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Top UK Places to Move to in 2020
For many people, a new decade is time to take stock and make important decisions – including about where you want to live.
Hamiltons Removals has travelled to all corners of the UK to help people relocate. Here, we take a look at six towns likely to prove popular with anyone on the move in 2020.
Bury St Edmunds
With house removals to Suffolk always in demand, it’s no surprise that the St Edmundsbury district, where Bury St Edmunds, pictured above, is the focal point, ranked at No. 9 in the Halifax Quality of Life Survey 2020, which takes into account the environment, health and life expectancy, earnings, education, crime and other factors.
Bury St Edmunds boasts a cathedral and the ruins of an important Benedictine monastery. The market town’s period architecture is another draw and home buyers seeking a historic house are spoilt for choice, along with those seeking a modern home.
Maldon
Fifth in the Halifax’s survey was the district of Maldon. Located next to the Blackwater estuary, Maldon’s thriving maritime scene is a major draw. Mariners will find yachting and sailing clubs, plus berths at the nearby Heybridge basin and chartered vessels at the Hythe Quay.
The ancient town is also famous for its sea salt and annual Easter Mud Race. With London in easy reach via the A12 or by rail, it’s a popular choice for commuters.
Sudbury
Sudbury is in the heart of Constable Country near Kersey, Lavenham and Long Melford. The Suffolk district of Babergh, which inspired the famous landscape painter, came eighth in the Halifax’s survey.
The birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, the market town is home to a museum which bears his name. Situated by the River Stour, the town was a busy river port in Gainsborough’s day. Today the Quay Theatre is built on a former riverside industrial site and the river is used by a rowing club and visitors enjoying walks along its banks.
Bishop’s Stortford
Bishop’s Stortford’s district of East Hertfordshire district topped the Halifax poll with the district achieving high scores for health and happiness. This may be due to the town’s thriving nightlife and shopping facilities, including the developed Jackson Square shopping centre, and its proximity to London. Stansted Airport is only around 10 minutes’ drive away, and the M11 runs through the edge of the town and links up with the M25 to the south and Cambridge and Harlow to the north.
Selby
While East Anglia secured many top slots in the Halifax survey, Selby in Yorkshire claimed sixth position. The district scored particularly well for low anxiety levels, life satisfaction, population density, rainfall and housing affordability. While arable farming is important for the economy here, the town also attracts commuters for Leeds, Wakefield and York. The town’s charms include Selby Abbey, one of the largest parish churches in England.
Rugby
This Warwickshire district was 15th in the Halifax survey. Rugby is famous for its links with the sport and visitors can tour the school where the game was reputedly invented, as well as a museum dedicated to the sport and the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Other attractions include theatres and a pedestrianised town centre around its historic clock tower. Good road links make this a wise practical choice too, with the M1 and M6 merging close to the town.
House Removals to Suffolk and Across the UK with Hamiltons
As a leading moving company based in East Anglia, Hamiltons can help you move to and from all cities, towns and villages in the UK, not just those near our base on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
We have many years of experience helping people enjoy a stress-free move in the UK and abroad. Get started by following this link, or completing a video survey to receive a comprehensive quote and be guided through every stage of the process.
Picture: MARTIN PETTITT
Valentine’s Day Across the World
In the UK, February 14 is the day to remember your loved one – either in the form of cards, chocolates or flowers. But how is St Valentine’s Day celebrated in other countries?
Hamiltons are experts in international removals to Europe and across the world. Here we look at some of the more unusual traditions associated with February 14 across the world.
The Philippines
As well as the usual celebrations which are the same as in the West, the day is often marked by the ultimate expression of love – getting married. Thousands of couples across the country tie the knot, sometimes in mass wedding ceremonies, and often in public places. Some local authorities provide venues and officiate for free, and married couples often add to the numbers by renewing their vows.
South Africa
For those people thinking about domestic or commercial removals to South Africa, this is a country where women can wear their heart on their sleeve – literally! On February 14, many of them pin the name of their loved ones on their sleeves, in what was originally thought to be an ancient Roman tradition called Lupercalia. In some parts of the country, men do this as well. At least this way you are guaranteed to learn whether you have any admirers.
Japan
Here the onus is definitely on the woman to make the first move – but the men don’t get out of it either! On February 14, ladies buy chocolates for their loved ones, and the more expensive they are, the stronger their feelings are thought to be. High-quality ones are reserved for husbands and boyfriends, while cheaper (so-called obligation chocolates) are given to friends and colleagues.
However, a month later on March 14, the men are expected to return the favour, on what is known as White Day. Their gift, often jewellery or lingerie, should be two or three times the value of the chocolate. If it isn’t, then the relationship could be considered to be over.
Finland and Estonia
The Finnish and the Estonians opt for a much lower-key celebration on February 14. They exchange presents and cards with friends and family rather than their loved ones. Both countries have called Valentine’s Day ‘Friendship Day’. People also mark the occasion by decorating their homes with colourful ribbons and lights, while live shows and musical performances are also common in both countries.
Denmark
In Denmark, Valentine’s Day cards were originally called ‘Lover’s Cards’. These could either include pictures of the sender, or white pressed flowers known as snowdrops.
Nowadays, these have both been superseded by more conventional Valentine’s cards, although one tradition does remain. On February 14, men send their loved ones little poems or love notes, known as gaekkebrev. The message is signed anonymously with dots, and if the receiver guesses the name correctly, she can expect to receive an Easter egg later in the year.
International Removals with Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals, we pride ourselves on supplying a top-quality moving service at a highly competitive price. If you are interested in international removals to Europe, we can arrange commercial or domestic moves to all parts of the continent, including Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Our experienced team can also help with your move to and from most worldwide destinations, including South Africa, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If you would like to know more about our services, follow this link or call our friendly, experienced team on 01379 855203.