Move to... a market town

In search of a property that offers the best of town and country? A market town could be the perfect location. By Joanna Simmons and Rosie Ainslie

Market towns are the ancient hubs of the countryside. Many have kept their distinctive character and often occupy a striking setting, in the meander of a river or perched on a hill, inviting generations of individuals to flow in from the surrounding landscape to buy, sell and socialise. Historically, each town specialised in the trade of specific products, as well as catering for everyday needs or acting as a staging post on a busy route. They grew up close to castles or abbeys that would have provided protection and business, or near to centres of production such as mines or mills.

 

Today, they are as desirable for their shops and schools as for their history and architecture. In a good market town you are likely to find a quality butcher, greengrocer, bakery and delicatessen, perhaps a florist and certainly a number of excellent cafés and pubs. They are also home to unusual specialist shops, and are still self-sufficient in brass-tacks services, such as a post office. Most still hold a regular market, too.

 

Of course, not all market towns are thriving. Some have retained or enhanced their character, but others have had it chipped away by urban competition and ill-considered development. The good news is
that initiatives to regenerate town centres are now widespread. The future is bright for market towns and life as a resident of one can
be enormously fulfilling.

 

Is a market town for you?

● A best-of-both-worlds position The countryside is on your doorstep, yet you have a wealth of amenities within walking distance. Often there are excellent schools, health and leisure facilities and a railway station, too. If a village seems remote, but access to the countryside is high on your list, a market town is ideal.

● Cultural life Many market towns have a speciality, such as a good theatre or artists' colony, and a number hold annual festivals. Wimborne Minster in Dorset runs a folk music festival each June, Nantwich in Cheshire has a food festival, Hay-on-Wye in Powys and Ilkley in North Yorkshire have arts festivals.

● Distinctive locations The natural landscape informs and shapes many market towns and they frequently enjoy beautiful settings, perched alongside rivers (Sandwich in Kent, Hexham in Northumberland), overlooked by an ancient abbey or castle (Skipton in North Yorkshire and Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk), hugging a steep hill (Shaftesbury in Dorset) or all three (Totnes in Devon and Lewes in East Sussex). There is typically plenty of green space alongside the well-conserved buildings.

● Good planning Britain's most attractive market towns have councils that fight to protect their identity, sanctioning only plans that show a sensitivity to local building traditions and architecture. But watch out for inappropriate development, such as uninspiring housing estates and huge out-of-town-retail parks that drain a once-thriving high street.

● Increasing traffic can mean congestion and lack of parking,
and small gardens are the norm.

● Great shops Regular markets and interesting independent shops keep town centres vibrant and individual.

 

Tempted?  Take a look at six of the best market towns...

 

How about moving to a riverside retreat?

 

Get more expert advice on moving to the country

 

 

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