If you’re looking to escape the capital but still need a manageable commute, a market town in one of London’s bordering counties could be the perfect solution. These towns offer a balance of affordability, charm, countryside access, and solid transport links into London. Here’s our pick for the best market town in every county that touches the capital (plus a runner-up because we love options!).
Best market town in Buckinghamshire – Amersham
A picturesque historic town that appeared in the Doomsday Book, Amersham boasts a thriving culinary scene plus outstanding schools and nearby Chiltern countryside.
The commute: Direct Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways services to London in around 35 minutes.
What about house prices? Premium, but a great investment.
Runner-up in Buckinghamshire: Beaconsfield
A prestigious market town with excellent transport links, great schools, and an upmarket feel.
The commute: 25 minutes to London Marylebone.
What about house prices? Expensive, but with a strong property market.
NEXT READ: 6 surprisingly rural towns with a direct commuter train link to London
Best market town in Berkshire – Wokingham
Regularly voted one of the best places to live in the UK, Wokingham offers excellent schools, a historic town centre, and green spaces.
The commute: Trains to London Paddington take around 50 minutes.
What about house prices? Higher than some areas but more affordable than closer commuter towns.
Runner-up in Berkshire: Newbury
A lovely riverside town with good schools, a strong economy, and plenty of green space.
The commute: Around an hour to London Paddington.
What about house prices? More affordable than Wokingham, with good value family homes.
NEXT READ: 5 romantic villages with a commuter link to London
Best market town in Essex – Saffron Walden
A beautiful medieval market town with independent shops, great schools, and a vibrant cultural scene.
The commute: Trains from nearby Audley End to London Liverpool Street take around an hour.
What about the house prices? Rising but still easily more affordable than London.
Runner-up in Essex: Maldon
A charming coastal market town with a rich maritime history and great local produce.
The commute: 45–60 minutes from nearby Witham to London Liverpool Street.
What about the house prices? A more affordable option than Saffron Walden.
Best market town in Hertfordshire – Hitchin
A charming, well-connected market town with independent shops, great schools, and a buzzing community.
The commute: Trains to London Kings Cross take around 30 minutes.
What about the house prices? Mid-range for Hertfordshire, with good value compared to St Albans.
Runner-up in Hertfordshire: Berkhamsted
A stylish market town with excellent schools and a canal-side location.
The commute: 35 minutes to London Euston.
What about the house prices? Expensive, but highly sought after.
Best market town in Kent – Sevenoaks
A perfect mix of countryside living and commuter convenience, with fantastic schools and a well-heeled high street.
The commute: Trains to London Bridge take just 25 minutes.
What about the house prices? Premium, but a fantastic quality of life.
Runner-up in Kent: Faversham
A beautiful medieval market town with excellent food markets and a thriving creative scene.
The commute: Around 1 hour to London St Pancras or Victoria.
What about the house prices? More affordable than Sevenoaks, with great period properties.
Best market town in Surrey – Farnham
A historic and scenic market town with stunning Georgian architecture and access to the Surrey Hills.
The commute: Trains to London Waterloo take just under an hour.
What about the house prices: Expensive, but good value for the Surrey address.
Runner-up in Surrey: Dorking
A charming market town surrounded by the Surrey Hills, with a strong arts and antiques scene.
The commute: Around 55 minutes to London Victoria or Waterloo.
What about the house prices? Premium but Dorking’s charm is worth it.
Best market town in West Sussex – East Grinstead
A characterful town with period architecture, excellent transport links, and access to the beautiful Ashdown Forest.
The commute: Trains to London Victoria take around 55 minutes.
What about the house prices? More affordable than many Surrey and Kent options.
Runner-up in West Sussex: Horsham
An attractive market town with a vibrant town centre, excellent schools, and easy access to the South Downs.
The commute: Trains to London Victoria take around 55 minutes.
What about the house prices? A mix of period and modern properties for a range of budgets.
These market towns offer fantastic alternatives to London and each have their own unique character and history.
The Hattie 