We’re lucky enough to have some truly beautiful cities in the South, some of which, such as Oxford, have a reputation for excellence all round the world.
There’s lots to love about city living, from the wide range of shops and restaurants right on your doorstep to the variety of architecture and access to great schools and universities. In our latest blog, we’ve rounded up a few of our very favourite cities to inspire your next move.
Oxford
One of our favourite cities in the South is Oxford. Founded in 1096, the University of Oxford is well-known for being not only the oldest university in the UK, but also one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. The university buildings are well worth a visit, as many are opened up to the public in holiday time. Oxford is a city which combines bustle with elegance thanks to its stunning architecture and academic feel.
A safe family-friendly city, Oxford has a range of excellent schools for children of all ages, and the beautiful rolling Oxfordshire countryside is ideal for those who enjoy country pursuits. Oxford’s two rivers, the River Thames and River Cherwell, along with the Oxford Canal, offer water activities such as punting, canoeing, barging, or simply a walk along the water’s edge. If culture is your thing, Oxford is home to many museums, art galleries, theatres and music venues. The Ashmolean and Natural History Museums are well worth a visit, as is the Bodleian Library.
Like all cities, Oxford is made up of several suburbs with their own distinct character and vibe. The most sought-after are north of the city centre and include Jericho, Central North Oxford, and Summertown. These neighbourhoods offer a mix of amenities and are ideally positioned for easy access to the city centre. With fantastic transport connections to the rest of the UK (London is less than an hour away by train), Oxford is a great place to settle down for those who like the bustle of a city but not the clamour of London.
Winchester
As the ancient capital of Wessex, the county town of Hampshire, and the start of the South Downs Way, Winchester offers the best of both worlds and is one of the loveliest cities in the South. Excellent connectivity to London is key via mainline rail links and the M3 motorway, and easy access to the South Coast and New Forest National Park are ideal for recreational pursuits.
Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe is the burial place of many of England’s Kings, Queens and Saints, as well as being the last resting place of Jane Austen and home to what some believe was King Arthur’s legendary round table.
A vibrant, cosmopolitan High Street offers a balance of independent shops and national brands, along with an array of cafes and restaurants from Michelin-starred fine dining, to more casual choices, and farmers’ markets. Winchester’s magical Christmas Market in the grounds of the Cathedral is world famous, attracting visitors from far and wide, and has been voted to be one of the best in the country.
There are homes to suit all tastes and budgets, including the Georgian houses of Oram’s Arbor, the grand Victorian homes of St Cross and the popular neighbourhoods of Fulflood and Hyde. In addition there are numerous modern developments dotted across the city.
Winchester also offers an abundance of well regarded Good and Outstanding state schools, and an excellent choice of independent schools including the world famous Winchester College.
Chichester
Situated between the South Downs National Park, the beautiful sandy beaches of West Wittering and a large natural harbour designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Chichester is a fantastic place to live. The only city in West Sussex, Chichester has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The original Roman city walls were over two metres thick and are still very much in evidence today, along with the remains of Roman baths, and an amphitheatre, now a public park.
The city’s impressive cathedral has fine architecture in both the Norman and Gothic styles. Much of the city centre is pedestrianised, making it a fantastic place to shop or enjoy lunch al fresco. The wide, quiet roads and numerous parks make the city particularly friendly to those with young children, as does the range of excellent schools nearby. Sought after roads such as North, East, South and West Pallant display beautiful Georgian architecture, and although close to restaurants and shops, are surprisingly quiet. The Summersdale area of the city is popular with growing families and professionals alike.
For those interested in outdoor pursuits, some of the country’s best sailing can be experienced from Chichester Harbour, and The Centurion Way is a walking and cycling route on a disused railway line between Chichester and Lavant. The nearby Goodwood Estate plays host to the popular Festival of Speed on the motor racing circuit each year in July, whilst Glorious Goodwood is one of the highlights of the flat horse racing season.
Salisbury
This charming city in Wiltshire is well-known for its magnificent cathedral, which has been a draw to visitors for centuries. It’s also where you’ll find the best preserved of the remaining four Magna Carta manuscripts, dating from 1215, making it one of the most interesting cities in the South.
Situated conveniently for both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites, including the ultimate heritage attraction, Stonehenge, Salisbury is a fantastic place to move to if you are torn between the city and countryside.
As well as the quirky shops and eateries which Salisbury is known for, it also boasts a twice-weekly market at which you can find a plethora of interesting and unusual stalls.
If you are looking for culture try Salisbury Playhouse or the Art Trail and if leisure pursuits are your thing, Salisbury Racecourse offers lots of different race days and events all year round.
Blessed with excellent state, independent and grammar school options, Salisbury is an ideal city for families.
There is a healthy array of housing stock as you would expect from a city with such a long and interesting history. Older, character homes are best found in the centre near to the Close and the River Avon, whilst inside the ring road within walking distance of the city’s amenities charming terraced Victorian and Edwardian houses are in abundance. In the outer suburbs, the houses have a little more space and tend to be detached or semi-detached with the majority from the post-war era.
If you’re interested in moving to Salisbury, or any of the other wonderful cities in the South explored here, get in touch with us today.