The commuter town 30 minutes from London that's one of the UK's safest places to live

A town half an hour from London is perfect for commuters and was named the safest place to live in the UK. Woking, in Surrey, was found to have a crime rate of only 64 crimes per 1,000 people, according to 2023 research by security licensing firm Get Licensed.

The company analysed crime rates supplied by the Office for National Statistics in England and Wales. The data, which covered the year ending September 2022, included various offences such as public order offences, violence against the person, criminal damage, and arson. Despite Woking'shigher crime rate than many other towns across the UK, its rate per 1,000 people makes it the safest place to live. According to the 2021 Census, the town's population is 103,900. In addition, property expert Phil Spencer named it the sixth best of London's commuter towns, edged out by only Maidenhead, Stevenage, St Albans, Reading, and Borehamwood. Woking is easily reachable from London, with a speedy 27-minute train ride from Waterloo or a 37-minute drive via the A3.

However, safety comes at a cost: Woking isn't cheap. Property website Rightmove reveals that a house in Woking will cost you £547,000.

And if you're seeking to escape the city's hustle and bustle, Woking's town centre, with its growing number of high-rise towers, might not feel too dissimilar from Central London. The town has even considered applying for city status on several occasions.

Woking is steeped in history, with its origins tracing back to prehistoric times and significant moments during the Roman era. From a humble medieval agricultural settlement, Woking flourished in the 19th century, spurred on by the railway boom.

The town gained acclaim for its brickwork and tile industry, with many of its buildings constructed from locally produced materials. It's also where renowned author H.G. Wells crafted his classic The War of the Worlds.

Nature enthusiasts can bask in Woking's natural beauty at places like Horsell Common. This vast open space is not just rich in biodiversity but also famously features as the Martian landing site in Wells' seminal work.

Shoppers are spoilt for choice in Woking, from high-end brands to quirky independent storefronts and active markets. At the heart of the action is the Peacocks Shopping Centre, with its impressive selection of over 100 shops, casual dining options, plus a cinema and bowling alley for entertainment.

Moreover, a recent regeneration project in the town centre has led to the creation of the new Victoria Square, boasting new shops, buildings and a sparkling public space.