Does this mythical place exist in London or environs?

[FeelingBored]

Thinking about what I want from the next phase of life and wondering if there is somewhere that ticks all these boxes:

• easy access to London (I don't need to go in each day for work but would like to be able to be within an hour and not have to spend £25+ on a train ticket)
• easy access to lovely countryside
• a fun feel with independent shops and things to do
• "affordable" (£300k or less for a nice 2 bed)

I know very little about the South East - am I living in a dream world or is there somewhere that would fit the bill?

Thank you!

When you say ‘lovely countryside’, do you mean footpaths through working farms, or a nice country park where you can go for walks through woods and fields?

What do you mean by ‘fun things to do’?
Theatres/concerts, or escape rooms/bowling?

Folkestone. Bosh.

I think either of those would fit my definition of lovely countryside.

Fun things to do - definitely more theatres/concerts/community groups. The sort of things a single woman in her fifties might enjoy!

Letchworth might be up your street then as the local theatre/cinema is active and some lovely places to eat, great country walks nearby too. Easy train to London/Cambridge too. I don't know the daily cost but it's less than an hour to Kings Cross.

Letchworth is a town of two half's though so if you want all lovely and "Surrey like" east Herts Ware, Hertford etc might be better.

Guildford - good shops, theatre, good train links, beautiful countryside.

For less than £300k, you'd be looking at a 2-bed flat or maisonette.

Ditto Windsor.

Thank you all! Some really interesting suggestions - I wouldn't have thought of any of them. I am impressed by the lovely properties in Folkestone and being near the sea is very appealing. I don't mind anywhere that's a bit down at heel as I'm used to that where I live now.

Down from Londoner in Folkestone now. Absolutely love it. Not a single regret. Feel free to PM if you like 😁. Best move we’ve ever made.

London?

14 minutes to Charing Cross from Hither Green (lovely area, really REALLY lovely area)

I'll say what I always say if within budget - Sevenoaks

@LaurieFairyCake

London?

14 minutes to Charing Cross from Hither Green (lovely area, really REALLY lovely area)

I agree HG is a great area.

@Wewereonaspringbreak

Down from Londoner in Folkestone now. Absolutely love it. Not a single regret. Feel free to PM if you like 😁. Best move we’ve ever made.

That's so lovely to hear! Sounds like it's been a brilliant move for you!

Try North Herts - Hitchin, Baldock, Letchworth, Royston etc

East mids, very affordable, hour on the train, looking at about £30 for a ticket off peak so maybe go a bit south of that to get a cheaper ticket. You could also get a 4 bed house here for that so you probably wouldn't need to come as north as that but just to show you that not everywhere an hour from London is very expensive.

@LaurieFairyCake

London?

14 minutes to Charing Cross from Hither Green (lovely area, really REALLY lovely area)

That sounds really promising - thank you for the suggestion!

If you buy that flat in Hither Green then the cafe Pistachios in Manor park gardens in 2 minutes from your flat plus the library/ book group and yoga etc is right there

And my favourite cafe (about a mile away from me) is Milk in Hither Green - I was there last week as my dentist is round the corner

Plus there's great shops next to the station, one I buy all my plants at

Thanks all, I am loving these ideas. Who needs Phil and Kirstie?! I have been in my current location for 20 years - it's great, but I need a change once DD leaves home. It's exciting to think that there are so many interesting places within budget.

And don't forget the free Senior travel as a resident of a London Borough which Hither Green would qualify you for. 60+ Oyster

@LaurieFairyCake

If you buy that flat in Hither Green then the cafe Pistachios in Manor park gardens in 2 minutes from your flat plus the library/ book group and yoga etc is right there

And my favourite cafe (about a mile away from me) is Milk in Hither Green - I was there last week as my dentist is round the corner

Plus there's great shops next to the station, one I buy all my plants at

I worked in the area for years and also brought my son up there, it's such a lovely,lovely area. Very fond memories

@CaurnieBred

And don't forget the free Senior travel as a resident of a London Borough which Hither Green would qualify you for. 60+ Oyster

I had forgotten that! That is amazing, isn't it.

The train from those North Herts places mentioned is about £20 - £25 unless at the weekend, which OP wanted to find cheaper.

Folkestone isn't under an hour and under £25 to get to London though. The fast train is nearly £40

I think it's pretty difficult to be outside of London and pay less than £25 to travel in.

@musicmum75

I think it's pretty difficult to be outside of London and pay less than £25 to travel in.

It's £16 from Staines, peak.

It would be somewhere like Epping, or Theydon Bois, however it's your house budget that would be pretty impossible.

I was going to say a village near somewhere like Chelmsford but you're looking at a £25 train ticket unfortunately.

I think Hither Green would be great. You've got access to beautiful parks and gardens and you're really close to the North Downs