Escaping the City: Making the Move to the Bath Countryside Without Losing Yourself
- francesca6912
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 11
For many Londoners, the pull to the West Country starts as a whisper: a yearning for calm, space, and a slower pace of life. But when children hit school age and the house starts to feel like it's shrinking around you, that whisper gets louder. You start to notice the relentless hum of traffic, the busy commutes, the queues for everything. And suddenly, the idea of countryside living doesn't just sound appealing — it sounds like freedom.
Bath: The Best of Both Worlds
If you're looking for a life beyond the city, but you're not quite ready to give up your oat milk flat white or access to culture, Bath offers a perfect middle ground. It’s beautiful, connected, and brimming with energy. With fast trains back to London and a distinctly 'mini London' vibe — think indie bookshops, smart restaurants, art galleries, and an active cultural calendar, you won’t feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
But for many families, Bath itself is just the start. With a decent 'DFL' budget, you can unlock the real magic: countryside living within 20–30 minutes of the city, with a manageable school run and room to breathe.
Trading Congestion for Community
What the countryside lacks in convenience, it makes up for tenfold in calm and community. Imagine no longer having to fight for a parking space, no longer hearing sirens at 2am, and having a view of rolling hills rather than your neighbour’s kitchen. Your kids can grow up with room to roam, and you’ll rediscover the quiet joy of hearing birdsong over traffic noise.
Yes, you might have to drive to the supermarket, and no, you probably won't have five coffee shops within walking distance. But what you gain is deeper: villages and hamlets where neighbours know each other’s names, where the school gates are sociable not stressful, and where community events, from fêtes to litter-picks, bring people together in a meaningful way.
From 'Fish Out of Water' to Local Fixture
Many Londoners worry they’ll feel like outsiders. It’s a natural fear, especially if you’re used to the anonymity of the city.
But countryside life thrives on participation. You don’t need to be born and bred in a village to be welcomed into it, you just need to be open, sociable, and willing to join in. Whether it’s helping out at the school fair, volunteering at a local food bank, or supporting a village pub quiz, your involvement quickly turns strangers into friends.
Life Redefined
So yes, you may have to adjust. You may need to plan your days a little more carefully and swap public transport for the school run in the car. But what you get in return is immeasurable: a calmer pace, more space for your family, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find in a big city.
If you're looking for more from life, not less, the countryside around Bath could be your answer. It’s not about leaving London behind; it’s about building a new version of your life, with the best bits of the city just close enough to reach, but far enough to leave behind when you need peace.
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