This historic town is a hub for shopping and socialising, and contains a great number of chain stores, bars and restaurants, in addition to many treasured independents tucked away in its pretty Georgian lanes. Add to this excellent transport links (30% of locals don’t own a car), a thriving sports and cultural scene served by two theatres, galleries, cinemas and numerous local societies and sports clubs, and you truly have a town for all seasons.

When you have had your fill of the shops you can always escape to the Green or down to the river for a glass of something restorative, or take a stroll up Richmond Hill to take in the only view in England so utterly breathtaking that it is protected by an Act of Parliament.