At the age of 25, Alice Giddings made a life-changing move to a place recently branded the second most boring town in the UK. Far from regretting her decision, she now declares she never wants to leave her new home in Surbiton, South West London.
Escaping the Chaos of Central London
Giddings had spent three years in a cramped flat on a noisy Shepherd’s Bush crossroads. Her sleep was routinely shattered by roadworks, sirens, and disturbances from a nearby pub. She felt unsafe walking locally, frequently facing unwanted attention and verbal abuse. The contrast upon arriving in Surbiton in December 2025 was immediate. Despite a hefty £3,900 upfront payment for her spacious two-bedroom flat, she felt a wave of relief and excitement.
Her new home, just minutes from Surbiton station—which The Telegraph notes is the town's biggest tourist attraction—offered profound peace. "I felt completely safe," she writes. Off a main road yet silent, her first month passed without a single siren. Instead, her balcony, filled with lavender, welcomes the cooing of birds and the buzz of bumblebees.
The Surprising Perks of 'Boring-Town'
While Surbiton may lack a vibrant 3am nightlife, Giddings details the tangible benefits that define her "wonderfully boring" lifestyle.
Property and Cost: She secured a larger flat for less money than in West London, finally affording a balcony. Although her commute is more expensive, it takes the same time as when she lived just five kilometres from her Kensington office. Council tax is high, but not more than her previous bills.
Green Spaces and History: She swapped Hyde Park for the expansive Bushy Park and Hampton Court Park, home to Henry VIII's spectacular palace. The River Thames is a short hop away, perfect for GoBoat trips and riverside picnics.
Retail and Dining: A 25-minute walk or short bus ride to Kingston-upon-Thames provides major retail therapy. The Bentall Centre and surrounding streets host Zara, John Lewis, Fenwick, and niche stores like Søstrene Grene. The Kingston Historic Market, dating to the 1200s, offers a bustling, homely atmosphere with florists, fishmongers, and artisan bakers. For brunch, she recommends the pink-hued Icon café opposite Surbiton station.
Connection and Community Over Chaos
Giddings counters the 'boring' label by highlighting Surbiton's excellent connections. She can reach London Waterloo in 20 minutes and Clapham Junction even faster. Direct trains also conveniently serve her family in St Albans and Brighton.
Her final analysis is a simple exchange: rowdy streets, stress, and a tiny flat for green spaces, history, great shopping, and a newfound sense of community. "I don’t see what’s so boring about that," she concludes. For her, boring means a peaceful, slower, and more fulfilling life—a perfect safe haven after a long day in the capital.
