Where should we move to?

[duchessa]

Wise MNers, we're moving back to the UK after a number of years overseas.
We're looking to rent a house in an area with great state schools, both primary and secondary, close to good shopping/restaurants, access to nature, safe and beautiful/historic... If Windsor wasn't under the flight path, that's where we would go (just to give you an idea of a place we loved) and Edinburgh would also be a top choice if we didn't need to be close-ish to London.
We have a healthy budget so luckily that isn't really an issue. Within an hour of London would be ideal.
We think we've narrowed it down but as we're not currently in England it's hard to decide!
Questions: Is Winchester a good place to live or is it insular?
Is Farnham super sleepy?
I've read mixed reviews of St Albans, some love it and some say it's awful. Would love more insight into why it polarises people!
We're coming from a vibrant city and although we definitely want somewhere quieter than London we would need to have some life and culture nearby. Would really appreciate some insight!

If we've missed any good options, suggestions welcome!

I got halfway through your post and thought Winchester before you said it, so that would be my recommendation. I don't think you'll get what you're after from Farnham.

What do you mean by 'insular'?

@Humbersider

What do you mean by 'insular'?

Not welcoming to outsiders/newcomers.

Lewes is nice, great cinema,eateries, shops, close to London and Brighton. Horsham nice too.

Winchester doesn’t seem insular to me (moved here from London over 10 years ago) but it certainly doesn’t have decent shopping. Plenty of restaurants and both the primary and secondary schools are great so it’s still well worth considering.

A fb friend lives on Berkhampsted and posts a lot of very nice photos. I think it's supposed to be lovely? I live in the north west so no actual idea.

Definitely consider Winchester. In terms of shopping it’s a mixed bag - not so much of the big high street shops but it has quite a lot of really good independent shops if you explore the side streets .

Thanks for all the responses so far. I do love the look of Winchester.

I should have added Guildford onto the shortlist... DH is more excited about that place than I am, probably because of the easy access to London!

Oxford or surrounding towns, Witney, Abingdon. Although you said budget is no issue so North Oxford, Summertown.