Get to know a new area

Now you know the lie of the land it’s time to get to grips with the area

Visit in different seasons
Everywhere looks nice in summer. But how will you enjoy country living after weeks of rain, thick mud and freezing winds? The only way to find out is to go at different times of the year and especially in the winter months. Stay for at least a week at a time - and try commuting in the dark.

Don't stay with friends
Countryside holidays give an unrealistic impression of everyday life. Staying with friends won't prepare you for what life will be like on those days when it's just you, the cat and Radio 4 for company.

Rent different types of property
Cottages are lovely to stay in for a romantic weekend but will you be able to cope with confined living on a daily basis? Try renting different sizes and styles of house - a new build or a terraced property may suit your family's needs better than a quaint cottage.

Get down the local
The pub is often the heart of the village and can set the tone for your social life. Get to know your local - it's one of the best places to make friends, ask for advice and find out what villagers really think about incomers.

Do some dummy runs
Discover how easy it will be travelling around the region. On the map it may look only a short drive to the nearest supermarket but country lanes can be slow at the best of times. Try out the local public transport, too. Is it as reliable as you'll need it to be?


My kind of town
The chances are you'll be reliant on your local market town for supplies and socialising. It won't be like big city living, so are you prepared to compromise where it matters?
Organic food Ironically, the deeper you live in the British countryside, the more difficult it can be to find certified organic food. But this is more than compensated for by the provision of pesticide-free local produce, rare-breed meat, free-range eggs, farmshops and weekly markets. Look out for roadside vegetable stalls: their produce is often cheap and grown with care.
Recycling It's not any easier being green in the countryside. In fact, it can be harder. Local authority recycling schemes can be limited and you may have to travel to drop off newspapers, glass and plastics. Though you'll almost certainly have a garden to inspire you to compost your organic waste.
Politics Country politics may well differ from those in town. Hunting, housing, farming and travellers are some of the big issues on rural political agendas and you may find your stance as an urban dweller isn't shared by other villagers. Rural politics also tend to be conservative with a small ‘c'.
Religion Despite their cosy Vicar of Dibley image, rural churches are losing attendance at twice the rate of urban churches. However, local churches and chapels are still a great source of contact and social life for both Christians and non-believers in rural areas. Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and other faiths are not well catered for in the countryside, so you may have to travel to your nearest large town or city for services.
Friendliness It's a cliché but it's true. In general, people in the countryside are often more open and chatty with strangers than their city cousins. Market towns or villages with large numbers of commuters or weekenders, however, sometimes lack the warmth of places with long-standing inhabitants.
Attitude to animals Sentimental about animals? Not everyone in the countryside is pro fox hunting but you will struggle to find people who have a problem with game shooting or pest control - pheasant, rabbit, pigeon, deer and other game shoots are an integral and important part of rural land management.  Road kill is also abundant and unavoidable.


Directory

Big Barn: Helps you source fresh local produce, as well as providing online articles, recipes and a monthly community newsletter 0123 487 1005 www.bigbarn.co.uk

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers: Part-time volunteering locally and conservation holidays 0130 257 2244 www.btcv.org

Cottages.co.uk: Independent holiday-cottage letting agencies in the UK www.cottages.co.uk

English Country Cottages: Details of holiday lets in rural locations 0870 078 1100 www.english-country-cottages.co.uk

The Good Pub Guide: Check out your local www.goodguides.co.uk

National Association of Farmers' Markets (now called FARMA): Can provide lists of the markets in your area 0845 458 8420 www.farmersmarkets.net

Ordnance Survey: Order detailed and customised maps online 0845 605 0505 www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Places2stay.co.uk: Lists a wide choice of B&B, self-catering and hotel accommodation in the UK www.places2stay.co.uk

The Ramblers: Provides advice to help you get the best out of walking anywhere in the UK, plus information on rights of way and access to the countryside 020 7339 8500 www.ramblers.org.uk

Recycle More: Locate and find out about your nearest recycling facilities www.recycle-more.co.uk

Sustrans: Designs and builds routes for cyclists and walkers. Also sells maps and guides for safe walking and cycling in the UK www.sustrans.org.uk

Visit Britain: Offers local tourist information, accommodation lists and events www.visitbritain.com

Youth Hostel Association: Offers budget accommodation for individuals and family groups at hostels in England and Wales 0870 770 8868 www.yha.org.uk

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