I've decided I want to move to WINCHESTER

[000Laura000]

Never been there of course but it sounds nice. For quite a while I've wanted to move out of London.

I've got these fantasies in my head about children playing in the street safely away from speeding cars. Neighbours going to each others' barbecues or chatting in the front garden while the children play. Lovely state schools within walking or cycling distance. (Forget about fee paying schools, that's not for me). Maybe a few interesting shops. Nice countryside nearby. Things for boys to do!

I want a Ladybird book, but with some of the good bits of the 21st century.

1. Is Winchester going to provide me with something similar to this?
   
   
2. If it is, where in Winchester should I move to?
   
   All information gratefully received. Anything will be useful. Once I've got your advice, I'll pop down next weekend and sort everything out. (Anyone selling property near a good school give me a shout).
   
   Thanks
   
   Laura

[LondonLady2014]

I don't think any of those observations about Winchester are correct to be honest. It's not very "hunter wellies and headscarves" either, which implies landed gentry. It's just a historic, pretty city with a largely educated middle class population. I don't find it snooty or "all white". The schools are excellent and it has a 50 min train to London so it's a popular migration spot for those leaving London....
When I say it's getting posher I meant in terms of upmarket restaurants as opposed to becoming snooty!

[Luckystar82]

I wouldn't move there. Sorry but I can't stand Winchester. Visit there a lot for business, it's a boring place and the people do generally look a lot more miserable than other places I visit. Sorry! I say this having lived in the SE all my life, so not a friendly northerner by any means!

If you like shops like Joules and Jack Wills, then you will probably love it though!

[Luckystar82]

Bath is way cooler, friendlier and more interesting than Winchester. I used to live there.

If you want posh safe and white middle class, I'd vote for Bath over Winchester!

[TranmereRover]

I have these fantasies too - went there en route to the new forest last year and adored the ancient oaks and red brick and indie shops on the high street and lovely pub for lunch. In my fantasy world, I'm moving to one of the Georgian market town / villages to the east and sending my offspring to St Swithuns.
It's unclear how this will be funded given that I will not be able to commute to my job. Oh and of course the HORSES. Who will pay for the horses?

[IssyStark]

Have loved in Bath and live near Winchester now. Both beautiful but Bath is even more of a tourist trap than Winchester. However Bath has more vibrancy and has that off kilter south west thing going on. If you like cycling then Winchester is a better bet (flatter but near the downs), if you like theatre then Bath's Theatre Royal and easy access to Bristol's Old Vic wins hands down. It all depends what you are into as a family...

[LondonLady2014]

Hi issystark, would you say you miss bath now you live in Winchester?

I prefer the slightly boho feel of the south west and that's where I grew up. I love the countryside there - though saying that the South Downs are pretty beautiful! You are right re the tourists in bath, it's crazy busy, way worse that Winchester and I'm not sure that wouldn't do my head in!
We will still work in London so Winchester is better commute wise and the major plus is that my mum lives in Winchester so the child care would be the main plus point! If it weren't for those practical considerations I would choose bath, I've always been fond of it....the new river cottage in winch is lovely though!!

[sarahnurse]

Hello,

We moved to Winchester from London 8 years ago.

I thought I would go back all the time but hardly ever do.

We bought a modest house in Winnall which is an estate but not in a bad way and that is what we could afford. The houses are a bit boring to look at but we have given ours a cottage feel with logburner, loft extension etc

We have private parking and big garden.

The local School is quickly improving and my children are very happy there and doing extremely well.

15 minutes walk into town.

There is a nice sense of community here it feels very safe and I've lost count of the number of times people have returned lost purses and handbags and I have often left front doors open all day and keys in ignitions etc (I'm a bit forgetful!)

There are a lot of Boden-Wearing Mummies with rich banker Husbands, but there are enough 'normal' people to go around.

Winchester is beautiful, especially if you like eating out. There is plenty of culture. The Hampshire countryside is lovely. I only miss the ethnic mix of people and Turkish supermarkets!