Guildford in Surrey has been crowned the best rural destination to relocate to in the UK.
The research, which was conducted by the team at Compare My Move, ranked over 70 popular rural towns and villages in England and Wales, based on factors including average house price, median salary, hours of sunlight, rainfall, download speed and number of restaurants.
While Surrey took the top spot, the beautiful cathedral city of St. Albans in Hertfordshire came second place — a place famed for its rich history.
The most affordable rural location is the northern market town of Barnard Castle, which has the lowest average house price of £188,327. Meanwhile, Chichester was found to be the city with the most amount of sunlight.
Planning to relocate? Take a look at the full list below...
20 best countryside towns and villages to move to in the UK
- Guildford, Surrey (87.45 score in the study)
- St. Albans, Hertfordshire (86.48)
- Shere, Surrey (85.52)
- Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire (81.43)
- Wallingford, Oxfordshire (77.83)
- Caversham, Berkshire (77.44)
- Leamington Spa, Leamington Spa (76.78)
- Alresford, Hampshire (76.44)
- Aylesford, Kent (75.51)
- Ingatestone, Essex (74.92)
- West Mersea, Essex (74.60)
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (74.13)
- Epping, Essex (74.13)
- Farnham, Surrey (73.79)
- Altrincham, Greater Manchester (72.28)
- Chichester, West Sussex (72.94)
- Deal, Kent (72.07)
- Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire (72.03)
- Sevenoaks, Kent (71.11)
- Uppingham, Rutland (70.18)
NeonJellyfish//Getty ImagesSt Albans took the second spot
'The coronavirus pandemic has seen many people reconsidering their living situation, with a large number of city dwellers ditching urban living and relocating to rural areas for a slower-paced life in the beautiful English countryside,' says Dave Sayce, Managing Director at Compare My Move.
'It's easy to see why people are choosing a quiet life in the country as the UK is home to some of the world's most beautiful rural towns and villages. It's not surprising to see the top rural destinations are near London, with the likes of Guildford and St Albans proving popular places for Londoners to escape to, whilst having the benefit of quick and easy transport links into the city.'
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New home gifts: 20 really good housewarming gift ideas
Seychelles Home Scenting Set
Credit: The White CompanyThis is a bestseller for a reason. This lovely gift set from The White Company includes the Seychelles signature candle, room spray and diffuser for a home that will smell truly delightful. This scent combines notes of evocative bergamot, bright orange and fresh coconut, with a hint of green jasmine, warming amber and buttery vanilla. Divine!
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Black+Blum Antique Candle Holder
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Personalised Map Location Couples Key Holder
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Mila Decanter - Dark Emerald
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Peonies (Floramour)
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This one's a kitchen must-have. Other than chopping up vegetables for dinner, this round acacia wood board is a rustic way to serve up canapés and other tasty treats. Carved by hand in India, it's shaped and chiselled using traditional woodworking techniques.
Unkillable Bundle
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Red Coffee Cups and Saucers (4 cups, 4 saucers)
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Ozar Seagrass Bowl
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Lisa JoynerDeputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.