Remote places to live in the UK | Secluded homes

Seeking a secluded place to live? Here we highlight some of the most remote places to live in the UK.

Though a relatively small island there are many remote places to live across the country from coast to moor, mountain and lake settings.

Whilst you might not want any immediate neighbours, certain practicalities must be considered when looking for a remote and secluded home.

There are several remote places to live in the UK that offer a good balance of being secluded yet accessible and with amenities not too distant, together with places to live that are very secluded and entirely off the beaten track should that be what you’re looking for.

Here we share some of the most remote places to live in the UK that are still fairly accessible and other locations that really enable residents to live ‘off-grid’.

Northumberland

Northumberland, in the far northeast of England, epitomizes the essence of remote living. Its vast, untamed landscapes, dotted with ancient castles and rolling hills, offer a sense of solitude and escape. The sparse population and expansive natural beauty make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity away from the urban bustle.

Harbottle

Nestled in the Coquet Valley, Harbottle exudes a profound sense of seclusion. Property owners here are surrounded by the rugged charm of Northumberland National Park. This small village, with its historic ruins and scenic trails, offers a life steeped in rural tranquillity and natural beauty.

Ford

Ford village, near the Scottish border, is a hidden gem of solitude. Known for its picturesque historical buildings and the tranquil Ford & Etal Estates, residents enjoy a quiet, pastoral lifestyle. This area is perfect for those who value privacy and a slower pace of life, with the added charm of historical significance and cultural richness.

Low Newton-by-the-Sea

Low Newton-by-the-Sea, a quaint and remote coastal village, offers a unique blend of seclusion and scenic beauty.

This hidden gem, located along Northumberland’s rugged coastline, is characterized by its sweeping sandy beaches and the dramatic backdrop of Dunstanburgh Castle ruins in the distance.

Property owners here enjoy a peaceful existence, with the soothing sounds of the sea and the charm of traditional fishermen’s cottages.

The village’s small, tightly-knit community adds to its exclusive feel, making it an ideal location for those seeking a tranquil coastal retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With its stunning natural landscapes and rich marine life, Low Newton-by-the-Sea is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking a serene coastal living experience.

In Northumberland, these villages represent the quintessence of remote living, offering a unique lifestyle immersed in history and natural splendour; they are idyllic locations for clients yearning for a retreat from the modern world.

Cambrian Mountains, Wales

In Wales, one of the most remote areas to live is the Cambrian Mountains. This region, often referred to as the “Desert of Wales,” is characterized by its sparse population, rugged terrain, and stunning natural beauty. Key aspects of its remoteness include:

Cambrian Mountains

Located in central Wales, this area is known for its unspoiled landscapes, including rolling hills, moorland, and small lakes. It’s less frequented by tourists compared to areas like Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons, contributing to its sense of isolation.

Pumlumon (Plynlimon)

The highest point in the Cambrian Mountains, Pumlumon is a particularly remote and sparsely populated area. The region is known for its natural beauty and offers a sense of seclusion and tranquillity.

Llyn Brianne Reservoir and Surrounding Area

This area in mid-Wales is known for its scenic beauty and remote setting. The reservoir and its surroundings are relatively undisturbed and offer a peaceful retreat.

Living in such remote locations in Wales provides a close connection to nature and a peaceful lifestyle but comes with challenges like limited access to services and amenities. These areas are appreciated for their natural beauty, wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and stargazing.

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Located in northeast Scotland, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms National Park is the largest park in the UK and home to the highest mountain in the country. Across the park, there is woodland, forest, moorland, peatland and farmland making the scenery different depending on where you are. Property for sale in the Highlands will often be secluded and offer picturesque, unspoilt views.

Braemar

Braemar is a sought-after Highland village within the Cairngorms National Park and offers an idyllic balance of remote living in a stunning setting with access to a small selection of shops and eateries.  Residents benefit from having immediate access to the wilderness of the Cairngorms whilst living in a small, welcoming community.

Aboyne

For those who want the ability to readily enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the local landscapes but have amenities on the doorstep, the village of Aboyne on the eastern side of the Cairngorms might be a good option. Just 26 miles from Aberdeen, Aboyne allows for easy access via train, road or even aeroplane. The village has a good selection of amenities and schooling options making it an idyllic place to live in Scotland.

