by velodenz

Desirable places to live in the South East

The South East of England is one of the most sought after locations to live in, encompassing the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, East and West Sussex, as well as the Isle of Wight. Most locations in the region are easily accessible to London, proving popular with families and commuters alike.

From cities such as Brighton and Oxford to smaller towns and villages, the South-East offers a plethora of architectural and rural gems. Housing two National Parks – the South Downs and the New Forest, the region offers stunning scenery combined with a wide range of outdoor activities. Such pursuits include walking, mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding and even zorbing. The region also has a number of notable golf courses for those who like to take things more gently.

Popular places to reside include Arundel, a West Sussex town dominated by its statuesque and romantic castle. The town offers a range of period homes with surrounding areas constructing more affordable new homes Billingshurst, Pulborough and Midhurst are smaller but equally desirable places in West Sussex, with the latter being voted one of the best places to live in the UK in a Country Life Magazine poll. Such towns, despite their historic charm, offer more modern living arrangements for families who simply want to move into a finished home.

The ancient settlement of Winchester in Hampshire, is one of the most commanding cathedral cities in the UK, perhaps only rivalled by its West Sussex neighbour Chichester. With King Arthur’s round table residing in the cathedral, Winchester boasts a variety of historic charms, combined with modern restaurants, gastropubs and an eclectic high street. With house prices some of the highest outside London, you’ll need deep pockets – so look to surrounding villages for slightly more reasonable prices. Bishops Waltham, Alresford and Stockbridge are popular and picturesque locations near to the eponymous city.

Looking to the coast, Portsmouth and Southampton are cities with a strong maritime ethos, that, in recent years have moved to a more cultural theme. With attractions such as the Spinnaker Tower, West Quay Shopping Centre and Gunwharf Quays, the cities are popular as shopping meccas. Both cities have good transport links, with direct trains to London taking just shy of 2 hours. Close to Southampton is the beauty that is the New Forest, housing ancient forests, semi-wild ponies and coastal delights. This location is ideal for those who want to live near the sea, but away from the hustle and bustle of the urban south coast.

Home to Inspector Morse and one of the UK’s foremost Universities, Oxford is a cultural paradise. Housing a variety of theatres, cafés and live music venues, the city and its surrounding countryside is heaven for those who want a more classy experience of city life. The River Thames runs through the city, offering romantic cruises and an ecological paradise. The city offers a slice of luxury outside of exclusive London boroughs and doesn’t fail to disappoint on the entertainment front either.

Whilst not all the South-East’s plentiful locations have been discussed, the above give an idea of the gems that the region offers. Despite its exclusive reputation, the area is a friendly one, with diverse cultures and different landscapes offering something for everyone.

Mountain Biking at Kent Lake, Marin County, California.