The Sunday Times has revealed the top living destinations in the UK in its latest annual edition. Travelling extensively to identify the best places in 2026, the publication named an eastern city in England as the winner.
Praised for its blend of “medieval heritage and contemporary cool,” Norwich was crowned the overall champion on the Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the UK for 2026 list. Norwich holds the distinction of being the only location featured in all 14 editions of the prestigious annual list, making it a top consideration regardless of one’s life stage.
In second place came Malmesbury in Wiltshire, with the Sunday Times noting, “If the high street reflects a town’s health, historic Malmesbury should be feeling quite upbeat.”
Rounding out the top three was Skipton in North Yorkshire. The Sunday Times highlighted, “If you’re content and ready for a change, consider moving to this market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.”
To compile the rankings, the Sunday Times’ expert panel visited various locations across the UK, considering factors such as broadband speeds, school quality, and high street vitality. According to the Express, the judging process was thorough and comprehensive.
Regarding Norwich’s win, judges described the city as a “vibrant, diverse city with a welcoming atmosphere.” Norwich was characterized as “stylish yet approachable, environmentally conscious, and friendly.”
Norwich was commended for its unique mix of urban amenities and serene rural surroundings, providing easy access to The Fens and the eastern coast of England. The city is also recognized as the first UNESCO City of Literature in the UK, boasting numerous theaters, cultural sites, and a beautifully restored Norman castle.
Helen Davies, the editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, stated, “This guide is an excellent platform to showcase the remarkable initiatives undertaken by communities nationwide.”
Lloyds Banking Group contributed data on average house prices for each winning location, ranging from £252,300 to a staggering £916,900. Norwich, the overall winner, reported an average house price of £324,400.
Ballycastle had the lowest average house price at £252,300, while Richmond in London had the highest. London’s average house price was £551,000 in December 2025, as per the UK Government’s figures.
Explore the full list of the 11 best places to live this year below.
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