Cornwall

Cornwall, with its rugged coastline and wild moorlands, is a haven for those seeking a remote and peaceful lifestyle. This southwestern tip of England is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and distinctive character. The isolated coves, dramatic cliffs, and windswept heaths provide a sense of solitude and connection with nature, making Cornwall an ideal location for those looking to escape the urban rush.

Zennor

Zennor, nestled in the heart of the Cornish moors, is a quintessentially remote Cornish village. Known for its stunning coastal scenery and ancient stone cottages, it offers a tranquil retreat from the modern world. Property owners here enjoy the slow pace of village life, surrounded by a rugged landscape steeped in folklore and history.

Port Isaac

Port Isaac, a picturesque fishing village on Cornwall’s north coast, exudes a sense of seclusion. Its narrow, winding streets and traditional Cornish fishermen’s cottages, set against the backdrop of steep cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, create a unique and remote living experience. The village’s charm and the tight-knit community spirit make it a sought-after location for those seeking a quiet coastal life.

In Cornwall, villages like Zennor and Port Isaac offer an idyllic and remote lifestyle, appealing to those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Cornish landscape. These villages offer unique and secluded properties for clients seeking remote coastal homes.

The Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District mountainous region in the North West of England offers some of the county’s most breathtaking scenery. Whilst it is a popular holiday destination many choose to reside in the area on a more permanent basis enjoying the remoteness and ability to get away from the rat race.

Windermere

It is not always the case that a home must be alone, with no neighbours for miles, to be able to enjoy a feeling of seclusion. Many of the large detached homes on the banks of various lakes have established gardens with large trees and bushes surrounding their grounds and due to often elevated positions, it might be impossible to see or hear your nearest neighbour.

The benefit of a property such as this in the Lake District is that you can enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the Lakes whilst being just a short distance from amenities and transport connections – homes such as these exist on the banks of Lake Windermere.

Keswick

A town in the Lake District that is a little out of the way and sees less tourist footfall than other hotspots is Keswick in the northern part of the Lakes. The town is a hive of independence but if you’d rather live in a quieter setting there are several desirable villages nearby where homes will often enjoy glorious, unspoilt views.

North Pennines, Cumbria

North Pennines, specifically the area surrounding Alston in Cumbria is considered to be one of the most remote places to live in the UK. This region is characterised by its rugged terrain, sparse population, and a distinct lack of large towns or cities nearby.

Alston

Often cited as the highest market town in England, Alston is relatively isolated due to its high elevation and distance from major urban centres. It’s surrounded by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is known for its moorland landscapes and traditional lead mining history.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon

The Dartmoor National Park in Devon covers over 360 square miles most of which is wild pasture. Living in a National Park appeals not just because it is often the case that you are surrounded by stunning landscapes but it’s usually possible to undertake many an outdoor activity.

The wilds of Dartmoor include open moorlands and river valleys that are ready to explore but it is not just a tourist destination. Many who visit are so enamoured they return and put down roots, the area is known for the exceptional quality of life on offer.

Lower Ashton

The beauty of Dartmoor and perhaps what makes it so enticing to move there, especially to the eastern side, is the proximity to Exeter – it is possible to achieve a perfect balance – a home in the wilderness just 25 minutes from your place of work in the nearby city of Exeter. Or even, due to reasonable train connections, it’s very possible to occasionally commute into London from Exeter. Villages such as Higher and Lower Ashton are well suited to this.

Cotswolds

Property within, on the edge of or near to designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are often removed from built-up areas and can also offer a sense of being remote. The Cotswolds is one such area.

The Cotswolds is a large area that covers over 780 square miles in across south-central and south-west England. Spanning from near Stratford-upon-Avon at its northern border to the edge of Bath at its most southern tip making it an ideal place to live if you need to reach any of the nearby centres whilst wishing to live in a secluded location.

The area is known for the honey-coloured stone-built houses and beautiful landscapes. It is possible to find a home that has no neighbours for miles whilst still being within easy reach of amenities. Certain areas even lend themselves to the occasional commute into London.

Kingham

Kingham is a particularly desirable village in the Cotswolds, properties here are rarely available to buy and sell incredibly quickly should they enter the market at all. For those seeking a home off the beaten track will find property in the surrounding area to fulfil their requirements, all whilst being close to the impressive amenities and wonderful shops and eateries that Kingham has to offer.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales area is a beautiful place to live where residents readily enjoy the far-reaching views of river valleys and rolling hills. Homes in the southeastern part of the Yorkshire Dales tend to be popular for their proximity to Skipton and the onward transport connections from there.

