Beyond the Big Smoke: The Best Small Towns to Live in England: A Complete Guide
When thinking of relocating to England, one cannot but think of London first. But it's in the smaller towns in England where all the real magic lies. The slow pace of living, the tight-knit communities, historical buildings, and even lower prices than those in bigger cities are just some reasons why smaller towns in England could be perfect for you. If you are a digital nomad, or a young family looking for a quiet place to live, or simply someone enjoying their retirement peacefully, here's your guide to the best small towns in England.
Why Choose a Small Town Over a City?
There are many reasons why life in such towns is attractive. First, there is no constant noise and hustle-bustle found in cities. Second, the cost of real estate is more reasonable. Third, the picturesque scenery of rolling hills, rivers, and forests surrounds your home. However, it should be noted that there is always an issue of connectivity. While life in such towns is calm, you might still have to make journeys to foreign countries or conduct business meetings. If you reside in Hertfordshire, for example, you would want a good Luton Airport taxi from Hemel Hempstead. In this way, despite being in a tranquil town, you will be able to travel to one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom within 30 minutes.
Criteria for the "Best" Towns
For this list, the following criteria have been considered: natural beauty, community spirit, availability of facilities like schools, shops, and pubs, and connectivity with important destinations including London, Birmingham, and airports. Here is the list of towns that rank high in lifestyle surveys conducted among their respective inhabitants.
1. Lewes, East Sussex – The Artistic Haven
Nestled between the South Downs and the River Ouse, Lewes is a jewel of British heritage. While many towns exist as outdoor museums, Lewes is a lively town with life still thriving. Its winding streets, known as "twittens", conceal independent bookstores, antiques shops, and even a castle dating back to 1069.
Why should you consider moving to Lewes? For starters, there is no question about its great schools. Its citizens are fiercely loyal to preserving the identity of the town and you will find few chain shops here. With a direct train into London Victoria (only an hour's journey), it makes Lewes ideal for those looking for remote working jobs.
2. Bruton, Somerset – The Foodie Gem
Fifteen years back, Bruton was a sleeping market town. Today, Bruton has become an artistic rural hub. With the opening of the Hauser & Wirth art gallery, Bruton has witnessed a change in its fortunes, with the opening of the prestigious farm-to-table Roth Bar restaurant. Bruton draws many chefs, artists, and artisans who have refurbished some old properties to make them chic shops.
Why Live Here?
Despite being a glamorous place, Bruton has maintained its humble character. Its lush countryside provides ample opportunities for walking and cycling. Although quiet, community activities such as the Bruton Art Society bring a lot of action. The prices of houses have increased, but they provide more space than a London apartment.
3. Stamford, Lincolnshire – The Timeless Beauty
Called by many “the best stoned town in England,” Stamford is a conservation area turned into reality. Constructed using golden limestone, the central area of Stamford has remained unchanged since the 17th century. This place was chosen to film BBC’s Pride and Prejudice.
Why should you move there? Stamford boasts a bustling high street where markets operate each Friday. This place has more than 100 listed structures, but it doesn’t mean that Stamford lives in the past—it has good gastropubs, a movie theatre, and great education system. With the A1 road at hand, you can easily get around, heading either north or south. The travel time from London King’s Cross Station is just 50 minutes.
4. St Ives, Cornwall – The Coastal Dream
St Ives cannot be beaten when it comes to people valuing views of the ocean more than living space. With its crystal-clear water, Porthmeor Beach, and Tate St Ives gallery, the former fishing village attracts surfers, walkers, and artists alike. The climate of Cornwall allows palm trees to thrive in this area.
So why would anyone choose to live there? Simply put, the way of life is incomparable—swimming in the morning, strolling on the coast path, and eating fresh pasties. Of course, there are also negative aspects that cannot be overlooked—the area's popularity among tourists and its remoteness. Nevertheless, for remote workers or pensioners, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
5. Rye, East Sussex – The Hilltop Treasure
Rye is a medieval gem that sits atop a hill above the Romney Marshes. The Mermaid Street that runs through the town, the timber-framed buildings, and the tower of the church are tourist attractions, although residents will tell you of its more down-to-earth charm.
What’s so good about living there? For starters, Rye boasts an excellent primary school, a cultural scene at the Rye Creative Centre, and some great restaurants. In addition, it is a paradise for people who collect antiques. What’s more, transport could not be easier. There is a train service straight to St Pancras that takes an hour and twenty-five minutes.
Connectivity – A Key Factor for Small Town Living
One of the most common worries that people have while relocating from a city is transport. In England, even the smallest towns are well-connected via trains and roads. For instance, in the case of Berkhamsted (a town close to the Chilterns), there are regular train services from here to London Euston Station. Likewise, many towns in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire enjoy good air connections due to their closeness to large airports. In fact, if you are staying in a town such as Tring or Harpenden, you may require a pre-booked taxi service from Taxi Hemel Hempstead to Luton Airport if you are catching a flight.
6. Bakewell, Derbyshire – The Peak District Jewel
The only town situated in the Peak District National Park, Bakewell is known for one thing - the Bakewell Pudding, not tart! Apart from the pudding, there are amazing walking trails by the River Wye, regular farmer’s market, and also a majestic Chatsworth House located close to the town.
What makes this town worth living in? For starters, rock climbers and hikers have access to Stanage Edge and Kinder Scout, respectively. There are plenty of activities taking place such as fell running and brass bands that keep life bustling in Bakewell. This town is quiet during winter, which some residents enjoy. Lack of rail transport is made up for with buses to Sheffield and Manchester.
7. Sherborne, Dorset – The Two-Castle Town
What makes Sherborne different from other places in the country is that Sherborne has two castles: one of them being a castle in ruins dating back to the 12th century and another being a Tudor house dating back to the 16th century. Furthermore, Sherborne School is one of the oldest educational establishments in England.
Why choose Sherborne? First, the high street of this picturesque town offers some really beautiful shops selling various items. There are delicatessens, flower shops, tailors, and so forth. The housing market features some splendid houses from various time periods. For families living in Sherborne, an important reason is the mixture of state and private schools in this area.
Honorable Mentions
Knutsford, Cheshire: Entrance to the Tatton estate; well-known for having Georgian architecture and famous residents.
Wells, Somerset: The smallest city in England (frequently confused as a town); renowned for its cathedral and Vicar’s Close.
Marlborough, Wiltshire: Has one of the widest high streets in England and features a lively Saturday market.
Final Thoughts: Making the Move
Small towns provide options based on their suitability with respect to one's preferences. For example, if one prefers sea air, then they should opt for St Ives; rural opulence and cuisine is offered by Bruton; good schools and a link to London via rail are provided by Lewes and Stamford. These are all small towns that provide a sense of community that is hard to achieve in the big city.
It is advisable to conduct an assessment tour to a town before relocating there to experience daily life. One needs to engage the locals in conversation at the local pubs and evaluate the availability and efficiency of internet connectivity as well as timing travel to the nearest airport or rail station.
