Why Oundle is a great place to move to
If you are thinking of relocating to Northamptonshire or simply moving to a new location within the county, you’ll be interested to learn why Oundle is a great place to move to.
The historic market town of Oundle is located approximately 100 miles from London and 14 miles from Peterborough. With beautiful period architecture and surrounded by picturesque countryside, this peaceful town has a great community spirit, and a village ambiance, despite being packed with amenities and services.
The famous Oundle School dominates the town centre. Its impressive buildings dating from the 17th to the 21st centuries are immaculately maintained, further adding to the town’s aesthetic appeal.
Oundle is considered one of the best places to live in the East Midlands. Here we find out why Oundle is a great place to move to:
Surrounding countryside
Oundle is the perfect location from which to access the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside. From the town centre, the tranquil banks of the Nene River are less than a 10-minute walk away.
The scenic landscape expands for miles in all directions. The network of footpaths will lead you through lovely villages such as Barnwell, Fotheringhay, Stoke Doyle, Ashton, Wadenhoe, and Cottestock.
These villages are also popular with homebuyers looking for a rural home near Oundle’s comprehensive amenities. They all boast charming properties, and the lovely welcoming pubs are perfect places to stop for great food and refreshments.
Sports and fitness facilities
There is plenty to do in Oundle for those who like to keep fit. Oundle School’s sports centre offers membership to locals, allowing them to utilise the gym and swimming pool. Also, there are a variety of sports facilities and activity clubs including the Oundle Town Rowing Club, tennis, and yoga classes.
Furthermore, Oundle is home to the Oundle Chatter Runners, an inclusive running group that promotes health, fitness, and social interaction. Open to runners of all abilities the group’s ethos centres around the joy of running combined with the pleasure of socialising.
Arts, crafts, and culture
Another fun way to get involved in the community is to join the Oundle Knitters and Crocheters Club. The group holds regular get-togethers and community events like The Oundle Great Yarn.
For art enthusiasts, Creative Oundle provides opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in artistic endeavours through workshops and events.
In addition, they run frequent cinema screenings and globally renowned courses for young organ players.
The Oundle Fringe Festival is held annually in the town and celebrates the performing arts. It showcases both local and visiting talent and is an exciting and entertaining summer event.
Oundle’s schools
Oundle boasts one of the top co-educational independent boarding schools in the country, Oundle School. Catering to students aged between 4 and 18, pupils can begin their education at Laxton Junior School before moving to the senior school at 11. The school offers a broad curriculum and exceptional facilities.
Parents living in proximity to Oundle School can admit their children as day pupils. This means they can benefit from the school’s excellent educational standards and facilities at a far lesser cost than for boarders.
The town also benefits from highly regarded public sector schools such as Oundle Church of England Primary School for pupils aged from 5 to 11, and the Academy Prince William School for ages 11 to 18.
The superior quality of the schools in and around Oundle is another reason why Oundle is a great place to move to, particularly for families.
Shopping, healthcare, and eating out
The town is exceptionally well equipped with three supermarkets including a good-sized Waitrose. There are also various independent shops including boutique and gift shops, hardware, pet supplies, books, and florists. Additionally, there is a butcher and the Hambleton Bakery.
The town holds a weekly farmers market as well as a larger one on the second Saturday of the month. There is also a Christmas Market and an annual Food Festival in the town.
There are a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. Popular spots include The Talbot Hotel, known for its hearty meals, the authentic Italian restaurant Solerno’s, Tap and Kitchen, which offers delicious, locally sourced dishes by the waterfront, and Dexters Bar and Kitchen which offers a diverse menu.
Healthcare needs in Oundle are well catered for with residents benefitting from medical and dental practices and an optician, all within the town.
Property in Oundle
Oundle’s historic centre largely comprises the impressive historic buildings of Oundle School, which set the tone for the town. Aside from these, there are many property types in Oundle from Georgian and Victorian homes and traditional cottages to modern developments built to blend with the town’s period aesthetic.
The conservation area in the centre of town is dominated by period properties, many of which are deceptively large as they stretch back towards hidden gardens. More modern properties can be found off the Benefield and Ashton roads, as well as Laxon Drive.
Transport links
The major north-south route, the A1(M), lies between Oundle and Peterborough. This provides a direct route to London, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive to the south.
To the west, the M1 motorway offers another major route for north and south travel, including access to East Midlands Airport, which is around an hour and 15 minutes away by car.
For rail travel, Peterborough station, just a short drive from Oundle, offers frequent services. Trains run twice an hour to London, taking about an hour, and also head north to York.
Why Oundle is a great place to move to
Oundle is truly a lovely place to live. From its idyllic surroundings and array of sporting and leisure activities to its excellent schools and community events, the town has much to offer.
If you want to find out more about why Oundle is a great place to move to, a professional property finder can provide expert advice and further insight into the area.
For a no-obligation discussion about your plans to move, contact Garrington.
