News, Essex
Saffron Walden has been named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times.
The Essex town was ranked number one from a shortlist of 72 locations, ranging from lively capital cities to the remote village of Maenclochog in Pembrokeshire.
It follows last year’s winner of North Berwick, in East Lothian.
Criteria the judges consider for such a title include schools, transport, broadband speeds, mobile signals, access to green spaces and the quality of the High Street.
Bruce King, 49, of Cheffins estate agents, “truly believes” his town is the best place to live in the UK.
He points to the famous market square, a mix of chains and independent businesses, and the community spirit.
“We can be in Cambridge within half an hour, we can be at Stansted Airport in under half an hour, and we can be in central London in an hour,” he added.
Karen Oakley, 58, the owner of Sage and Saffron, said she “absolutely agrees” with the decision.
Opening her delicatessen just after lockdown, she has lived in the town for 12 years and has seen the number of independent shops flourish, even though “most High Streets have died these days”.
She added: “Saffron Walden has been in [the shortlist] every year for as long as I can remember. We’ve been top in Essex a few times.
“It’s a massive achievement.”
The judges said: “Saffron Walden was chosen for its knockout historic looks with excellent state schools, a rich cultural offering and an exploding foodie scene.
“The genteel market town used to have a reputation for being stuffy, old-fashioned and expensive.
“If the traditional High Street is dying, Saffron Walden is reinventing it for the 21st Century.”
