If I describe my dream location, can you tell me if it exists in the uk?

[bananaramaspyjamas]

For planning my retirement or imaginary other life

So, I'd like to live in a village or small town, with good transport links to a big city. Don't want to have to be too reliant on a car. Some nice scenery, so countryside, but ideally near to the sea or on the coast. Some sense of community and amenities, shops pubs etc.

Any ideas?

Topsham, Devon.

On the Exe estuary, lots of quirky independent shops, bus and train routes to Exeter, ten minutes from Exmouth beach, lovely farm shop nearby and strong sense of community. Lots of historic architecture and traditional pubs.

Only down side is the cost of houses.

Arnside looks so beautiful!

Another one here for the Wirral! It's got absolutely everything you want - beaches, nearby city, great local train lines, countryside, good restaurants etc.

Limekilms

Totnes, Devon?

NE Scotland. Stonehaven maybe.

Maybe somewhere like Dorking or other bits of the South Downs?

Lots of lovely villages in West Lancashire on the Southport to Manchester line. Rail link itself is a bit shit at the moment though.

Another vote for Mumbles. Or Bishopston, a bit further into Gower. Swansea centre is a bit of a dump but it has a theatre, the odd decent restaurant etc (not that you have to go to Swansea for that). It's easy enough to get to Cardiff for decent shopping.

I was going to suggest Wivenhoe too!

Dunbar, East Lothian!

East Lothian. Minutes into Edinburgh (Festival and fringe) but also right beside the sea/countryside. Great connections into England and Glasgow.

Lymington. You'll need a yacht and a dog to fit in with the locals.

Minutes by train and yes I see a PP has said Dunbar. Also known as Sunny Dunny!