{"id":1168,"date":"2025-04-15T10:46:45","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T10:46:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/?p=1168"},"modified":"2025-04-20T08:07:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T08:07:09","slug":"the-picturesque-village-just-30-minutes-from-london-named-best-for-commuters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/15\/the-picturesque-village-just-30-minutes-from-london-named-best-for-commuters\/","title":{"rendered":"The \u2018picturesque\u2019 village just 30 minutes from London named best for commuters"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Looking to escape London life? The best commuter village has been named (Picture: visiteppingforest.org)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approximately 32 miles north of London<\/a> lies Roydon \u2013 a \u2018picturesque\u2019 Essex<\/a> village known for its community spirit, abundance of local businesses, and charming pubs.<\/p>\n

Now, it\u2019s been named the best commuter spot<\/a> for Londoners looking to leave the city for the countryside. And it\u2019s still only 30 minutes away on the train.<\/a><\/p>\n

Ranking the best 100 commuter towns<\/a> and villages that are less than 90 minutes from the Big Smoke, a new study has seen Roydon place first.<\/p>\n

It was highlighted for the performance of its schools, the price of a season ticket (\u00a33,604), entertainment options (3.79), and proximity to green space (with a score of 100%). Beats the city concrete, right?<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Epsom in Surrey ranked second, while county neighbour Whyteleafe took third place and Watford, Hertfordshire, fourth, according to The Telegraph\u2019s<\/a> list.<\/p>\n

Tempted to make the move? Here\u2019s everything you need to know about Roydon, from things to do in the local area to house prices and transport options.<\/p>\n

Things to do in Roydon<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tReady to start your homebuying journey?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won’t charge you a fee for their advice.<\/p>\n

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Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re looking to support local businesses, Roydon is the place to do that.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s Tylers Cross Farm Shop, which sells fresh local produce, including meats and cheeses, while The Craft Boutique offers every single gift you might need, catering for everything from baby showers to wedding presents.<\/p>\n

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There’s a strong sense of community spirit in Roydon (Picture: visiteppingforest.org)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the green-fingered, Matthews Plants has a vast selection of flora, and if afternoon teais up your street, My Favourite Things is open for vintage-style parties. There are also two pubs – The New Inn and The White Hart – within walking distance from each other and the station.<\/p>\n

And as ever, there\u2019s a strong sense of community spirit here, with a local village market taking place on the second Saturday of every month. The sentiment is all about supporting local producers (with fresh food and handmade items on sale), as well as raising funds for Roydon Village Hall.<\/p>\n

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@lakelandleisureestates<\/a> <\/p>\n

Did you know about this hidden gem right by Roydon Marina? Brick Lock Island is a smallholding just down the River Stort. They grow fruit and vegetables, have an orchard from which they make cider, beehives for local honey and seasonal cut flowers. \ud83c\udf3f\ud83e\udd55\ud83c\udf4e\ud83d\udc1d\ud83c\udf37 If you’re mooring at Roydon Marina Village, it’s the perfect place to buy local! #BrickLockIsland<\/a> #Roydon<\/a> #RoydonMarina<\/a> #RoydonMarinaVillage<\/a> #RiverStort<\/a> #BuyLocal<\/a> #HiddenGem<\/a> #Essex<\/a> #Hertfordshire<\/a> #London<\/a> #Harlow<\/a> #BoatLife<\/a> #LifesBetterByWater<\/a> #LakelandLeisureMarinas<\/a><\/p>\n

\u266c original sound – Lakeland Leisure Group<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Looking for a spot of greenery? If you\u2019re into cycling or walking, the Roydon Country Walk is popular with locals \u2013 and spans around 5 miles.<\/p>\n

It takes around two hours to complete on foot, and stops along the way include St Peter’s Church (which dates back to the Middle Ages), Netherhall (a ruinous manor house built in the 1440s), Glen Faba Lake, the River Stort, and Roydon Marina Village.<\/p>\n

Harlow is just around the corner, too (a mere six minutes by car, or four minutes on the train), which houses a variety of family-friendly activities including the Town Park, Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens, The Gibberd Garden, and Parndon Wood Nature Reserve.<\/p>\n

House prices in Roydon<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Naturally, this Essex bolthole doesn\u2019t come cheap. According to data from Rightmove<\/a>, over the last year, homes in Roydon sold for an average of \u00a3607,595 \u2013 considerably more than the typical asking price across the UK, which has now hit a record high<\/a> of \u00a3377,000. Ouch.<\/p>\n

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@bengaltiger2001<\/a> <\/p>\n

