NICEST Town to Live in if you want Weather/Outdoor stuff?

[itaa]

I'm considering purchasing another property and moving somewhere down south as Most of my clients are from there and It's really soul crushing having at least one whole-day commute per week.
What would you say is the Nicest Smallish town you have ever lived or have visited within about 100mile range from London?

-Best weather overall (Not just the temperature,but the least wind/gloom/rain possible ,most sunshine and all that,but specially the least wind...)
-If possible Good Bicycle Infrastructure connecting with other towns ( I cycle a lot, but I hate cycling on open road but love all the paths)
-Clean,quiet, Not Overpopulated ,but within 10-30miles from a Large city in case you need something.
-Has a Nice countryside/Nature places where you can go and enjoy yourself,Don't really care about the Sea as you can't go and swim in it anyway, only more wind...

I realise ''the best'' is way different for every person, but what is your Dream City/Town to live in and why?

 

[vickster]

How much money do you have to spend on a place to live? There are enormous variations in the SE.
Do you have a car or do you need to rely on public transport to get to London etc?

I’m not sure anywhere within the crowded SE will meet your needs. Where do you live currently?

 

[Bollo]

Have a look at Stockbridge or Alresford in Hampshire. Both sit in beautiful countryside, are tidy, low crime, high employment, good quality of life etc. Both are also close enough to the M3, A31/A3 for London and A34 for points north.

Winchester is the closest city for stuff and, even though it’s small, it’s on the main line into London (about an hour’s journey) with between 3-6 trains an hour and an hourly direct service all the way up to Manc. And you’d not be far from BASINGSTOKE!!!!!!!

 

[Hill Wimp]

Deal, high speed rail link to London, 11 miles from Canterbury, great cycling along gorgeous lanes, 10 miles from Dover for the continent, vibrant high street, great ale scene, beach, lots to do, big tri club, lots of local artists, fab community events, just about everything you need really. Oh and 10 miles from the A20 onto the M20 and A2 onto the M2.

Oh and we have sun, lots of it and you can swim in the sea.

 

[I like Skol]

You're heading the wrong way! You should be moving away from London, not towards it.......

 

[smutchin]

Poole is nice. You've got the New Forest and Dorset Coast on your doorstep, which are both excellent for cycling and other outdoor activities. And the Isle of Wight is just a short ferry ride away. Southampton is close enough if you need to go to Ikea or whatever.

Only down side is you could end up with my sister for a neighbour.

 

[smutchin]

Deal, high speed rail link to London, 11 miles from Canterbury, great cycling along gorgeous lanes, 10 miles from Dover for the continent, vibrant high street, great ale scene, beach, lots to do, big tri club, lots of local artists, fab community events, just about everything you need really. Oh and 10 miles from the A20 onto the M20 and A2 onto the M2.

Oh and we have sun, lots of it and you can swim in the sea.

I like Deal. Almost wish I'd moved there a few years ago before it started getting poncey and overpriced!

And for those who don't like cycling on open roads, nearby Betteshanger Country Park (aka Fowlmead) is great - nice tarmac circuit and some excellent MTB trails.

 

[Bollo]

But if I was heading that way I'd go to Salisbury.

Based on the responses to my recent proposal for a forum ride to Salisbury, you'd be the only one!

 

[Hill Wimp]

I like Deal. Almost wish I'd moved there a few years ago before it started getting poncey and overpriced!

And for those who don't like cycling on open roads, nearby Betteshanger Country Park (aka Fowlmead) is great - nice tarmac circuit and some excellent MTB trails.

Don't confuse it with the really poncy overpriced Whitstable.

I'd never describe Deal as Poncey

 

[Dayvo]

I'd never describe Deal as Poncey

It just sounds like it's no big deal!

IGMC.

 

[smutchin]

I'd never describe Deal as Poncey

It's definitely got a lot more chichi in the last few years. Not that this is a bad thing - it has been very run down for a long time. Getting a half-decent rail service has been a massive boost for the town. I'd say Deal now is like Whitstable was 20 years ago, before it started getting really trendy. We moved to Whitstable 16 years ago, when it was still on the up, but I think it has past its peak now, and all the proper cool kids have long since moved on from Whitstable and started colonising other places - Herne Bay, Margate and indeed Deal.

And I'm only calling it poncey in an affectionately joking way, so don't be offended!

 

[Racing roadkill]

I can recommend Winchester. It’s a couple of minutes ride from the South Downs, North Hampshire, the Meon Valley, and not too far from the New Forest. There are some lovely riding routes right on the doorstep.

 

[ColinJ]

You're heading the wrong way! You should be moving away from London, not towards it.......

I like the countryside up here, but I do admit that our local weather is (typically) significantly worse than that of the south of England!

I love Scotland but I wouldn't live there because of the weather, and especially the depressing winter gloom.

 

[Drago]

Luton.

With the exception of perhaps The Scilly Isles, you're living in the wrong country if you're after decent weather.

 

[Brandane]

I love Scotland but I wouldn't live there because of the weather, and especially the depressing winter gloom.

I don't mind the depressing winter gloom so much, as we expect that. It's the depressing SUMMER gloom that sometimes makes me question my motives for living here. Somehow I always manage to convince myself that it could be worse.... . The only advice I can offer the OP is to stay clear of Greenock!