Where best to raise a family? It is a subject on which every parent in the land has a view. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have plumped for Norfolk. They have a country retreat there, Anmer Hall, in which Prince George and the expected sibling will spend a significant portion of their childhoods. From next year, William will be working as a helicopter pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
For ordinary homebuyers – according to the people who should know best, estate
agents – the number one priority is schools. But they also think: Are there
good parks and playgrounds? Museums and libraries? Kid-friendly cafés?
Woodland walks? Cycle paths? Theatres and cinemas? Swimming-pools and other
sports facilities? Outside a children’s book, there is no such thing as the
perfect spot to grow up. But here are 20 of the most family-friendly places
in the UK, rightly treasured by parents for what everything have to offer.
1 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
“Excellent schooling, low crime rates, a thriving sporting culture and a
bustling town centre all make Cheltenham a natural place for families with
children,” says Lynn Simmonds of Hamptons International. It is a festival
town, so there always seem to be special children’s events to look forward
to. Both the lido and the delightful Pittville Park are deservedly popular.
Houses aren’t cheap – and get pricier away from the centre.
On the market: Five-bedroom Edwardian villa with period features.
£645,000 with Hamptons
International.
