6.3.2

Perceptions of Rural Places

Test yourself

The Rural Idyll

Rural places are perceived differently by contrasting groups of people because of their lived experiences and their perceptions.

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The rural idyll

  • Rural areas are often perceived as ‘ideal’ places to live – the ‘rural idyll’.
  • Rural areas are often portrayed as having picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and woodlands.
  • Many have historic buildings such as castles, old halls and village churches.
  • Many have old, cottage-style housing with flower gardens.
  • There is a relaxed pace of life (tranquillity), free from stress and worries, and a lack of crime.
  • There is a strong sense of community, with activities like village cricket and socialising in a village pub.
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The role of the media

  • Portrayals of rural places in the media often reinforce the rural idyll.
  • TV series (e.g. Emmerdale, Midsomer Murders) are set in attractive countryside, even if the ‘goings on’ there are frequently less idyllic.
  • Rural places often brand themselves using literature to attract visitors
    • E.g. (Thomas) Hardy Country in Dorchester (Dorset) and Bronte Country (West Yorkshire).
    • E.g. Cornwall (Poldark), Highclere Castle, Hampshire and Bampton, Oxfordshire (Downton Abbey) and Alnwick Castle (Harry Potter).

Varying Perceptions of Rural Places

For some people, rural areas are not idyllic.

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Lack of services

  • Many homes are not connected to gas pipelines. They have expensive oil-fired boilers and central heating.
  • Post offices, shops, petrol stations and banks are limited and more expensive to use in rural areas.
  • Secondary schools and hospitals can be many miles away.
  • Many houses are old, with high maintenance costs and high heating costs.
    • In National Parks, conservation rules can restrict improvements such as double glazing.
  • There are infrequent bus services making transport for the elderly more difficult.
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Populations and employment

  • Populations are ageing, which means there are limited social opportunities for children and young people and a feeling of isolation.
  • Popular places can be swamped by summer tourists (honey-pot sites), but are deserted in winter with services closed for months. This means employment is highly seasonal.
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Rural places are all different

  • Rural places are all different.
  • Some are more remote and very few people move there to live or retire.
  • Some are more accessible. These are popular retirement locations as they are peaceful but near enough to services.
  • Some coastal places are very popular with retirees.
  • Many are commuter villages that are within one hour’s drive of a major city. These are popular locations for young families who commute daily to work or work from home.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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