Roydon Marina Village, Essex. It a must visit place as it\u2019s only 20 miles from East London. #travel<\/a> #picnic<\/a> #lodge<\/a> #hotel<\/a> #Roydonmarina<\/a> #UK<\/a><\/p>\n

\u266c Vacation – Dirty Heads<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

In Roydon specifically though, there are glimmers of optimism (if it\u2019s within your budget, that is), as these figures have remained similar to 2024, and are actually down by 18% from the peak of \u00a3745,231 in 2021.<\/p>\n

What locals are saying about Roydon<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Locals are enamoured with Roydon \u2013 and over on Reddit, @EI89<\/a> praised the Essex village for having a \u2018really easy commute to Liverpool Street.\u2019<\/p>\n

Elsewhere in the r\/Essex Subreddit<\/a>, Roydon was complimented for having \u2018a great primary school, playing fields, canal, farms you can roam around, [and] ye olde pubs.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tLondoners are flocking to this \u2018perfect\u2019 commuter village just an hour away\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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It’s not just Roydon that’s all the rage with London commuters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Perched right on the River Stour in Essex<\/a> is the unassuming village <\/a>of Mistley<\/a>, famed for its warm community feel, unique history, and its highly efficient train station<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mistley has one of the highest performing stations across the UK \u2013 and it\u2019s just over one hour by train <\/a>from London<\/a> Liverpool Street. Just hop on the service<\/a> to Manningtree for one stop and change for the direct line. <\/p>\n

With services run by Greater Anglia, between January 5 and February 1, every single train that was scheduled to stop in Mistley successfully arrived \u2013 and there were zero cancellations, making it an idyllic location for London commuters, who have long been flocking to this Essex bolthole in their droves in search of a quieter life.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

According to Visit Epping Forest<\/a>, the village is \u2018small\u2019 but \u2018picturesque\u2019 \u2013 and is even known for having links to Tudor history, as Henry VIII presented his son, Edward VI, to the local people at Roydon Hall back in 1538. The more you know.<\/p>\n

Transport links in Roydon<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Thinking about how long your commute to the office might be? There\u2019s a direct line from Roydon to London Liverpool Street that takes as little as 29 minutes \u2013 AKA, the same amount of time some Londoners might even spend on the Tube <\/a>in the morning.<\/p>\n

Tickets cost in the region of \u00a313.80 for a single journey, and services run roughly twice an hour. Who needs to live in London, anyway?<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tThe top 20 London commuter towns and villages, according to The Telegraph\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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  1. Roydon, Essex<\/li>\n
  2. Epsom, Surrey<\/li>\n
  3. Whyteleafe, Surrey<\/li>\n
  4. Watford, Hertfordshire<\/li>\n
  5. Esher, Surrey<\/li>\n
  6. St Albans, Hertfordshire<\/li>\n
  7. Epping, Essex<\/li>\n
  8. Brookwood, Surrey<\/li>\n
  9. Loughton, Essex<\/li>\n
  10. Ewell, Surrey<\/li>\n
  11. Windsor, Berkshire<\/li>\n
  12. Ware, Hertfordshire<\/li>\n
  13. Oxted, Surrey<\/li>\n
  14. Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire<\/li>\n
  15. Reigate, Surrey<\/li>\n
  16. Theydon Bois, Essex<\/li>\n
  17. Potters Bar, Hertfordshire<\/li>\n
  18. Guildford, Surrey<\/li>\n
  19. Shepperton, Surrey<\/li>\n
  20. West Molesey, Surrey.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
    \n

    \n\t\t\t\tWhat's your home like?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
    \n

    This year Metro <\/strong>is partnering with the Ufurnish.com<\/a> Home Awards<\/a><\/strong> to bring readers the best in UK property.<\/p>\n

    From jaw-dropping before-and-after renovations to effortlessly stylish spaces on a budget and rental DIY masterpieces, the awards recognise outstanding talent across 20 categories covering interiors, gardens, furniture innovation and home accessories.<\/p>\n

    As part of our partnership, Metro\u2019s Property channel <\/a><\/strong>will be full of inspiring homes, fly-on-the-wall property pictures and tips and tricks from those in the know.<\/p>\n

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    Head to <\/a>Ufurnish.com<\/a><\/strong> to enter now.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Looking to escape London life? The best commuter village has been named (Picture: visiteppingforest.org) Approximately 32 miles north of London lies Roydon \u2013 a \u2018picturesque\u2019 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-property"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1168"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1168\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1173,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1168\/revisions\/1173"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}