Wain Homes’ Regional Road Trip – Is The South West of England A Good Place To Live?

July 3, 2025

Thinking about relocating and wondering whether the South West is right for you? Buckle up, because we’re heading off on a road trip through some of the region’s most popular towns and cities to help you find the perfect place to call home.

From the elegant streets of Cheltenham in the north (yes, the north of the South West!) to the breezy coastal charm of Plymouth in the south, this part of the country is bursting with variety. You’ll find everything from bustling city centres and charming market towns to sandy beaches and open countryside, plus a lifestyle to match.

Along the way, we’ll explore places that suit first-time buyers, young professionals, growing families, and those planning their retirement. The South West is full of surprises: it boasts more coastline than any other region in England, enjoys more sunshine hours in parts of Cornwall and Devon, and is home to two stunning National Parks – Dartmoor and Exmoor. We’ll be stopping off in Gloucester, Swindon, Bath, Bristol, Exeter and more, unpacking what makes each location unique, who it suits best, and why life in the South West is about so much more than postcard views (though it has plenty of those, too).

Ready? Let’s hit the road…

Is Cheltenham a nice place to live?

First up is the charming spa town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. Cheltenham is elegant, cultural, and packed with regency charm. Famous for its festivals, tree-lined streets, and buzzing café culture, this spa town is all about sophistication with modern energy. It’s often seen as one of the South West’s most desirable places to settle, and for good reason.

First-time buyers will find good value in up-and-coming neighbourhoods and stylish new-build developments. Young professionals are drawn to its thriving digital and cyber security sectors – Cheltenham is even nicknamed “Cyber Central.”

Families love the mix of excellent schools, local events, and beautiful green spaces like Pittville Park. And retirees appreciate the laid-back lifestyle, boutique shopping, and year-round cultural calendar.

A charming fact about Cheltenham? It hosts the world’s oldest literature festival!

Transport links in Cheltenham

Cheltenham is well connected, making it an ideal base for commuters or frequent travellers. It offers direct rail services to London Paddington (around 2 hours), Birmingham, and Bristol, and has easy access to the M5, putting the Midlands, South West and South East within reach.

Regional buses and coaches run frequently to surrounding towns, and for international trips, Bristol Airport is about an hour away by car, offering flights across the UK and Europe.

Check out our new build developments in and around Cheltenham.

Is Gloucester a nice place to live?

As we travel south east of Cheltenham we arrive at the historic city of Gloucester. Its Roman roots, medieval cathedral (did you know it’s a Harry Potter filming location?), and modernised docks give it character, while retail parks, coffee shops and sports facilities bring the buzz.

First-time buyers benefit from competitive prices and regeneration schemes. Young professionals love the convenience, riverside apartments, and proximity to Cheltenham and Bristol.

Families are drawn to excellent schools, spacious parks like Robinswood Hill, and easy access to the Cotswolds. And retirees appreciate the mix of quiet neighbourhoods, history and healthcare services.

A charming fact about Gloucester is that it holds host to the world’s only annual cheese-rolling race!

Transport links in Gloucester

Gloucester is incredibly well connected, making it a great base for commuters and anyone who enjoys easy travel. The M5 motorway runs just outside the city, giving you direct road access to Bristol, Birmingham, and the Midlands, while the A40 links you with Cheltenham and the Cotswolds in minutes.

Gloucester Railway Station offers regular direct services to Bristol Temple Meads (around 45 mins), Birmingham New Street (just over an hour), and Cardiff. Trains to London Paddington via Swindon take around 2 hours, making occasional trips to the capital totally doable.

For air travel, Bristol Airport is just over an hour’s drive away and offers flights across the UK and Europe, perfect for weekend getaways or business trips.

Check out our new build developments in and around Gloucester.

Is Swindon a nice place to live?

Our next up on our road trip is the exciting town of Swindon. Swindon is a practical, well-placed town that’s often underrated, but it’s full of potential. Known for its strong employment opportunities, green spaces, and ongoing investment, it’s becoming a smart move for buyers looking for both value and convenience.

First-time buyers are drawn to Swindon’s affordable new builds and Help to Buy opportunities. Young professionals appreciate the solid job market in sectors like tech, logistics, and finance, plus the easy commute to London and Bristol.

Families love the good schools, safe residential areas, and plenty of green spaces like Lydiard Park and Coate Water. Retirees benefit from a relaxed pace of life, countryside nearby, and fantastic public transport.

A charming fact about Swindon? It was once home to the world’s largest railway works – a true engineering powerhouse.

Transport links in Swindon

Swindon is extremely commuter-friendly. It offers direct train services to London Paddington in under an hour, making it perfect for those who work in the capital but want more space and better value. Regular rail links also connect you to Bristol, Reading, and Oxford.

For drivers, the town is right off the M4, giving easy access to both London and South Wales. Local bus services are reliable, and you’ll even find the famous Magic Roundabout here—a local legend with five roundabouts in one (don’t worry, you get used to it).

Check out our new build developments in and around Swindon.

Is Bath a nice place to live?

Elegant, historic, and walkable, Bath is a stunner. Georgian streets, boutique shops, open parks, and world-famous Roman baths make it feel like a high-end staycation spot you can actually live in.

First-time buyers might face higher prices, but help-to-buy schemes and apartment conversions offer opportunities. Young professionals enjoy the café culture, job opportunities in tech, education and hospitality, and quick links to Bristol.

Families benefit from top-rated schools, playgrounds, and safe neighbourhoods. Retirees love the calm, culture, and healthcare services, all in a picturesque setting.

Did you know that Bath is one of only two entire cities in the UK with UNESCO World Heritage status? And yes, you can still bathe in the same naturally heated hot springs the Romans once did. Now that’s what we call timeless luxury!

