Where is the best place in UK to raise children?

[northchesterforest]

If money wasn't an issue, where would you choose to raise children in the UK and why?

I live in the Scottish Highlands and though it may not have all the facilities of the big cities, I truly believe it’s a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family. I love the outdoors and the fact the nearest beach is 5mins drive from our house, there is an entire woods on our literal doorstep (about 20 steps from the front door) and good schools and clubs nearby. It’s very safe where we live and children can be children. The biggest gripe is that GP and hospital appointments are slower than we’d like but I believe that’s across the board now with the state of the NHS and would be similar anywhere. I love this slower pace of life we have but realise for many this would not suit them! (& I’m glad it doesn’t suit everyone so it doesn’t become too crowded and I can enjoy my quiet life 😂)

We are Inverness too! The A9 is a pain but thankfully we only venture down to the central belt a handful of times per year. I think we are so lucky here and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

London. Not biased at all, of course.

We live in South Cornwall and brought our children up here. We moved away from Surrey. Cornwall is lovely, very safe and great beaches and countryside. Schools are good too.

In the UK definitely London. I love it here most of the time.

@sandrain where abouts in London do you live? We are moving at the end of the year and looking at different areas to live with our son. Feel free to PM me!

Most people are probably going to say where they live, or thereabouts. I live in Huntingdonshire in a lovely town. I love it here as it's easy to get into London by train (I wouldn't like to live there personally- too busy for me, but it's good to visit). We also have great transport links - Cambridge (the busway is great) and Peterborough is also nearby for days out and shopping.

Somewhere in the venn diagram of below

30-60 minutes by public transport from a city
10-20 minute walk to town or shops
10-20 minute walk to greenery
15-25 minute walk to primary school
30-45 minute journey walking or bus to secondary school

We were in suburbs of south Manchester and hated it as it was too urban and too much keeping up with the Jones'. A few years ago we crossed over the border to the peak District. We love the proximity to Manchester and the hills. She can walk to primary school, we can walk to the supermarket and there are at least 3 suitable secondary schools based on public transport. A lot of life involves a 20-30 minute drive but the trains and buses are often suitable. I have a medical driving license so being able to get around by public transport is important in case I relapse and lose my driving licence

London. I think my children are beyond privileged to have grown up here. I can’t imagine bringing them up anywhere else. They’ve had the most wonderful opportunities and as young adults they appreciate if even more

As far away as possible from me.

Very happy in a nice town in Fife.

Kids go out to play and walk, cycle and scoot to school
Countryside and beaches on our doorstep.
Close to cities including Edinburgh if we want the big culture and history
Every single school in our town is excellent
Can walk into the town
Free parking
Acceptable shopping (but cities nearby)
Great local facilities
Brilliant community and clubs and opportunities galore for the kids.

And using the list given by a pp we are

30 minutes by public transport from a city
5 minute walk to shops
30 minute walk to town centre
30 second walk to greenery
10 minute walk to primary school
5 minute walk to secondary school

Where I live. North coast of Cornwall , large village. Short walk to beach. Almost zero crime. Don't lock my door. Always someone around to help. Everyone keeps an eye on the kids. Love it.