Idyllic

After living in London for three years, I moved to a seaside town I’d only visited once before

Following months confined in lockdown with rowdy neighbours and eye-watering rent costs, I chose to swap London permanently for the coast. After roughly three years in the capital, I’d had enough of the noise, chaos and grime that greeted me virtually every day.

Prior to lockdown, the metropolis pulsed with energy. Eateries were heaving, pubs packed with punters, and my neighbourhood coffee spots teemed with commuters each morning.

The capital offered the ideal setting for late nights, sampling exotic dishes and catching up with mates.

Yet when lockdown struck, everything shifted. Like countless others, I became disenchanted with city life.

What had been a vibrant urban centre suddenly felt lifeless, and we found ourselves trapped indoors all day to dodge COVID-19, reports the Express.

Seeing friends or relatives became impossible, and apart from daily supermarket runs and strolls to the nearby park, venturing out was forbidden.

Lockdown prompted many to reassess what mattered most. While I’d previously relished pub crawls and all-nighters, I suddenly yearned for outdoor space, stunning seaside views and crisp air – three elements London sorely lacked.

Even when cafés and restaurants began reopening for takeaways, London’s allure remained elusive for me, prompting a radical choice: I relocated to a coastal town I’d only visited once before. Renting in London remains absurdly pricey, but when I swapped my one-bedroom flat in South East London for a property twice the size in the charming coastal town of Deal in Kent, I hadn’t anticipated pocketing an extra £275 each month.

And the savings didn’t stop there. I’m now situated near an Aldi, where costs are considerably cheaper than the small Sainsbury’s Local that sat at the end of my street in London.

I’d also escaped a draughty, detached Victorian property that had been badly split into flats, meaning my energy bills dropped surprisingly.

While I still pop into London occasionally to catch up with friends and go to events, there are three key reasons I’d never return to the capital:.

1. The cost

It can occasionally feel like simply breathing costs 10p per minute in London. Cash appeared to vanish from my bank account when I resided there, which made saving especially difficult.

Although I could have reined in spending on takeaway coffees, takeaways and dining out, that’s very much part and parcel of the London way of life. Heading out for a couple of drinks with friends could easily become a £100 evening once you factor in travel expenses.

I adored having countless restaurants on my doorstep in London; I’d never sampled Eritrean food before relocating there, for instance, but the variety was occasionally overwhelming. I found myself wanting to sample everything, which wasn’t always feasible when you had rent and bills to cover.

Something many don’t clock about London life is the expense of getting around. Before lockdown, I was fortunate to live relatively near my workplace, yet the daily commute still set me back roughly £10 – money that quickly mounted up.

These days, I’m mostly based at home, with the odd trip into the office. While local transport doesn’t match TfL’s standards, I barely use it except for medical appointments.

I’m now just minutes away from Deal’s shops, cafes and eateries on foot, which has slashed my spending considerably.

2. The noise

The sheer volume of London didn’t hit me until I’d left. That relentless background din becomes your new normal within days of arriving.

When I left, I was genuinely shocked by the silence. I’d grown used to the overground rattling past my back garden, distant sirens wailing, and the neighbours’ telly and chatter filtering through the walls.

Town centre living still brings occasional noise disturbance, but nothing like London’s levels. My biggest gripe now is aggressive seagulls screeching on the roof at dawn during the summer months.

3. The scenery

For me, coastal views are unbeatable. Growing up along Dorset’s shoreline means spotting that brilliant blue line on the horizon just feels right.

Don’t get me wrong, London boasts some stunning vistas. Perching atop Blythe Hill Fields in South London, gazing down at the park and some of the capital’s most recognisable buildings was among my favourite pastimes when I called it home.

Yet, after several years, I found myself yearning for seaside panoramas. I longed for the shore, the ocean and crisp air.

Regardless of how many green spaces I explored in London, the atmosphere always seemed dense and polluted.

Everyone warned I’d regret my choice to relocate to the coastline, but to this day, it ranks among the best decisions I’ve ever made. Don’t get me wrong, there are several drawbacks to seaside living; we’re inundated with holidaymakers during summer, there are fewer amenities, and everyone I know lives much further away, but I’d embrace all of that rather than residing in London.

The stunning circular walking trail, perfect for a relaxed day out, is believed to have inspired one of the most famous authors of our time — and it’s right here in the UK.

