The Best UK Cities for Countryside Lovers

Kiera Boyle
Jul 21
5 min read

Split image of architecture, fields, blurred person in nature, sunset, and colorful buildings, reflecting diverse scenic views.

Those of you who know me know I’m somewhat of a hybrid: field-loving rural horse girl and a zillenial who needs her buzzy, coffee-shop, city fix (and it’s gotta be impeccable coffee at that—preferably speciality).

But you know what? On my travels – especially while my relationship was long-distance for the first two years – I came across a fair few places that made me think: yeah, I could live here. I’m talking about what I call “rural cities”: places where you feel like you’re in the thick of it, but can still see rolling hills and treelines in the distance.

The UK is full of them if you know where to look. And while I’ve still got a list of places I’d love to visit (some of which people are shocked I still haven’t been to), here are the ones that have really stood out so far – and which might even make the relocation list one day (if I ever wanted to leave my very rural market-town base).

Bath, Somerset

Historic Georgian terrace in sunlight, with lush green lawn and large tree in foreground. Clear blue sky enhances peaceful mood.

Yeah yeah, I know – we all knew this would be first. But I don’t care. I just love Bath (and maybe I’m biased because my best friend lives there, so I visit often – even if I am demoted to the sofa in her one-bed flat. Totally worth it).

Bath is just stunning. The architecture, the history, the sheer satisfaction of all that matching oolitic limestone.

It’s also still cool and buzzing, and has pretty much everything you could want, just without the chaos of London. It’s more like a city escape for Londoners, if you know what I mean. Like: I want the city, but not too much. Plus, you’re a stone’s throw from rural gems like Bathampton, Bradford-on-Avon and Castle Combe (all worth a visit, by the way). And yeah, you still feel like you’re getting fresh air. You can actually breathe.

Definite rural city spot number one.

2. Exeter, Devon

Aerial view of a riverside town with colorful buildings, bridges, and lush greenery. The river winds through, under a clear blue sky.

Sticking with the West Country uni-city theme, my partner and I explored Exeter recently while down in Devon for said best friend’s wedding and oh my goodness, we were so pleasantly surprised.

Exeter is cool! There was this one divine little shop (that my partner is probably sick of me mentioning) called Helen of Troy and oh my god, it was like me, if I were a shop. ACOTAR books, stunning prints, incense, a Labrador (not for sale), pastel goth/witchy spa vibes – just perfection. And I feel like this shop kind of encompassed the whole essence of the city to be honest.

The coffee was also divine. And the reddy-pink brick everywhere (Heavitree Stone) gave the city such charm. Walk to the top of Northernhay Gardens and you’ll spot the glorious Devon countryside right there. Drive a few minutes out and it’s all winding lanes and tall hedges.

Absolute dream balance.

3. Edinburgh, Scotland

Aerial view of a cityscape featuring historic buildings and spires. Green trees line the streets filled with people and vehicles. Sunny day.

Oh, Edinburgh. How I love you.

Even though my last visit was way too long ago (cough 2018), the Scottish capital has always had a grip on my heart. I was instantly hooked by the city’s dark history (Burke and Hare, Kelpies) and mystical atmosphere – no wonder J.K. Rowling wrote there.

Even though it’s a proper city, it still carries that rural energy. We did a road trip through the Highlands to Loch Ness and back (with aforementioned best friend – yes, I have other friends, promise), and the whole place just had this feeling of potential. So many stories, that eerie, cosy richness (even in freezing January). You don’t get that from what I’m now calling “city cities.”

Edinburgh, I couldn’t leave you out.

4. Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Ancient stone ruins in a grassy area, with a tall church tower in the background. Clear blue sky. Mood is peaceful and historical.

My partner and I were quite intrigued by Bury – we ended up going back multiple times. I think you have to experience a place in a few different scenarios before deciding if you could really live there, but it was definitely a contender for a while.

It feels like a small market town, even though it’s officially a city. It didn’t quite make the cut for us in the end though, mainly because the nightlife was a bit pants (just a bit too quiet).

But we still like Bury, and it absolutely qualifies as a rural city.

Suffolk as a whole is so underrated. Once you’re in Bury, it’s beautiful in parts – the cathedral grounds are a must, and some of the high streets are giving Jane Austen. Very much worth a visit.

5. Winchester, Hampshire

Gothic cathedral under blue sky with small clouds, surrounded by leafless trees. People walk on the lawn and pathways, enjoying a sunny day.

Of course, Winchester – the place closest to home and where I actually went to uni. Winch is rural-town-core, embodied.

Though small, it’s the definition of somewhere you’d live if you wanted the best of both worlds (though house prices definitely reflect that). The pub culture is bangin’, and there’s so much history (good thing I studied it).

My only critique? The high street ends a little too soon for my liking. And if you visit straight after a trip to Bath, it can feel a bit like a micro version.

But hey – it was the capital before London back in the days of Wessex, so who am I to criticise?

Winchester is perfect if you want to live in a city, but cities generally overwhelm you. It’s a great “starter city” if you’ve never lived in one before.

6. Canterbury, Kent

Colorful historic street with brick and pastel buildings, vintage lamps, and cobblestone road under a cloudy sky. Quiet and nostalgic mood.

Kent really is the Garden of England. Canterbury gives that calm feeling – you know, like: Yeah, I’ll sit with a glass of wine outside this bookshop and look up at the steeple.

I especially loved The Crooked House, the 17th-century bookshop that leans charmingly to one side (as the name suggests). The Caen stone throughout the city and the cobbled streets give it such a quaint vibe. You kind of forget it’s technically a city.

If you’re down that way, I also recommend visiting Hever Castle – childhood home of everyone’s favourite ghostly queen, Anne Boleyn.

Canterbury is just… good vibes. And yes, you can see those lovely green views beyond the buildings that I always crave.

Honourable Mentions

I know I’ve only mentioned a few – and some places almost made the cut:

Cirencester – total Jilly Cooper vibes, but… is it really a city? Might save this one for a “rural towns” edition (though that feels slightly daunting, there are so many).
Cheltenham – lovely, but didn’t give me that “wow” moment like the others.
York – I almost included this to balance out the geography, but honestly… I loved the centre, and beyond that it felt… dare I say… overrated?
Cambridge - Love you to bits, but you're not quite rural enough to make the cut for this blog. Sorry.
Evesham - Warwickshire town that's definitely worth a wander.