Though you can find homes that have no neighbours for many miles in more northern parts of the Yorkshire Dale National Park, should you wish to be entirely disconnected, there are also secluded homes on the edge of villages that might appeal and offer a good balance. Across the Yorkshire Dales is it also possible to find grand estates and sporting estates.

Malham

Malham is a popular Yorkshire Dales village just a short distance from Skipton. The neighbouring villages and hamlets such as Kirkby Malham, Airton and Grassington are also desirable places to live, each with a range of amenities whilst Skipton is nearby for a broader selection.

New Forest

Due to the protection of the lands that come with the National Park status, it is often the case that remote places to live are within one of the UK’s 15 designated National Parks. Building will have been limited in the area meaning homes that do exist within them as often situated away from main centres of the population.

The beauty of life in the New Forest is that you can enjoy the very best of the countryside, heathland and woods whilst being only a short distance from the coast. The area is incredibly popular with sailing enthusiasts who keep their boats at places such as Lymington.

Residents are also able to pop over to the Isle of Wight with little effort. There’s always something to do locally, or you can choose to simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity, with just wild ponies for neighbours.

There are small villages dotted across the New Forest where you can find houses located on quiet leafy lanes, isolated from one another by established greenery such as those in Sway.

Brockenhurst

Brockenhurst is popular for its train links, connecting with London in around an hour and 40 minutes, and is filled with beautiful Victorian and Georgian homes.

Residents enjoy ready access to many walking routes and open commonland, woodlands and heaths; it truly is a beautiful place to live in the New Forest. Brockenhurst offers a idyllic balance of having a good array of amenities, good rail connections and immediate access to the National Park. For those who want to live in a secluded spot a home on the outskirts of the village or in the surrounding area might prove ideal.

Milford on Sea

A pretty coastal village, Milford on Sea offers the very best of village life by the sea. Not only are there a good selection of amenities, the local primary school was most recently rated outstanding by Ofsted and with a number of highly acclaimed restaurants, the area has become a foodie hotspot.

Homes on the outskirt of the village can offer a real sense of remoteness, some even boast direct views of the sea.

High Weald

Covering 1,461 square km of Sussex, Kent and Surrey the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers many areas which are off the beaten path for those seeking a quieter place to live.

Etchingham

Etchingham and the nearby villages of Burwash and Hurst Green are all desirable, peaceful villages. Etchingham has its own railway station and offers a direct service into London Bridge in around an hour making it an ideal spot for the occasional commuter or for those who’re looking for a place to purchase a country retreat.

Home for sale in the area include stunning Oast Houses and sprawling estates ideal for those who have an equine interest or wish to keep a smallholding.

Chiltern Hills

The Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches across several home counties and is an area where many who commute to London choose to reside. Homes can be incredibly well positioned to offer privacy and seclusion whilst having ready access to local transport connections and amenities.

Nettlebed

Nettlebed is a pretty, rural village situated in the attractive wooded Chiltern Hills countryside in Oxfordshire. The historic village is filled with charming homes including period country cottages. Homes on the outskirts of the village are particularly sought after and usually come with a package of land.

The South Downs

There are several National Parks where not only could you live in a secluded home but you could benefit from easy access to nearby cities making for an idyllic home/work balance and high quality of life – many areas within The South Downs offer a relatively fast commute into London making it a perfect place to live if you need to reach the capital frequently.

Amberley

Amberley is located in West Sussex in the southern part of the South Downs National Park, it is an exceptionally picturesque village. Some homes even enjoy views of the beautiful Amberley Wildbrooks nature reserve. It is an attractive place to live with many period homes including pretty thatched cottages.

Suffolk Coast

The beauty of living anywhere on the coast is that you can find a home with an uninterrupted sea view, though there is likely to be a great deal of competition to secure such a property. Detached property on the edge of a village, or even a town, positioned to enjoy views of the sea can feel just as remote as an inland home with no neighbours for 50 miles.

Orford

Orford is a sought after place to live on the Suffolk Coast, there are several homes in and around the village which enjoy views out to sea or of the nearby National Nature Reserve of Orford Ness which is renowned for its birdlife. The beauty of living on the edge of a village is the access to amenities and Orford has a good selection. Residents who live in the area benefit from access to coastal paths and stunning views.

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