A breathtaking walking route in Lancashire boasts an incredibly famous link to a bestselling author and has formed the inspiration behind a mammoth blockbuster film trilogy.

It’s well known that JRR Tolkien drew inspiration from Lancashire’s spectacular countryside whilst penning The Lord of the Rings, which was clearly reflected in his portrayal of Middle Earth. For decades, countless visitors have travelled from across the globe to trace the footsteps of the legendary fantasy writer.

During World War Two, Tolkien and his spouse frequently stayed at a guesthouse within Stonyhurst College’s grounds, where their son had allegedly been evacuated. This timeframe coincided with his writing of The Lord of the Rings, reports Lancs Live.

He’s believed to have sought refuge in Hurst Green village in the Ribble Valley, whose verdant and enchanting environment directly shaped The Lord of the Rings as well as his children’s fantasy tale The Hobbit.

Indeed, devotees of The Hobbit will recognise that Hobbiton and the Shire drew their inspiration from Hurst Green’s magnificent rural splendour and neighbouring regions.

The terrain surrounding Stonyhurst College also appears within Tolkien’s bestselling novels, and there’s even a complete 5.5 mile circular route called the Tolkien Trail which guides walkers through numerous locations they’d encounter referenced – or directly inspired by – in Tolkien’s masterpieces.

Renowned for his passion for woodland scenery and the natural world, several names and locations in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings bear striking resemblance to those found in reality around Hurst Green, including Shire Lane and the River Shirebourn, which shared its name with the very family who owned the Stonyhurst estate.

Tolkien is famously reported to have devoted considerable time ‘in a classroom on the upper gallery of Stonyhurst College’ crafting Lord of the Rings.

The Tolkien Trail itself is packed with historic sites, each more captivating than the previous. Beginning and concluding near the Shireburn Arms – a celebrated gastro pub in Hurst Green – the approximately five-and-a-half-mile Tolkien Trail guides walkers through breathtaking vistas.

The Shireburn Arms itself is a 17th-century establishment which has preserved many of its period features. Celebrated for its cuisine, this independent pub features a welcoming fireplace in the public room – particularly popular with visitors during the colder months.

The Tolkien Trail guides walkers past Stonyhurst College and the historic yet famous Cromwell’s Bridge, named after Oliver Cromwell.

Initially built in 1562, Cromwell is believed to have led his forces across the ancient bridge whilst travelling from Walton-le-Dale to participate in the 1648 Battle of Preston.

The Tolkien Trail also leads visitors past Hacking Hall – a 17th-century, Grade I listed Jacobean residence located near where the River Calder meets the River Ribble. Despite being privately-owned, it remains a beloved landmark amongst walkers, particularly those who have embarked upon the Tolkien Trail.

Tolkien’s Trail also guides adventurers through verdant fields and agricultural pathways, offering hikers classic Ribble Valley countryside panoramas.

Additional remarkable features along the route include a 19th-century observatory, the 18th century Hodder Place – a former educational establishment that initially functioned as a mill owner’s home – alongside a partially-medieval barn.

Peaceful waterside sections and endless vistas of the Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) render the Tolkien Trail an ideal ramble for those seeking to undertake a relaxed stroll.

Between two and a half to three hours represents an appropriate timeframe to dedicate to this historical walking route.

Delighted visitors have flocked to Tripadvisor to praise the trail, with one writing: “The Tolkien Trail is a scenic 5.5-mile walk through the beautiful Ribble Valley, offering lush woodlands, riverside paths, and peaceful countryside.

“Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s time at nearby Stonyhurst College, the trail is easy to follow and perfect for a relaxed day out. The mix of history and nature makes it a must for Tolkien fans and casual walkers alike. A great spot for a picnic with magical views!”.

Meanwhile another hiker said: ” Loved the walk. Great views and stunning scenery. Can understand this would inspire the imagination. Easy recommend.”

One visitor said: “The views and the surrounding area are exactly what you want on a walk, fresh air and green spaces with rolling hills and the rivers to marvel at too.”

How to get there

The village of Hurst Green is located approximately 5 miles west of Clitheroe and nine and a half miles northeast of Preston. Limited car parking is available in the village.

Regular bus services also operate between Clitheroe, Preston, and Whalley, stopping at Hurst Green.

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