Two years ago, I opted to leave the familiarity of my metropolitan life in Fitzrovia, central London, for a new life in the English countryside. This was a major upheaval for me, as I had always felt homesick as soon as I ventured outside my comfort zone within the Circle Line.

Here I offer ten tips on how to capitalise on life outside the capital.

TIP ONE

As a TV celebrity friend of mine wisely counselled, never say you have left London, otherwise people will no longer invite you to events or receptions. Living outside London, particularly beyond the M25, can throw you into social purdah, since people think you are ‘no longer around’. This has proved to be very sage advice. When asked, I now reply that I live at my club in Pall Mall with Lulu –  as it happens, Lulu is my folding Brompton bicycle, named after a close friend and Soul Sister. But I only explain, if pressed.

TIP TWO

Lulu has turned out to be a true blessing. My bike is the speediest and most convenient means to get around central London. My stress levels have plummeted since I gave up the challenge of driving around the capital, constantly on guard against myriad challenges: not least the Mayor’s onerous 20 miles an hour  (mph) speed limit; daunting parking restrictions; and a losing battle for road space with Deliveroo dispatch riders.  Yet, as I speed along the Embankment, on my way to my City office, I smile broadly at the speed cameras which inform me I am exceeding the 20 mph speed limit. Fortunately, bikes have no number plates.

TIP THREE

Again, with a focus on transport, invest in a Senior Railcard, entitling you to a third off all rail fares. My cheapest return rail fare to Crewe from London’s Euston has now climbed to £29. This is still a snip, and cheaper than many of my uber fares around the capital. Crewe, perhaps the last town created by God, offers four trains an hour to London Euston, with a journey time of 100 minutes. I can enjoy a late breakfast at my country abode and still be in London for an aperitif prior to luncheon at one of my favourite haunts.

TIP FOUR

In the Winter months, head for The Tropics. Taking care to avoid school holidays, there are real bargains to be had in flying to warmer climes. Over the last (freezing) English Winter, I enjoyed extended trips to Kenya, India and China, stopping off in Dubai, Cairo and Istanbul. If you travel from provincial airports, such as Manchester, there are some fabulous bargains to seize. My return fare to Shanghai, via Beijing, from Manchester in February, cost me an affordable £340. Such expeditions provide an extra bonus.  Prior to setting off, I dial down my central heating thermometer to the minimum to ensure no burst pipes, but saving me substantial sums in gas (and electric and water utility charges). This forthcoming Winter, it looks as though Her Majesty’s Government may pay £300 plus to pensioners by way of a Winter fuel payment – a welcome contribution to one’s return airfare to sunnier climes.

TIP FIVE

Invest in a good wifi router. I am a self-confessed ‘digital nomad’, able to work anywhere across the globe. Last year, I upgraded my wifi router, so I now have no problems appearing from my home in the country on live TV interviews around the world, albeit my TV producers tend to insert a byline that I am speaking from London.

TIP SIX

Gardening is a joy. Since moving to the country,  I have developed a keen interest in gardening and horticulture. Monty Don is now my guiding light, as I plant flowers and bushes aimed at attracting wildlife and pollinators. My bookshelves are also stacked with guides to birds and butterflies. It helps that I overlook a nature reserve, designated a site of ‘Special Scientific Interest’. This has done wonders for my mental health, as I commune with nature in my backdoor garden. There is nothing like a spot of impromptu weeding to restore one’s spirits. In contrast, in the capital, my nearest green patch was Regent’s Park, it’s Outer Ring patrolled by the massed ranks of middle-aged cyclists, invariably kitted out in body-hugging black lycra uniforms. Not a pretty sight.

TIP SEVEN

But life in the countryside is not without its challenges, notably with respect to pests. Over the last year, I have experienced invasions of crested newts, toads, spiders and beetles of all descriptions, and, most recently, a sudden influx of slugs and snails. Beer seems to be the remedy for these invertebrates, as they have a keen appetite for the aromatic yeast in the ale. Sadly for the slugs, quenching their thirst in a basin of beer leads to their drowning. Not a bad way to go.

TIP EIGHT

Don’t hesitate to join local community groups. In the last two years I have joined out local fox hunt (although they no longer chase our four-legged friends), our cricket club (we are lucky to have an enchanting village cricket ground), a prestigious polo club, and, of course, the wide variety of local pubs and inns – invariably offering excellent, affordable food. What is more, the local hostelry tends to be an unrivalled source of news and gossip about what is going on in the wider neighbourhood.

TIP NINE

Make a point of regularly visiting the capital. These days I tend to stay at my Pall Mall club, which is convenient and central. In so doing, I maintain contact with my long-standing clients, chums and consorts. I have found this strategy supports one’s public profile and ensures people do not cross you off their invitation lists. If I don’t stay at my club, I will stay with friends. This works well, as they love to come and stay with me in the country, where I have a lot more space to entertain them than in my previous compact London flat.

TIP TEN

With an eye to the future, I strongly recommend you maintain your links with your London GP service and the capital’s teaching hospitals. The latter, in particular, offer reliable first class medical care, even though one may have to be patient as a patient. Medical care in the country can be patchy, and it’s best not to tempt fate.

In sum, this is my guide to a better life in the country, based on two years’ experience. It will be fascinating to hear if my recommendations strike a chord.

Keith Boyfield is an internationally recognised economist and the author of over one hundred public policy and planning issues, economic development and regulatory policy. He is a client of Westley’s Financial Planning and writes this as a guest blog.