If you want the buzz of London within reach but crave more space, calm and value for money, these ten locations less than an hour away offer the best of both worlds.
London remains one of the most dynamic cities in the world, but not everyone wants to be in the thick of it all the time. Thanks to the green belt, the city’s urban sprawl is contained, creating a natural boundary between city and countryside. Beyond it lie towns that enjoy excellent connections and a quality of life that’s hard to find in London itself. With the average property price now at £561,587, the appeal of moving just a few stops further out is clear.
From historic market towns to leafy commuter spots, there are plenty of places within an hour of the city that combine convenience with character — and a more manageable price tag. They offer good schools, community spirit and a slower pace of life, all while keeping London’s theatres, restaurants and offices within easy reach. And if you’re already based in the city, owning a nearby weekend bolthole can be a greener, more affordable alternative to flying off each Friday.
Top 10 commuter towns an hour from London
| Location | Population | Time to London (by train) | Average property price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faversham, Kent | 21,000 | 66 minutes | £349,000 |
| Hungerford, Berkshire | 6,000 | 50 minutes | £382,000 |
| Horsham, West Sussex | 51,000 | 55 minutes | £453,000 |
| Oxted, Surrey | 11,000 | 34 minutes | £716,000 |
| Guildford, Surrey | 145,000 | 39 minutes | £616,456 |
| Maidenhead, Berkshire | 70,000 | 34 minutes | £618,860 |
| Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire | 42,727 | 30 minutes | £342,134 |
| Harlow, Essex | 95,000 | 30 minutes | £300,000 |
| Epping, Essex | 133,969 | 36 minutes | £668,519 |
| Henley-upon-Thames, Oxfordshire | 12,186 | 44 minutes | £706,133 |
1. Faversham, Kent
A historic market town surrounded by orchards and waterways, Faversham offers an easy-going lifestyle within commuting reach of London. It’s home to Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest independent brewery, and its medieval streets are lined with antique shops, pubs and independent cafés. The Saxon Shore Way and Oare Marshes nature reserve are ideal for long walks, while Whitstable’s coast is just a short drive away. Period cottages start from around £350,000, with larger family homes climbing to £450,000 and beyond.
2. Hungerford, Berkshire
In the heart of the North Wessex Downs, Hungerford combines rural tranquillity with strong rail links to London Paddington. The River Kennet, Kennet, Avon Canal and Savernake Forest provide scenic backdrops for walking, cycling and boating. The high street is filled with antique shops, cafés and traditional pubs. You’ll find flats from £200,000 and character cottages from under £300,000, making it one of the more affordable commuter towns.
3. Horsham, West Sussex
Set between the North and South Downs, Horsham enjoys both countryside calm and proximity to the south coast. It’s a prosperous town with low crime rates and excellent amenities, including shops, cinemas and leisure centres. Gatwick Airport is close by, and the train to London Victoria takes under an hour. Expect one-bedroom flats from £200,000 and semi-detached homes from £350,000.
4. Oxted, Surrey
Sitting on the edge of the North Downs, Oxted offers the best of both worlds — rolling countryside and fast access to London Bridge in around half an hour. The town’s greenbelt setting gives it a distinctly rural feel, while the M25 is right on the doorstep. Prices reflect the convenience: expect to pay over £250,000 for a retirement property and at least £500,000 for a semi-detached house.
5. Guildford, Surrey
With its cobbled streets, riverside walks and views over the Surrey Hills, Guildford is one of the most sought-after spots in the commuter belt. The town’s historic architecture, shops and lively cultural scene make it ideal for families and professionals alike. Regular trains to Waterloo take under 40 minutes. Flats start well under £100,000, but semi-detached homes are closer to £330,000.
6. Maidenhead, Berkshire
The Elizabeth Line has put Maidenhead firmly back on the map for commuters. The direct service to Bond Street takes under an hour, while the town’s Thames-side setting adds lifestyle appeal. Families enjoy riverside parks, cycling routes and weekend walks to nearby Windsor. Apartments start at around £75,000, while family homes cost from £500,000.
7. Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
This friendly market town offers excellent value and a 30-minute train to Euston. The high street brims with independent shops and cafés, while the weekly Charter Market has traded since the 11th century. Nature lovers will appreciate its canal walks and proximity to the Chiltern Hills. One- or two-bedroom properties start from £130,000, while family homes cost around £300,000.
8. Harlow, Essex
Bordering Hertfordshire’s countryside, Harlow is evolving fast, with new developments and excellent transport links to London Liverpool Street. Its sculpture trail and public gardens bring creativity to daily life, while local theatres and cafés add a community feel. Prices remain accessible, with small flats from £170,000 and family houses around £400,000.
9. Epping, Essex
Best known for its vast ancient forest, Epping combines country life with Central Line convenience. You can step from the woods straight onto the Tube — and be at Bank station in under 40 minutes. Apartments start from £150,000, with four-bedroom homes from £400,000. It’s a good choice for those who want green space without giving up easy city access.
10. Henley-upon-Thames, Oxfordshire
A classic English riverside town, Henley is famous for its regatta and elegant Georgian streets. The high street is lined with boutiques, cafés and galleries, and the town hosts an exclusive music and arts festival each summer. It may not be the cheapest option, but it offers an enviable lifestyle. One-bedroom homes start at £280,000, with larger family houses from £750,000.
Summary
Each of these towns offers a distinct balance of value, character and connectivity. Whether you’re after a permanent move or a weekend retreat, there are plenty of places within an hour of London where you can slow down — without cutting yourself off.
