The housing market in the East of England has surged in recent years as London workers seek the dream: a slice of the countryside alongside their hectic city job.
With its rural landscapes and award-winning beaches, Suffolk is a no-brainer for those seeking a quiet countryside life. The county has a direct train line to London Liverpool Street station, making it ideal for commuters needing to access the capital daily or occasionally.
Looking to relocate to Suffolk? Explore the region’s best commuter towns to London below.
Key Takeaways
Ipswich:
- County town of Suffolk with a picturesque waterfront.
- Excellent transport links to London (direct train to Liverpool Street in about 1 hour and 5 minutes).
Sudbury:
- Nestled in the Stour Valley (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
- Commuting time to London Liverpool Street: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes with one change at Marks Tey.
Woolpit:
- Historic village between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.
- Commuting time to London Liverpool Street: Around 1.5 hours with one change at Ipswich.
Nayland:
- Located in Constable Country (Suffolk’s scenic area).
- Colchester is the nearest station, with 45 minute trains to Liverpool Street.
1. Ipswich
Commute time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Boasting a vibrant waterfront and plenty of amenities, Ipswich is a fantastic place to call home. This riverside town has a great offering for its residents, from museums and markets to restaurants, shops and theatres. If you love the outdoors, you can spend an afternoon at Alexandra or Holywells Park, or drive a few miles to a nearby beach.
Ipswich’s excellent transport links make it a popular commuting town. Its station forms part of the direct line connecting Norwich and London, resulting in a quick and comfortable journey to the capital.
2. Bury St Edmunds
Commute time: 1 hour 50 minutes, with one change at Ipswich
Renowned for its rich history and beautiful outdoor spaces, Bury St Edmunds is the perfect spot for all homebuyers. Today, it’s known as the county’s foodie capital, home to everything from traditional pubs to fine-dining restaurants. While it may be small, the town has a charming atmosphere and a thriving cultural scene, from art galleries to theatres.
Residents can travel to London in under two hours from Bury St Edmunds station.
3. Framlingham
Commute time: 1 hour 41 minutes from Wickham Market
Nestled in the Suffolk countryside, Framlingham is one of the best London commuter towns for families. Home to a nature reserve, an ancient castle and a twice-weekly market, it boasts plenty of things to do. Plus, it’s under an hour’s drive from the coast, making it easy to enjoy a beach escape.
Here, residents can enjoy a slower pace of life while having access to various amenities, including pubs, cafés and shops. Framlingham is also home to excellent schools, rated highly by Ofsted – perfect if you’re a growing family!
Commuters can reach London in under 2 hours from Wickham Market, just a 15-minute drive away.
4. Sudbury
Commute time: 1 hour 19 minutes
Located in the Stour Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sudbury offers breathtaking views and scenic riverside walks. Packed with restaurants, pubs and independent shops, it has all the amenities you need and picturesque countryside on its doorstep. The town has a strong sense of community and hosts regular events, including an annual fireworks display in November.
Sudbury’s proximity to London, Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds makes it a popular commuter town in Suffolk.
5. Woolpit
Commute time: 1 hour 23 minutes from Stowmarket
Found between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, Woolpit is a tranquil place to live. This historic village dates back to Roman times and today consists of the main village and three hamlets (Borley Green, Woolpit Green and Woolpit Heath). Residents have access to a range of facilities – including a post office, village stores and a doctor’s surgery – and can travel to London in 1 hour 23 minutes from Stowmarket.
6. Nayland
Commute time: 45 minutes from Colchester
If you want to live in Suffolk’s most scenic area, look no further than Nayland in the heart of Constable Country. Boasting a backdrop of rolling hills and various amenities, including a pub, shop and post office, Nayland is perfect for those seeking a country life. It has a friendly community and is also located near the highly rated Littlegarth School – ideal for young families.
Nayland’s proximity to Colchester makes it one of the top commuter towns in Suffolk. Commuters can hop on a train at Colchester station and arrive in London in 45 minutes!
7. East Bergholt
Commute time: 1 hour 8 minutes from Manningtree
If you want to embrace quiet village life, look no further than East Bergholt. This idyllic location has classic rural landscapes and impressive architecture, all while being under a 10-minute drive from the nearby town of Manningtree. Here, commuters can catch a train and arrive in London in just over an hour.
Alongside a shop and post office, this highly sought-after village also has a medical centre, pharmacy, restaurants and a leisure centre.
8. Stowmarket
Commute time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Rounding up our list of London commuter towns is Stowmarket, a popular choice among house hunters. This historic town is set amidst rolling countryside and situated between two rivers: the Rat and the Gipping. Among its many amenities, you’ll find a traditional market and a host of independent shops on Bury Street and the Old Fox Yard.
Stowmarket is served by regular trains to London, Ipswich and Norwich, making it ideal for commuters.
Looking for your new home in Suffolk? Explore our range of 2 bedroom homes to 5 bedroom homes across this county, perfect for first-time buyers and growing families. Discover unique offers to help you move, including Deposit Boost, Deposit Unlock and Parent Power.
Call or visit our Sales Advisers today to find your new home.
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