from its historic feel and a strong community, families choose to live in Lichfield because of the excellent schools, 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, and 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.
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 of London and the south-east, such is its appeal. Families are drawn here for myriad reasons: leafy residential roads, imposing properties of modern and period appeal (sometimes both at the same time, where they have been sympathetically developed), a thriving town centre with a packed-to-the-rafters independent food and makers market, and a host of outstanding primary and secondary schools. Public transport links are superb: Altrincham is linked to the railway network and Manchester’s Metrolink tram system. Commuters are also perfectly positioned –- Altrincham is close to the M56 motorway, which links Manchester and Liverpool, and from there the M6 has routes south towards London and north towards Scotland.
EPPING
Surrounded by countryside and blessed with natural beauty, yet only 20 miles from central London – Epping’s location certainly has the ‘wow factor’. 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, 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, groaning with the best high street brands and bijou independent cafes, there are all the facilities and amenities you would expect – and schools in the area and beyond are hugely in demand for good reason. Woodland space is also a massive pull: High Beach gives access to the incredible 6,000-acre Epping Forest, which is hugely popular with dog walkers, runners, and cyclists. In nearby Chingford, there is also the historic Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge – which draws in tourists and creates a buzz of its own. Epping properties include spacious family homes, Victorian terraces, and modern apartments.
BAMBURGH
Drive into this small coastal village in the far north-east of England and prepare to have your breath taken away – centuries-old Bamburgh Castle sits majestically on the horizon, jutting out of a colossal rock next to the North Sea, and it’s an undeniably beautiful sight.
Yes, Bamburgh is relatively remote, but the quality of life here is unquestionably high for its lucky residents. They cherish many elements: 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 towns of historic Alnwick and Berwick (which sits right next to the border with Scotland). Speaking of which, Edinburgh is an hour’s drive away to the north while bustling Newcastle is roughly the same distance to the south – 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 and contribute to. Tourists flock to Bamburgh Castle in summer; local residents have the benefit of it all year round.
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 – the Midlands to the north, London to the south.
In the town itself, which sits on the banks of the pretty 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, while London (Marylebone station) is just one hour away. Families have been drawn to Banbury for a long time: there are many good and outstanding schools in the area, both primary and secondary.
In the UK – world famous for its history and eccentricity – small towns give us evidence that contentment and stimulation can be enjoyed when 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), the list goes on and on. Just as humans come in all shapes and sizes, so do wonderful places to live.
