Ten of the best commuter towns near London

Last year Homes and Property reported that the number of Londoners fleeing the capital for greener pastures had reached a nine-year high as extortionate property prices, overcrowding and air pollution forced families to look further afield to set up home.

The exodus shows no signs of slowing down. If you're thinking of joining it, here are ten towns, cities and villages to inspire your 'life after London', whether you're looking for a rural idyll or a cosmopolitan home-from-home.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

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In recent years, St Albans has been well and truly "discovered" by commuters looking to escape the rat race.

The cathedral city's lively vibe belies its relatively small size. In particular, St Albans's vibrant arts scene means that culture-vulture Londoners will feel right at home. With St Pancras less than 20 minutes away by train, they'll never be far from their old stomping ground.

Amersham, Surrey

Earlier this year, property services firm CBRE Group named Amersham the best town for commuters working in London.

With a prime location amid the scenic Chiltern hills and a historic centre boasting handsome pubs and quaint boutiques, it's easy to see its appeal.

Even better: despite being 27 miles away from central London and outside of the M25, Amersham has its own London Underground station.

Bray, Berkshire

Leaving London is often a wrenching experience for gourmands, but Bray is a foodie paradise, home to two of the UK's four treble Michelin-starred restaurants: the Waterside Inn, run by Albert and Michel Roux, and Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck.

As you might expect, house prices are just as swanky – they're around the £800,000 mark. Other villages on the Maidenhead outskirts, such as Taplow and Pinkneys Green, offer cheaper alternatives.

Commuters to London have to change at nearby Maidenhead, but the good news is that Crossrail's completion in 2019 will slash the journey time to 36 minutes.

Colchester, Essex

The former Roman settlement lays claim to being the oldest town in Britain, but it wears its age well. The historic town centre is still bustling, with a host of family-friendly outings nearby, including Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle.

Commuters have a 51-minute train journey to London and several high-performing grammar schools on their doorstep, as well as some more unusual perks, such as Colchester's yearly Oyster Feast.

Luton, Bedfordshire

Luton may not have the most glamorous image, but pay a visit these days and you'll see why its inhabitants are rightly proud of the transformation the town has undergone in recent years.

The town, which is only 23 minutes from London, is home to "pleasant parks and avenues in the north, good schools' and 'civic spirit in its carnival arts centre", says The Guardian. With a £1.5bn regeneration project underway to further develop the town, now is the time to buy.

Epsom, Surrey

As with fellow Surrey commuter hotspots Guildford and Godalming, you don't necessarily move to Epsom for a bargain –the average house price in the town nudges half-a-million – but for quality of life.

That means good schools, glorious countryside nearby and an easy 36-minute commute into London. There's also the prospect of a day at the races at the famous Epsom Derby.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The ancient university seat is steeped in history and heritage. Here you can gaze at the city's stunning architecture, pay a visit the colleges which produced many of Britain's greatest and punt on the River Cam alongside current students.

Cambridge is a desirable spot when it comes to everyday life, too, thanks to its rich cultural scene, lively nightlife and outstanding state and independent schools. The university city is a 53-minute train commute into the capital.

Last year, Cambridge was named the most vibrant place to live in the UK, according to The Times.

Ashwell, Hertfordshire

"A village that has it all," says Country Life, with "all" including a deli, an art gallery and a country fair.

Despite its tranquil rural appearance, Ashwell is only a few minutes' drives from Ashwell and Morden railway station, which will get you to Kings Cross in 43 minutes.

Saffron Walden, Essex

The picturesque market town of Saffron Walden was a Roundhead stronghold during the English Civil War. The town centre is still lined with buildings from the period, with the welcome addition of modern independent shops and eateries.

After almost 900 years, the town's market is still going strong, too – local resident Jamie Oliver is a patron.

The town has no railway station, but a train from neighbouring Audley End will get you to Liverpool Street in 55 minutes.

Winchester, Hampshire

Only an hour from London by train, Winchester is technically a city but retains a cosy town feel. The timber-framed buildings of the attractive town centre host a wide variety of high street and independent shops, and the city's location on the edge of the South Downs is perfect for outdoorsy types.

Winchester is also home to an array of excellent schools. In fact, Life After London says the city's schools are "by far the major reason families give us for wanting to move to the area".