Top-notch Eastern Locales: Exploring the Finest Spots East of London, ranging from Diss and Dedham to Newmarket and Newport
In the picturesque landscapes of East Anglia, several quaint villages and towns have become popular destinations for those seeking a change of pace while maintaining a connection to the city. One such location is Diss, a market town in Norfolk, which offers a train line into London Liverpool Street, making it an attractive choice for part-time commuters.
Diss boasts beautiful architecture, a weekly market, and a six-acre lake in the center of town, adding to its charm. Nearby, the village of Pulham Market, known for its close-knit community and eye-catching thatched cottages, is another popular choice.
Moving towards Suffolk, Dedham offers a highly commuter-friendly station, Manningtree, on the Great Eastern Main Line. The village, with its timber-frame houses, a legacy of its prosperous wool-trading past, is popular with young families moving out of London. Dedham Church of England Primary School is a sought-after school in the area.
Newmarket, a town known for its horse racing, is just a 20-minute train journey from Cambridge. With about 300 trains a day from London, the total journey time to the city is approximately an hour and 40 minutes. Newmarket's popularity extends to its surrounding villages, such as Dalham, Dullingham, and Moulton, which are known for their picturesque beauty and good primary schools.
Ely, a small Cambridgeshire city, is another attractive destination. Its riverside charm, historical architecture, and proximity to Cambridge make it a draw for many. The annual Histon & Impington Feast is a highlight of local life in this area.
Hybrid working remains a popular lifestyle choice, especially in areas east of London such as Cambridgeshire, north Essex, Suffolk, and south Norfolk. Budgets of about £500,000-£1 million can cover a good-sized family home with green views on the city fringes in Ely.
For those seeking a more rural lifestyle, Thetford Forest offers opportunities for riding or mountain biking. The Suffolk coast can be reached within 1-1½ hours from Newmarket, providing a seaside escape.
Commuters also find appeal in the picture-postcard market towns of Wendens Ambo and Saffron Walden. These towns offer a mix of pubs, independent shops, and cafes, along with good primary and preparatory schools like Moulton CEVC Primary School and King's Ely and Barnardiston Hall.
In these idyllic locations, properties priced between £800,000 to £1.5 million can secure a four/five-bedroom detached house in Dedham, or a three-bedroom period house in the center of Saffron Walden. For those with larger budgets, four- or five-bedroom houses with gardens might cost £1 million in the villages of Newport and Great Chesterford.
Whether seeking a peaceful countryside retreat, a charming market town, or a picturesque village, East Anglia offers a variety of options for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London while maintaining a commutable distance.
