Whereas many envision London whenever the subject of England is brought up, the hustle and bustle, the history, and the international prospects can indeed be tempting. Yet, there is a growing trend of moving outside the M25 due to the high cost of living, the ever-present sound pollution, and the packed Tube trains. Be it a young professional searching for more value or a parent who wants their children to grow amid nature, England has an abundance of magnificent locations that can accommodate any lifestyle. Starting from the old-world ambiance of the cathedral cities and ending with the beach culture of the South West, these are the top English cities that aren’t London.
Access to travel abroad remains one important factor in deciding on which areas to relocate from London. Though you may be relocating from a Zone 1 flat to some rural area, accessibility to the outside world should not suffer. As an example, relocating to Surrey or North Home Counties is advantageous due to its good links. If you have a red eye flight schedule, then a Heathrow Airport Taxi is sure to help you get through with ease and convenience despite being out of town.
For those who seek metropolitan energy but not the London premium, no city matches Manchester. A former powerhouse in the manufacturing industry, Manchester has transformed into a center for technology, media, and football. Neighborhoods such as the Northern Quarter are ideal for creative professionals, whereas Didsbury and Chorlton provide lush suburban areas with excellent schools. Living costs in Manchester are around 40% cheaper than in London. However, one can still enjoy gourmet cuisine, music events, and the renowned Manchester International Festival. Travellers will benefit from the convenient Manchester Airport, which links to more than 200 cities worldwide.
Bristol, which is located in the South West, is a lively city with an attitude of its own. It is known for being home to the work of Banksy, a street artist, as well as an eco-food scene and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. It is attractive to young families and entrepreneurs because living by the harbourside provides access to views of the river without the high cost of living on the Thames.
Those who prioritize peace over partying will find residing in the Lake District National Park heaven on earth. The charming market town of Kendal, which goes by the name “Gateway to the Lakes,” boasts an exciting atmosphere, stone-built properties, and independent bookstores. The place is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking and cycling enthusiasts as well as those interested in raising their kids under the open skies. Although the area lacks employment opportunities, its viability for remote working has proven beneficial.
Brighton lies only an hour away from London by rail, yet it seems worlds apart. Known for its Royal Pavilion, its pebbled beaches, and its highly tolerant LGBTQ+ population, it provides a lively arts scene and a great culinary landscape. Its neighboring city, Hove, boasts regency-era architecture and beachside residences. Perfect for those who have not entirely cut ties with their professional life in London, yet wish to be away from the noise, it has everything to offer.
Oxford is much more than simply a town that houses a university. It is an amazing little town with fantastic buildings, incredible museums (many of which are free) as well as thriving life sciences industries. Surrounding villages such as Summertown and Jericho are very sought-after. Even though Oxford is pricey when compared to the North, it is home to a wonderful combination of academic discipline as well as pastoral scenery. The downside will be the heavy traffic, although the local transport network is superb as well as easy. What’s more, if you have work to do in the North or a holiday on a tight budget, then your best bet is to get a Taxi to Luton Airport from Oxford in advance.
York can be considered the most beautiful city in all of England. The city is surrounded by walls from the Roman period and boasts some of the most magnificent buildings such as the York Minster cathedral, the ancient streets of the Shambles, and the National Railway Museum. In contrast to the hurried life in London, York is a place where one can take time to enjoy the surroundings. It is ideal for the retired and history lovers, but equally good for those with children, as there are excellent primary schools in the vicinity.
Also read: It Cost Per Day to Travel Within Central London, UK
To experience classic “chocolate box” England, go to the Cotswolds. The town of Chipping Campden is built out of local honey-colored limestone. This is perfect for those who love their sense of community, scenic footpaths, and cozy English country pubs with blazing fires. It is expensive, but there is no price that can buy such a lifestyle in London. While a car will be required, the views will make it worthwhile.
Leeds tends to be overlooked, but it is among the fastest growing cities out of London. Leeds’ city center is small and pedestrian-friendly, with its Victoria Quarter boasting luxury boutiques. Roundhay and Horsforth are great suburbs for families. Leeds boasts an enormous student population, meaning its nightlife remains vibrant and its rental market active. Leeds is ideal for financial workers, lawyers, or digital marketers who want to earn near London rates while paying half the rent.
Winchester, which is located in Hampshire, often tops the list of places where people would like to live in the UK. It is a tiny town but boasts of attractions such as Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall, and the Water Meadows. What’s great about it? There’s a non-stop train to London Waterloo that only takes 57 minutes. It is ideal for hybrid employees who have to be at their desks two days a week. But, Winchester doesn’t come cheap – it is expensive but safe, clean, and offers excellent schools.
Last but not least, Newcastle has got the best price-quality ratio among English cities. It is equipped with the famous Tyne Bridge, the historic quay, and the city center that is the closest to the international airport in Newcastle. Geordie people are renowned for their kindness. You may even rent an apartment in Newcastle City Center for the same price you have to pay for a dormitory bed in London Zone 3. The Northumberland Coast is a 20-minute drive from Newcastle.
The best choice will vary according to your preferences. In case you require high pay and culture, then select either Manchester or Leeds. In the case where you seek schooling and security, then either Winchester or York will be suitable for you. For a complete lifestyle shift with views of the sea, then either Brighton or Bristol will fit the bill. The best thing about towns in England apart from London is that there is no need to trade greenery for one’s career anymore. By utilizing the railway system and regional air travel, supplemented by the odd taxi ride into places such as Heathrow or Luton, one can strike a balance between affordability and global reach.
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