Like Bath but Up North

[AllTheDucks]

As with the title... we currently live in west Cornwall but with all the children now heading to university, we know we need to move as it's such a pain in the arse to get to and from here (and takes forever).

We'd like to live somewhere within an hour of an airport but that also has a bit of culture - good bookshops, restaurants, shops, theatre etc. We like Bath but really, it's still a bit south-westy and we'd prefer a change, prefereably in northern England near moors etc. Can anyone think of a place I'd like? All I can think of is Harrogate but have heard the traffic etc is awful.

I've never been (and never lived in the UK :)) but am here to suggest Buxton - I recently suggested to dh we visit this hotel next time we are in the UK

https://ensanahotels.com/en/hotels/buxton-crescent

No good if she doesn’t like the rain though 😭

Beverley is lovely.

Harrogate was my first thought!

Tarporley is beautiful

I’m not sure that I’d recommend St Andrews, unless you like a freezing cold east wind.

Not Buxton! Gets snowed in every Winter!

I think Hebden Bridge fits your bill (although there will be many other places that do). Close to both Manchester and Leeds Bradford airport. Beautiful bohemian little village, with lots of diversity, and splendid views. You'd want to buy high up though because it can flood.

Shrewsbury, although not particularly handy for an airport. It's got a brilliant indoor market, riverside park/walks, access to north wales, easy trips to brum for culture.

I'm in Bath and we love soap here😁

Buxton is no where near as nice as Bath IMO...some of the Warwickshire towns are lovely but not sure if they're north enough!

For the true north, i.e. not Yorkshire then head to Durham. Green rolling hills nearby, plenty of walks, culture and theatre. And unlike Yorkshire the accent wont offend your ears 24/7.

I've been to Buxton a few times - the snow's a bonus! I wouldn't go for East Anglia though - too flat, and it gets to worst of any heatwaves in summer. I have traumatic memories of trying to navigate Shrewsbury's one way system not long after passing my driving test, so I might give that a miss. I'm adding Newcastle to the list - we're off to a wedding there in late October so I'll check it out.

Buxton was my first thought too. There is a theatre, lots of lovely shops, cafes and parks and under an hour to Manchester airport. It’s a really nice place!

Malvern might be worth a look?

Stamford as suggested by a PP though it’s not that far north. Smaller than Bath but very naice.

I was going to say Harrogate, Leamington Spa or Buxton. All spa towns.

Cheltenham is north compared to Cornwall. A couple of DH's friends are moving there. Not sure which airport though.

Somewhat over an hour to Birmingham or Bristol I think?

Bristol. Or up the M4 to Heathrow, though that's still 2h.

There's not much up north about Cheltenham!

Harrogate was also my first thought when I saw the thread title. Selby ... not so much 😂

Durham or York.

Cheltenham
Chester
York
Edinburgh.

I live near Bath and these are other cities that remind me of Bath.

Skipton?