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.

Ok. I must have hit a busy time. I was put off!

We'll probably end up living in Bath, anyway 😁

I don’t like Harrogate personally, quite deprived in parts. Not very big really. I rarely go to Harrogate, I tend to choose York (live sort of in the middle but nearer to Harrogate).

York, Alnwick, Durham and Newcastle would get my vote. I’m considering retiring to Newcastle, maybe York, but I’d prefer the public transport situation in Newcastle in my sixties.

Newcastle is a really great city.

Maybe Leeds? Really good shopping. Plenty of theatre etc

Agree with@NC1001001 everyone thinks Harrogate is "posh" it's really not, yes it's got Betty's but I've also seen some horrific drunken fights there

Don't discount Edinburgh - I've lived in Durham, Newcastle, York and Edinburgh, and Edinburgh wins hands down. Loads to do, airport within 20 minutes or Glasgow airport is about an hour, easy to connect with other parts of the uk.

It's the same kind of feel as Bath, very easy and lovely to live here. Loads of gorgeous beaches - both within Edinburgh and along the East Lothian coast. Plus you're close to the pentlands for day to day walking, and the highlands are only a couple of hours away for breathtaking holidays. So much culture in Edinburgh, but also amazing places to eat and drink.

Well it's Harrogate, York or Chester then.

And unlike Yorkshire the accent wont offend your ears 24/7.

Are you being serious? 🤣

Buxton?

Spa town with a crescent but in the north. Less than an hour to Manchester airport. Easy access to the peak district.

I was in Bath recently and have been raving about it since. I can’t afford to live there though.

Yes, that was discussed upthread.

Same problem as West Cornwall - arse end of nowhere.

But if you're going there...... I'd prefer Perth. You can visit Edinburgh and Glasgow (which I feel is better than E) for the day and then escape. Its on the Tay and is the gateway to The Highlands.

Perth is great. I also love Glasgow, it's an incredible city.

@HoppityBun I'd definitely say so. Originally from Yorkshire and were less than an hour away now in Lincoln

Stamford is my top contribution I just love it there so so fabulous

Carlisle. Caution - I have never been there, but saw this little postcard from a Southerner. Worth reading the comments for contrary views and alternatives, which included:

"Myself and my partner moved to Carlisle less than a year ago from Cornwall. Best move we ever made, Carlisle has been great. Amazing history, great transport links, a high street that still has something going for it and some great places to eat out. The locals are great as well, very welcoming. Genuinely good people. Special mention to Hereford as well, very similar to Carlisle."

@AllTheDucks come and join us in Bath- I actually think it's a better place to live than visit. And I've lived all over- actually made friends here!! If you have time on your hands there's a lot of talks and stuff like literary and food fests and housing of all kinds. Can be suprisingly affordable in the villages and small towns just outside- corsham for instance- ( it's only 22 minutes or so on bus ) and 15 to 18 minutes drive or Bradford on Avon - 15 minutes on train or driving. But cheaper than Bath