You've had enough of the hurly-burly of the city and want to find a property in a more tranquil, attractive place. However, the most popular beauty spots command high property prices.
Luckily, there are a number of enviable locations that are similarly desirable, yet are considerably off the radar and therefore have significantly lower property prices.
We asked a number of property experts where to find a heavenly hideaway at a bargain price. These are their top picks.
Swap Saddleworth for Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
Slaithwaite is a lovely Pennine village with the Huddersfield Narrow Canal running through the middle and countryside walks straight from your front door
Slaithwaite Hall, believed to be the oldest surviving property in the Colne Valley, has five bedrooms, a magnificent great hall, barn, storerooms and more
Slaithwaite is a lovely canalside Pennine village that has been overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours.
'Slaithwaite is one of Yorkshire's best-kept secrets,' says Jake Rowson, sales director at agents Ryder and Dutton. 'It's an old textile village that's really come into its own, with independent shops, cafes and bars opening up regularly, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal running through the middle, and countryside walks straight from your front door.
'People are often surprised by how much they get for their money. In sought-after Saddleworth, over the hill, you'd struggle to find a nice two-bed cottage for less than £250,000. In Slaithwaite, you can pick one up for around £200,000. And there's a train station right in the middle of the village with direct trains to Manchester and Leeds, so it's much better connected than people expect. We're seeing everyone from young families to people leaving Manchester for a quieter life.'
'Nearby is Holmfirth, where Last Of The Summer Wine was filmed. It's even got its own vineyard, the highest in Britain. Both villages give you proper countryside living without the price tag.'
For sale: Slaithwaite Hall is believed to be the oldest surviving property in the Colne Valley, dating back to the 15th century, this exceptional Grade II listed property has five bedrooms, a magnificent great hall, barn, storerooms and more.
Buy it – £850,000, ryderdutton.co.uk
Swap Lyme Regis for Weymouth, Dorset
Weymouth is home to a beautiful sandy beach, picturesque harbourside, and easy access to the Jurassic Coast
Weymouth offers a six-bed home with panoramic sea views and a private roof terrace for £475,000
'For buyers who love the character and coastline of Lyme Regis but are finding property prices beyond their budget, Weymouth offers a fantastic alternative,' says Jamie Grierson, Area Manager for Dorset at Connells Estate Agents. 'The town combines a beautiful sandy beach, picturesque harbourside, and easy access to the Jurassic Coast, while often providing considerably more value for money.'
Families are attracted by a good choice of schools, a lively town centre with both national chains and independent shops, and excellent leisure opportunities, from coastal walks at Nothe Gardens and Bowleaze Cove to water sports and sailing.
'Weymouth also benefits from a mainline rail connection to Dorchester, Bournemouth and London Waterloo, making it appealing to commuters and second-home buyers alike,' says Mr Grierson. 'With its rich maritime history, bustling waterfront and family-friendly atmosphere, Weymouth delivers many of the lifestyle benefits people associate with Lyme Regis at a more accessible price point.'
For sale: Where in the UK can you buy a six-bed home with panoramic sea views and a private roof terrace for £475,000? Weymouth.
Buy it – £475,000, connells.co.uk
Swap Beverley and Bawtry for Louth or Market Rasen, Lincolnshire
'With its unspoilt inland and coastal landscapes coupled with historic towns and a beautiful cathedral city, Lincolnshire's appeal lies in its authenticity and variety,' says Roo Fisher
This one-bedroom first floor apartment is located in the highly sought after Westgate in Louth, near the town centre, and on sale for £75,000
As a cathedral city, Lincoln is comparable to York and the market towns of Market Rasen and Louth could hold their own with some of the Yorkshire towns.
'Lincolnshire is often described as a place of quiet charm and understated beauty,' says Roo Fisher of Savills, Lincoln. 'With its unspoilt inland and coastal landscapes coupled with historic towns and a beautiful cathedral city, Lincolnshire's appeal lies in its authenticity and variety. There's a sense of breathing space, whether you're walking a coastal path, cycling through the countryside, or exploring the quiet lanes of a market town.'
The market towns of Louth and Market Rasen provide a gentler pace of life, a blend of heritage and community and surprisingly low property prices. Nestled on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, they feature historic Georgian and Victorian architecture and rolling hills without the high prices. They have attractive features like independent butchers, grocers and other shops, and a weekly market.
'The county's affordability is a key draw, especially for those relocating from London and the South East or looking for more space,' says Fisher. 'For buyers seeking space, character, or simply a quieter lifestyle, Lincolnshire offers a broad canvas.'
For sale: This one-bedroom first floor apartment is located in the highly sought after Westgate in Louth, near the town centre.
Buy it – £75,000, tes-property.co.uk
Swap Newquay for St Columb Major, Cornwall
St Columb Major is home to quaint streets lined with period properties, independent cafés, traditional Cornish pubs and a genuine sense of community
This one-bed flat in the Market Place of St Columb Major has an open-plan kitchen and living area and is for sale by the Modern Method of Auction
'Nestled amidst the rolling Cornish countryside, St Columb Major is a town rich in history, character and timeless charm,' says Lily Miegel, Branch Manager for Miller Countrywide in Newquay. 'Offering the perfect balance between peaceful market town living and effortless access to Cornwall's spectacular north coast, it has become an increasingly desirable destination for those seeking a slower pace of life without compromise.'
Quaint streets lined with period properties, independent cafés, traditional Cornish pubs and a genuine sense of community create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and enduring.
'One of the town's greatest appeals is the exceptional value it offers,' says Ms Miegel. 'Buyers can enjoy considerably more space and character for their investment than many neighbouring coastal locations. Yet within just a short drive the golden beaches of Newquay, world-renowned surf, breathtaking coastal walks and celebrated restaurants are all within easy reach, along with Cornwall Airport Newquay and excellent transport links.'
For sale: This one-bed flat in the Market Place of St Columb Major has an open-plan kitchen and living area and is for sale by the Modern Method of Auction, meaning the buyer and seller complete within 56 days.
Buy it – £85,000, millercountrywide.co.uk
Swap Oxford or Reading for Newbury, Berkshire
Newbury is a thriving and vibrant historic market town with lots to offer, including two popular theatres, a twice-weekly market, and a wide variety of eateries
Three to five-bed homes are available at Knights Grove, a new development set on the edge of Newbury
'Newbury is a thriving and vibrant historic market town surrounded by beautiful countryside and with excellent connectivity,' says Victoria Anderson-Stewart of Savills, Newbury. 'It has lots to offer, including two popular theatres, a twice-weekly market, and a wide variety of eateries including independents alongside familiar brands. There's a choice of well-regarded pubs in the numerous nearby villages.'
The surrounding countryside is largely unspoiled, with Highclere Castle – the real-life Downton Abbey – five miles south of the town, set within its 5,000-acre estate.
'The area offers relative value for money in comparison to other popular commuter locations in the Home Counties,' says Ms Anderson-Stewart. 'A four- or five-bedroom village home with a good sized garden is around £850,000 to £1.7m, while from around £1.75m to £2.5m you'll get a substantial family home with maybe a couple of acres and a swimming pool or tennis court.'
Popular villages include Kingsclere, Highclere, Woolton Hill, Kintbury, Brightwalton, Chieveley, Hermitage and Cold Ash, while in the town itself prime residential neighbourhoods include Speen, Donnington, West Mills and Tydehams.
For sale: Three to five-bed homes are available at Knights Grove, a new development set on the edge of Newbury.
Buy it – from £510,000, savills.com