Spectator Life

The best commuter towns close to London

A few months ago we brought you the best commuter villages around London to live out your bucolic fantasies. The switch to a village from the bright lights of the capital can be a daunting one though. For that reason, we’ve come up with a list of commuter towns to strike a medium between town and country.

You may lose the ability to get obscure takeaway food delivered at 1am, but, in many ways, you have the best of both worlds – somewhere to stretch out, with a few more bedrooms and some options for going out of an evening. All our selections are within roughly an hour of London, have stocks of beautiful houses, great schools and plenty to keep you busy.

Ware, Hertfordshire

Ware is situated on the River Lea

Ware is the gateway to the Lea Valley Park and all it has to offer. Ideal for dog walking, fishing and even white water rafting. The town was built on the malting industry and many of the old malt houses have now been converted into eye catching properties. The surrounding villages are often far more expensive than the town itself and, for their charm, are a favourite with footballers and celebrities. Living in the town is therefore a great compromise between price and rural idylls on your doorstep. There are some good school options too. St Edmund’s College is a good private school. 

Average house price: £436,780

3 bedroom detached house in a converted brewery

Lewes, Sussex

Lewes, Sussex

Lewes, Sussex

In the middle of the South Downs National Park, Lewes is a charming place with plenty of wonky houses and boutique shops, plus a rail connection to London Bridge, which takes about an hour. It is hilly adding to its picturesque qualities, although the east side of town is less so if you don’t fancy climbs to and from the shops.

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