Guildford in Surrey has been crowned as the best rural destination to relocate to in the UK, thanks to its average property price, highest earning potential for residents, hours of sunlight and number of restaurants.
The research, which was conducted by the team at Compare My Move, ranked over 70 popular rural towns and villages in England and Wales, based on factors including average house price, median salary, hours of sunlight, rainfall, download speed and number of restaurants.
While Surrey took the top spot, the beautiful cathedral city of St. Albans in Hertfordshire came second place — a place famed for its rich history.
The most affordable rural location is the northern market town of Barnard Castle, which has the lowest average house price of £188,327. Meanwhile, Chichester was found to be the city with the most amount of sunlight.
Planning to relocate? Take a look at the full list below...
20 best countryside towns and villages to move to in the UK
- Guildford, Surrey (87.45 score in the study)
- St. Albans, Hertfordshire (86.48)
- Shere, Surrey (85.52)
- Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire (81.43)
- Wallingford, Oxfordshire (77.83)
- Caversham, Berkshire (77.44)
- Leamington Spa, Leamington Spa (76.78)
- Alresford, Hampshire (76.44)
- Aylesford, Kent (75.51)
- Ingatestone, Essex (74.92)
- West Mersea, Essex (74.60)
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (74.13)
- Epping, Essex (74.13)
- Farnham, Surrey (73.79)
- Altrincham, Greater Manchester (72.28)
- Chichester, West Sussex (72.94)
- Deal, Kent (72.07)
- Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire (72.03)
- Sevenoaks, Kent (71.11)
- Uppingham, Rutland (70.18)
"The coronavirus pandemic has seen many people reconsidering their living situation, with a large number of city dwellers ditching urban living and relocating to rural areas for a slower-paced life in the beautiful English countryside," Dave Sayce, Managing Director at Compare My Move, says.
"It's easy to see why people are choosing a quiet life in the country as the UK is home to some of the world's most beautiful rural towns and villages. It's not surprising to see the top rural destinations are near London, with the likes of Guildford and St Albans proving popular places for Londoners to escape to, whilst having the benefit of quick and easy transport links into the city."
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16 beautiful Christmas ornaments to buy for the festive season
Bring the outdoors in with this charming felt deer tree decoration. Sporting a blue scarf, he has a smart jacket and hangs from jute string.
Hung from velvet ribbon, this beautiful glass bell bauble crafted from swirled glass will add an elegant feel to any branch.
This sweet hanging decoration from the Country Living Marketplace is something a little different for your tree.
Every tree needs a personalised touch. This beautiful decoration from Fortnum and Mason is finished with a decorative gold trim and logo hanging ribbon.
Santa Robin Personalised Ceramic Christmas Ornament
A hallmark of winter is the traditional robin redbreast. This ceramic ornament features the bird in a little Santa hat and has space on the back for it to be personalised to commemorate the special occasion.
Place this charming ceramic house on your windowsill for a decorative glow. With space for one tealight, it casts a warm light through its lovely cut-outs.
Bows continue to be one of the biggest interior trends this year, and this one combines the colours that we always associate with Christmas to make it the perfect adornment for a door or mantle.
Nothing says Merry Christmas quite like a string of twinkling lights. Looking for something more unique? Oliver Bonas is here to make your days merry and bright with this unique bell garland, featuring delicate gold-toned bells and 80 warm LED lights.
No Christmas is complete without a nutcracker decoration. Crafted from pinewood, he is a traditional wearing and red and white outfit.
Spruce up your front door with this red berry Christmas wreath. Measuring 50cm and crafted from realistic faux foliage, it is perfect for the festive season.
Pop presents in this gorgeous velvet sack from Nkuku. Available in a rich forest green, a simple light grey and warm mocha brown velvet, it also has a handy drawstring to keep prying little fingers out.
Create a cosy winter feel with this wooden winter scene. Featuring 12 white LED lights, it emits a soft glow that evokes the warmth of a snug holiday home.
As the dark nights and mornings draw in, this enchanting lantern features a wintery rooftop design and is suitable for a traditional tealight, an LED one, or even a string of fairy lights. Place it on a windowsill, mantle or even as part of a festive tablescape to get the most out of it.
After adding one to our own living room last Christmas, this wonderful metal tealight spinner casts a lovely design as it twirls and adds a soft glow of light. It also makes for a great stocking filler or Secret Santa gift.
Shake this snow globe to see the Christmas scene covered in white dusting. It features a village with houses and Christmas trees.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
