We may have a family move on the cards soon, due to my OH's work. The possibilities are likely to be Chester or Clitheroe (Ribble Valley, Lancashire) or their surrounding areas.
I have never been to either place, and don't even know the surrounding regions. I've been doing lots of internet research and of course we will be visiting - but the current pandemic situation and the fact that we may have to make a fairly quick decision means it would be really useful to get the thoughts an experiences of people who know either place (and especially those who know both!)
Access to beautiful countryside with plenty of walking possibilities is really important to us. My children have been desperate to move to the countryside for years and we are a family who all need open space and not too much bustle so we are considering locating rurally within those areas as we are all feeling pretty tired of city life (We are currently in the suburbs of a large northern city). However, I also think that we''d do well in a small town or leafy city suburbs as long as we were close to plenty of open space and countryside.
Schools are a big one for us - primaries and we will soon need secondaries too. We will have missed the deadlines for secondary applications for September 2021 start in Year 7 so an area where the schools aren't oversubscribed would be a massive bonus! Would prefer good state schools rather than grammars or private.
We relocated north 6 years ago and know how hard work it is to settle and make friends in a new place. Somewhere with a generally friendly welcoming vibe would be much preferred. It would be good to get involved with a community. We're not small c (or large C) conservative. We're from arts and creative backgrounds and so if we were in a town or city a place that has an arts scene, an alternative vibe or just a bit of a cultural life would be great. If we chose to locate more rurally I do worry about being the "newcomers" forever and so an area that doesn't feel closed minded to outsiders and where you might feel you can contribute to a community would be great.
Also, rain...I'm worried about Lancashire ! (although I haven't looked up the rainfall stats for the Chester area yet) Those who know the Ribble Valley - does it rain ALL the time?!? (I have arthritis which isn't great with damp)
So, on the basis that I know neither place (or region) at all - anyone got any thoughts or advice for me on either (or both) areas? Thank you.