Transport links in Bath

The city’s main railway station, Bath Spa, offers frequent direct trains to Bristol Temple Meads, taking as little as 15 minutes, ideal for daily commuters or a quick city break. You can also catch direct trains to London Paddington, with journeys taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making Bath a very doable home base for occasional trips to the capital.

By road, Bath sits just off the A4 and has easy access to both the A36 and the M4 motorway, connecting you to Bristol, Swindon, Reading, and London with ease.

The city is also well-served by a network of reliable local and regional bus routes, connecting Bath to nearby towns and villages, including Frome, Chippenham, Trowbridge, and Radstock. Plus, for the eco-conscious commuter, Bath has excellent cycling routes and even a Park & Ride service to make city centre trips nice and easy.

Check out our new developments in and around Bath

Is Bristol a good place to live?

Big, bold, and buzzing with energy, Bristol is a city that knows how to stand out. From iconic street art and colourful houses to harbourside markets and a world-class food scene, it’s no surprise that this city continues to top the “best places to live” lists.

First-time buyers can find great starter homes in up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Bedminster, Horfield, and Filton. Young professionals thrive here, especially in booming industries like tech, aerospace, and media.

Families love the choice of excellent schools, green spaces like Ashton Court, and attractions like the SS Great Britain and We The Curious. And retirees who want city life with a community feel enjoy the diverse culture, waterside walks, and buzzing events calendar.

A charming fact about Bristol? It’s the hometown of Banksy. A surprising one? It has its very own local currency – the Bristol Pound (well, it did until recently).

Transport links in Bristol

Bristol is a major transport hub in the South West. It has direct rail connections to London (around 1hr 45mins), Cardiff, Birmingham, and other key UK cities. Two main stations- Temple Meads and Parkway – offer great national rail coverage.

The city is also right off both the M4 and M5, giving excellent access to South Wales, the Midlands, and the South Coast. Bristol Airport is just a short drive away and offers flights across Europe and beyond, ideal for business trips or last-minute holidays.

Check out our new build developments in and around Bristol.

Is Exeter a good place to live?

Cruising further south, Exeter offers cathedral-city charm with a modern twist. With its historic streets, riverside cafes, and thriving university, Exeter combines heritage with a fresh, friendly energy that suits a range of lifestyles.

First-time buyers are drawn to Exeter’s affordable housing compared to other major cities in the region, with lots of new-build developments and shared ownership options. Young professionals benefit from strong career opportunities in digital, healthcare, and education, thanks in part to the University of Exeter and a growing business community.

Families love the city’s top-rated schools, safe neighbourhoods, and proximity to both countryside and coastline. Meanwhile, retirees enjoy the slower pace, cultural attractions, and excellent healthcare, all wrapped up in a scenic and walkable setting.A charming fact about Exeter? Its underground passages date back to the 14th century.
And here’s a surprising one: it’s home to one of the UK’s narrowest streets – Parliament Street, measuring just 25 inches wide in places!

Transport links in Exeter

Exeter is impressively well connected for a smaller city. It has two main railway stations – Exeter St Davids and Central – offering direct trains to London Paddington (just over 2 hours), Bristol, Plymouth, and beyond.

The M5 motorway starts in Exeter, giving direct road access to Bristol, Birmingham, and the Midlands. The A30 and A38 make reaching Dartmoor, Cornwall, and coastal resorts simple.

Exeter also has its own airport – Exeter Airport – which offers domestic flights and European connections, making travel extra convenient.

Check out our new build developments in and around Exeter.

Is Plymouth a good place to live?

Last up on our regional road trip is Plymouth. Plymouth offers coastal living without the price tag of some seaside towns. The waterfront is stunning, the Barbican is full of charm, and there’s always something going on – from food festivals to sailing events.

First-time buyers will find a range of affordable new-build homes. Young professionals enjoy a growing job market, particularly in marine, health and creative sectors.

Families have access to good schools, big green spaces, and fun attractions like the National Marine Aquarium. Retirees love the relaxed pace and sea air, plus the chance to explore nearby Dartmoor and Cornwall.

What’s more, Plymouth is home to the UK’s oldest working gin distillery…hic hic!

Transport links in Plymouth

Getting in and out of Plymouth is easy, whether you’re commuting, heading off on holiday, or just exploring the South West. The city sits on the main railway line to London Paddington, with direct trains taking around 3 to 3.5 hours, ideal if you need to pop into the capital now and then. You’ll also find regular services to Exeter, Bristol, Newton Abbot, and Truro, making it well-connected across the region.

By road, the A38 Devon Expressway links Plymouth with Exeter and connects to the M5 for travel further afield. There are also extensive local bus routes operated by Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach, offering reliable transport across the city and into surrounding towns and villages.

And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous? Plymouth has an international ferry terminal offering sailings to France (Roscoff) and Spain (Santander) – perfect for European getaways without needing to board a plane.

Check out our new developments in and around Plymouth.

Where will you settle in the South West?

If you’re thinking about making the move to the South West, Wain Homes has a range of new developments across to suit different lifestyles and budgets.

Maple Cross, near Exeter, is ideal for first-time buyers and growing families looking for good transport links and local amenities.
For coastal living, Trevemper, just outside Newquay, offers easy access to beaches and everything Cornwall has to offer.
Down near Plymouth, Lark View gives you the best of both worlds – countryside views with the city not far away.
And in Devon, Otters Reach is a great option if you’re after a quieter setting with a strong sense of community.

Wherever you’re heading next, Wain Homes is building quality homes in places you’ll want to live.

August 25, 2023 Customers