I moved to the UK’s second most boring place at 25 — I never want to leave

When I pulled up to the curb of my new abode in the languorous town of Surbiton, a smile broke across my face.

Welcome to boring-town, I thought, having read the month before that the London burb had been dubbed the second most boring town in the UK.

But that didn’t make me regret the eye-watering £3,900 upfront payment for my spacious two-bed flat. Actually, it only made me more excited.

Granted, one Mumsnetter branded Surbiton a ‘fate worse than death’ but I was ready to embrace the South West London ‘yummy mummy’ lifestyle – minus the infant and responsibilities.

For the past three years I’d been trapped in a small flat on a Shepherd’s Bush crossroad, falling asleep to the constant drill of roadworks, wail of sirens and listening to brawls and tuneless karaoke emanating from the lowbrow pub across the road.

I couldn’t make it down the main road without being ogled or verbally abused by men – there was no sense of safety.

Here, in my new Surbiton flat, just minutes from the station (which the Telegraph claims is the town’s biggest tourist attraction – and it’s not wrong), I felt completely safe.

Despite being just off a main road, I never hear cars pass by, and in a whole month I’ve not heard a single siren. Instead it’s the coo of birds and the buzzing of bumble bees as I sit on my balcony that I’ve filled with lavender.

What’s Surbiton got going for it?

Now look, if you’re a party animal who likes to stay out drinking until 3am and needs to be doing something every waking minute – it’s not the town for you.

But I’ll tell you what’s so good about my wonderfully boring home. Firstly, I got a bigger flat for less money and I have finally been able to afford a balcony for the first time in my adult life.

My commute is more expensive but takes exactly the same amount of time as when I lived just five kilometres from my Kensington office.

Yes, the council tax is extortionate, but I’m still not paying more than I was in West London. If my London borough is good enough for Stormzy and Tom Holland, then it’s good enough for me.

I’ve replaced my walks in Hyde park for wanders in Bushy Park and Hampton Court Park, which is home to the spectacular Hampton Court Palace, frequented by Henry VIII.

You can even hop into Kingston and get a GoBoat down the river, enjoying a tipple down the Thames and admiring the stunning riverside homes and the palace itself.

It’s just a 25 minute walk (or get a five minute bus) into Kingston, and it’s where I love to spend my free time.

Now, I’d been spoiled with Westfield in West London, but the Bentall Centre and the surrounding shops satisfy even the biggest shopaholics. You’ve got Zara, H&M, Fenwick’s, Nike, The White Company, All Saints, Hollister and John Lewis.

Not to mention an Oliver Bonas and Danish chain Søstrene Grene for some cute homewares, while a riverside TK Maxx is perfect for your furnishing needs.

If you wander past the gorgeous Tudour-esq buildings that house the likes of L’Occitaine, Astrid & Miyu and Urban Outfitters, you’ll stumble across a true gem.

The Kingston Historic Market is home to 28 permanent stalls and is open seven days a week. It dates back to the early 1200s and it has a brilliant homey yet buzzing atmosphere.

You’ll find florists, fishmongers, an artisan bakery and street food – it’s a true find for someone like me who loves to cook from scratch and host.

There’s also a little Surbiton Farmers Market too on Maple Road, every third Saturday, which raises money for charity. If you want brunch made for you, venture to Icon, the pink punchy breakfast place opposite the station.

I use Kingston for restaurant visits – there’s a gorgeous Cote with riverside views, a Bills, and for fast food there’s Joe and the Juice, Tortilla, and Leon too.

You might say, “but that’s Kingston, not Surbiton”, and you’d be right – but that’s the joy of living in boring-town, it’s so well connected.

I can be in London Waterloo in 20 minutes, making it easy to get anywhere in London within the hour. Clapham Junction is even closer, plus I can get a direct train home to St Albans to my family, and it’s just an hour-and-a-half to Brighton where the rest of my loved ones are.

My final boring thoughts…

The way I see it, I exchanged rowdy streets, terrible bin collections, constant stress and a small flat for open green spaces, history, shopping, spectacular views and a sense of community.

Honestly, I don’t see what’s so boring about that. I can host parties in a kitchen and living room that I can finally swing a cat in, have family to stay, and indulge in peaceful walks and picnics by the river.

If you define boring as somewhere that lacks nightlife and drunks at bars – sure, it’s dull as anything.

But to me, I’ve found a peaceful place where life is slower, easier and more fulfilling. Call me a grandma, but after long day in the heart of London, there’s nothing I enjoy more than retreating to my safe haven in boring-town.

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