For many, London is a city of energy, opportunity, and culture. It’s a place where careers are made, lifelong friendships are formed, and memories are created against a backdrop of famous landmarks, international significance and buzzing streets that only a select handful of global cities can rival. However, like all good things, it may feel like it is time for this to end when the pace of the capital no longer suits everyone. And England offers a plethora of incredible places to call home that are just waiting to be considered.
Whether it's the desire for a quieter life, more living space, a deeper connection to nature, or simply a fresh start, there are a variety of reasons people choose to pack up and seek out something different:
Room to Breathe? A Greener Outlook? Or Simply Time for a Change
Perhaps the most common reason for looking beyond the boundaries of the M25 is the desire for more space. Outside of London, you're more likely to find homes with generous living areas, gardens, and even the occasional orchard or paddock. For families, having more room to grow, both physically and emotionally, can be life-changing.
City life often lacks the lush greenery and slower pace found in rural or semi-rural areas. Moving to the countryside – or even a town surrounded by greenbelt – means access to walks, woodlands, and wildlife. The difference in air quality, soundscape and views can be transformative.
If it feels like it’s time to turn over a new leaf – or for those entering retirement – London’s noise may no longer hold the appeal it once did. Swapping an intense career in the City for country strolls or garden BBQs may be the change that you need and relocating out of the capital can offer that life overnight. With hybrid and remote working now the new norm, the best of both worlds may well also be possible.
Where to move to
Whilst moving out of London may be the start of a new life, it doesn’t need to be a final ‘goodbye’ to the capital. With easy connections back to the big city, our selection of places to consider means it is never too far away.
Bath, Somerset
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage city that buzzes with life. With its prestige Georgian terraces, Roman baths and independent, upmarket shops, Bath strikes a perfect balance between history and modern comfort. Its cultural scene remains vibrant, and you’re never too far from countryside walks in the Cotswolds or along the Kennet and Avon Canal. It’s a haven for those who appreciate refined beauty and a slower, more civilised pace of life.
Winchester, Hampshire
Often ranked among the best places to live in the UK, Winchester offers the community feel of a market town with the cultural richness of a cathedral city. Surrounded by rolling Hampshire hills and steeped in Anglo-Saxon history, it’s a great place for families to settle down and retirees to think about that next stage of life. The schools are well-regarded, the high street is thriving, and outdoor lovers will enjoy the nearby coast and walks through the South Downs National Park.
Lewes, East Sussex
A short train ride from that go-to London migration spot, Brighton, but with a feel all its own, Lewes is known for its independent spirit, historic character, and artistic leanings. Set against the backdrop of the South Downs, it’s great for walkers, nature-lovers, and creatives alike. The town is full of quirky shops, cafes, and galleries, and has a strong sense of community. It’s a place where things happen at a gentler pace and still within easy reach of the capital, should you feel that pang of homesickness.
York, North Yorkshire
Further afield than others on the list, like its Roman cousin Bath, York offers a rare blend of historical richness and contemporary, affluent living. With its Roman walls, mediaeval streets, and thriving cafe culture, it’s an ideal destination for those who want a little bit of everything: culture, community, and countryside. Whilst it’s a good 200 miles away from London, direct trains keep the capital an accessible destination to visit and the booming city of Leeds is only 30 minutes away if you need a closer urban fix. You’re also only a short drive from the stunning Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, and the city itself boasts a strong university, excellent schools, and a dynamic arts scene.
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Manchester has long been a popular choice for Londoners wanting to leave the capital, whilst not quite waving goodbye to city living. With major employers such as Unilever, Siemens and AstraZeneca, all with large footprints in the area and with a flourishing TV, film and music industry thanks to the BBC and ITV’s northern base, it has strong employment options for those looking to relocate.
But, a move to Manchester doesn’t necessarily mean swapping like-for-like. Leafy suburbs, surrounding countryside and quaint towns and villages mean you can still achieve some of those objectives for moving away from London, just with a growing city on your doorstep.
Moving out of London isn’t about escaping the capital – it’s about choosing a lifestyle that better suits your current stage of life. Whether you're drawn to the countryside for peace, to a historic city for inspiration, or to a market town for community, there are no shortage of places that offer more space, more green, and more breathing room for whatever your future holds. After all, moving out of London isn’t the end of the adventure. It’s the beginning of a new one.
