So why did I leave my urban utopia? Although London offers an energy and vibe that is unparalleled, this excitement is pretty much denied once you have had children. I had in my mind that it was ‘only for a couple of years’ but 18 years on I had thrived in vibrant London and made it my adopted home town. I left the stunning scenery, beaches and canny folk of the North East behind at the age of 22 and headed for the bright City lights of the Capital. As a born Northerner-adopted-City life girl, having now returned to a country life, I think it is safe to say I have experienced the best of both worlds.