Gower in Wales has been crowned the most up-and-coming property hotspot in the UK, famed for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and vast swathes of smooth sand.
The peninsula, just a short drive from Swansea, was named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956. It might attract a steady flow of holidaymakers each year, but new research by Boomin found it has become increasingly popular with house hunters, thanks to its quality of schools, property prices and low crime rates.
After analysing more than 600 areas across the UK, the team also discovered that other popular areas include Wigan and Central Manchester in the North West of England, plus the dreamy Welsh towns of Monmouth and Aberavon. Despite lockdown restrictions easing, buyers are continuing to leave urban areas in favour of more rural locations.
"It's no surprise to see Gower heading up the list of the most up-and-coming property hotspots in the UK," Jonathan Morgan, Director of BJP Residential, says. "Being the UK's first ever official area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and playing home to one of the most bucket-listed beaches in the world in Rhossili beach, it's always been a hotspot, but with the rise in workplaces offering remote working following the pandemic, it's made Gower even more inviting than it already was."
Want to make a move? Take a look at the full findings below...
20 up-and-coming property hotspots in the UK
- Gower, Glamorgan, Wales
- Wigan, Greater Manchester
- Manchester Central, Greater Manchester
- Monmouth, Monmouthshire
- Ogmore-by-Sea, Glamorgan, Wales
- Aberavon, Port Talbot, Wales
- Rochdale, Greater Manchester
- Leigh, Greater Manchester
- Stourbridge, Worcestershire
- Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Wales
- Stretford, Greater Manchester
- Ludlow, Shropshire
- Wythenshawe, Cheshire
- Pudsey, West Yorkshire
- Ards and North Down, Northern Ireland
- Oldham, Greater Manchester
- Burton, East Staffordshire
- Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
- Heywood, Greater Manchester
- Headingley, North West Leeds
20 stylish picnic accessories for outdoor dining
A traditional wicker picnic basket with classic striped lining. Inside you'll find a cooler bag, crockery, cups and cutlery for four, and a handy corkscrew. A quintessentially English accessory.
This robust bento box is stackable, leakproof and also comes with a sliding divider to create smaller compartments within, a built-in chopping board and a concealed fork - it's a picnic must-have.
This portable charcoal barbecue from Weber is the perfect solution for outdoor grilling at the beach, park, or on your patio. The finish on this product also prevents rusting, cracking and peeling, which means it can sit outside all year.
Check local council rules on whether portable barbecues are permitted on the beach or park you're planning to visit.
A retro outdoor essential for picnics and camping alike, these stylish enamel tumblers (set of four) can be used again and again, year after year.
No need for plastic cutlery, this bamboo picnic set is reusable and fully biodegradable. In the handy cotton pouch, you'll find a knife and fork, spoon, chopsticks, a bamboo straw and a cleaning brush.
For the stylish picnic host. This folding lunch bag is fully cooler-lined to keep food fresh – the perfect holdall for an intimate picnic for two.
Convenience is key for a fuss-free picnic. This set of four pretty melamine dinner plates not only looks great, but is lightweight, durable and (most importantly) reusable.
This wipe clean outdoor rug from Habitat withstands water and dirt, for a sturdier alternative to a picnic blanket.
YETI boasts a whole host of clever picnic accessories, but this double-walled vacuum insulted bowl ensures all your food stays at the right temperature.
Take a hopeful punt on hot weather and pack this Toast Khmer fan. Made by artisans in Cambodia using the leaf and trunk of the palm plant, its compact shape fits neatly in your bag or pocket.
These water-resistant cotton cushions are perfect for scattering over your picnic blanket as extra comfy seating.
These clever mesh food covers can fit the largest cakes, salads or other serving bowls to keep insects away from your food. And they fold flat to save on space in your picnic basket.
A smart herringbone picnic rug with waterproof backing and carry handle for comfort and ease on the go.
This stylish summer mattress is made from hand-woven stripe cotton with hand-knotted cotton tassels. For elevated lounging.
Pop this Le Creuset bottle sleeve in the freezer and whip out for a picnic day, it'll ensure all your bottles stay cool when out and about. What's more, it can cool your favourite bottle from room temperature in just 20 minutes.
Made from recycled stainless steel, this pretty thermal water bottle is great for keeping drinks hot or cold.
Just the ticket for transporting oats or muesli to your picnic. Kilner’s super smart Breakfast Jar Set comes complete with a stainless steel spoon stored in the silicone cuff around its top.
This eye-catching retro 20-litre coolbox keeps food and drink cold for up to 24 hours. It also comes with a handy adjustable leather strap for comfortable carrying to and from your desired picnic spot.
The perfect partner for seaside picnics. Compact yet durable, this stylish fold down beach cart has able storage space, specialised sand wheels and a mesh flooring to sift out unwanted sand.
Last but not least, we couldn't forget about our four-legged friends. This pet travel bag contains collapsible silicone bowls and placemats, space for water bottles, and lined carriers that can be used for food or treats.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
