a local's perspective
hello countryside
Why We Swapped Suburban Life for Village Living in Adderbury—and Never Looked Back
Laura V. Adderbury. OX17
It’s funny how life takes you in unexpected directions. If you’d asked me ten years ago whether I’d ever move away from the hustle and bustle of our South London suburb, I would have laughed. That had been our home for years, where my husband and I built our careers and found our rhythm of daily life. But things change, and when we started thinking about having children, we began to crave something different—a slower pace, more space, and, most importantly, being closer to family.
So, we made the move to Adderbury, a beautiful village nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, before our kids came along. We wanted to be nearer to the grandparents, saving us the battle of the M25 every time we needed a babysitter or family visit.
Looking back, I can honestly say it was the best decision we ever made.
The Move to Adderbury: A Perfect Village Find
For anyone unfamiliar, Adderbury is a charming village just outside Banbury in Oxfordshire, filled with beautiful stone cottages, scenic walking paths, and a wonderful sense of community. The first time we visited, I was struck by how peaceful it felt compared to our South London suburb. No more crowded streets or endless commutes—just fresh air and friendly faces.
Of course, we weighed the practicalities. We needed good schools, activities for kids, and I still needed to be able to get to London for work when needed. Fortunately, Adderbury ticked all the boxes. The primary school was great, and though we didn’t have kids at the time, we knew this would be important for the future.
There are also plenty of local clubs and activities for children, and Banbury station is just a short drive away, with regular trains to London. So, when I need to head into the city for work, I’m able to do so without much hassle.
Life in the Village: Scenic School Runs and Slower Mornings
Fast forward a few years, and we now have two young children—ages three and six—and village life has only become more rewarding. The school run here is a world away from what I imagine it would have been had we stayed in South London. Instead of battling traffic and crowds, we walk past cottage-core gardens, a babbling brook and fields dotted with sheep and cattle. It sounds almost too perfect, but some mornings, I genuinely feel like I’m living in a storybook.
That said, the reality of juggling work and family life still exists, and there are definitely days when things feel just as hectic as they would in the city. But here, everything feels a little more manageable. The slower pace of life, combined with the beauty of our surroundings, has a way of taking the edge off. Even when I’m rushing to get the kids to school before heading off to work, there’s a sense of calm that comes with living in a village like Adderbury.
Weekends: Exploring the Countryside and Finding Hidden Gems
Our weekends have taken on a new meaning since we moved here. Back in our South London suburb, weekends often meant navigating busy streets, long queues, and trying to fit in as much as possible. Now, weekends are more relaxed and spent exploring the countryside right on our doorstep.
The kids are in various clubs, like swimming and football, but when we’re not doing that, we love discovering the local gems. There’s an abundance of lovely garden centres nearby, Burford Garden Centre is one of our family favourites, and we’ve found a few Instagrammable soft play spots for rainy days, such as Yarnton Home & Garden.
One of our favourite things about living in Adderbury is the abundance of scenic walks right on our doorstep. Whether it’s a stroll along the brook or a wander through the surrounding fields, we never run out of options. The kids love spotting wildlife along the way, and we often make our way back to the village’s cosy café, The Burrow, on the high street for a well-deserved treat. It’s become our little tradition on Saturday mornings—exploring the countryside and then refuelling with coffee and cake.
It’s those simple pleasures that make living here so special.
The Community Spirit: Why We Love Village Life
One of the biggest differences between our old life and our new one is the sense of community. Back in our suburb, we barely knew our neighbours. Here, we’ve been welcomed with open arms. People stop to chat when we’re out for walks, and there’s a real sense of looking out for each other.
I recently had to rush into London for a last-minute meeting, and our neighbours were more than happy to help out with the school run. It’s moments like this that make me so grateful for the move. Having family nearby was one of the key reasons we moved, but we’ve also gained a whole new village of friends who feel just as supportive.
Balancing the Juggle with Peaceful Countryside Living
That’s not to say everything is perfect. There are still days when juggling work, family, and life in general feels overwhelming. But the difference here is that we have space—both physically and mentally—to breathe. Our kids have a garden to play in, we’re surrounded by nature, and we’ve built a support system we didn’t have before. It makes the challenges feel a little easier to manage.
I still head into London from time to time for work, and while it’s nice to visit the city, I always breathe a sigh of relief when I return home. The peace and quiet, the friendly faces, and the slower pace of life in Adderbury have given us the balance we didn’t even realise we needed.
Why We Wouldn’t Go Back
If you’re considering a move to the countryside, I can’t recommend Adderbury enough. It’s not just the stunning surroundings, though those certainly help—it’s the sense of community, the lifestyle, and the feeling that you’ve found a place where you can truly settle.
Moving to Adderbury has given our family the life we wanted—one filled with nature, connection, and the chance to really enjoy those little moments. Sure, there are still busy days and the occasional craving for city life, but now we have a home that feels like a true escape. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, if you’re thinking about making the leap to village life, I say go for it. You might just find that it’s the best decision you ever make.
Laura lives in Adderbury with her husband and two children and works in marketing.