The Top 20 Best Places To Live In UK

THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN THE UK


The Top 20 Best Places to Live in the UK

The Top 20 Best Places to Live in the UK

What makes somewhere one of the best places to live in the UK? For some people, it is access to good schools, green spaces and a strong community. For others, employment opportunities, housing, transport connections, healthcare, leisure facilities and proximity to London or a major airport may be more important.

This guide brings together the original Halifax Quality of Life ranking featured on this page with additional information to make the article more useful to people researching where to live, visit or relocate in the United Kingdom.

Important: the original Top 20 ranking reproduced below is a historical ranking from the 2016 Halifax Quality of Life Survey. It should not be interpreted as a current 2026 league table. The purpose of retaining it is to preserve the historical information while providing a more useful, up-to-date guide to the factors people should consider when choosing somewhere to live.

The original Halifax research considered a wide range of indicators associated with quality of life, including earnings, employment, health, life expectancy, personal wellbeing, education, broadband access, housing and other local characteristics.

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What Makes a Place One of the Best Places to Live in the UK?

There is no single definition of the best place to live. The ideal location depends on your circumstances, budget, work, family, lifestyle and travel requirements.

A successful location guide should therefore consider more than a simple ranking. When comparing towns, cities, villages and local authority areas, it is useful to look at several factors together.

  • Housing: property prices, rental costs, availability and the size and type of homes.
  • Employment: local employment opportunities, salaries and access to major employment centres.
  • Education: schools, colleges and access to further and higher education.
  • Healthcare: access to GP services, hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare facilities.
  • Transport: road, rail, bus and airport connections.
  • Green space: parks, countryside, woodland, rivers and coastal areas.
  • Community: local amenities, shops, restaurants, community facilities and social opportunities.
  • Leisure: sports facilities, gyms, pubs, restaurants, attractions and cultural activities.
  • Safety: relevant local crime information and the character of individual neighbourhoods.
  • Connectivity: broadband, mobile coverage and access to major roads and railway stations.
  • Travel: the practical distance and journey time to work, family, schools and airports.

A national ranking can be useful as a starting point, but anyone considering moving should investigate the specific town, village or neighbourhood as well as the wider local authority area.

Historical Halifax Quality of Life Ranking

The original article on this website was based on Halifax’s Quality of Life research. The survey examined a broad range of measures associated with living standards and quality of life across UK local authority areas.

In the historical ranking reproduced below, Winchester was placed first, followed by the Orkney Islands, Wychavon, Derbyshire Dales and Hambleton.

The ranking is retained as historical reference material. Conditions change over time, including employment, housing costs, infrastructure, population, education, transport and local services, so the list should not be presented as a current ranking of the best places to live in 2026.

Number 20. City of London

The City of London is one of the UK’s most important financial and business districts. Its position in the historical Halifax ranking reflected the exceptional level of earnings associated with the area, although residential life in the City is very different from that found in suburban, rural or coastal locations.

The City of London offers outstanding access to financial services, professional employment, restaurants, cultural attractions and public transport. It is also exceptionally well connected to the rest of London.

For people working in central London, the City can provide a highly convenient location. However, housing type, space and cost are important considerations, particularly for families looking for larger homes and outdoor space.

Airport Transfers to and from the City of London

Number 19. Horsham

Horsham in West Sussex is a market town with a combination of town-centre facilities, residential neighbourhoods and access to the wider Sussex countryside. Its location makes it relevant to people who want access to London while living outside the capital.

Horsham also provides useful road and rail connections, while Gatwick Airport is within practical travelling distance for many residents and businesses in the area.

For families and professionals considering Horsham, important factors include the particular neighbourhood, housing costs, schools, commuting arrangements and access to local services.

Airport Transfers to and from Horsham

Number 18. Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands provide a very different lifestyle from major English cities. Located north of mainland Scotland, Shetland is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, island communities and distinctive cultural heritage.

The area can appeal to people looking for a quieter environment and strong connection with the natural landscape. However, island living also means that transport, travel times and access to some services need to be considered carefully.

For anyone researching relocation, it is important to distinguish between visiting the islands and living there permanently. Employment opportunities, schools, healthcare, ferry services, flights and everyday shopping can all influence the practical experience of living in an island community.

Number 17. Waverley

Waverley in Surrey includes well-known towns and communities such as Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere. The area combines attractive residential locations with access to countryside and connections towards London.

Its position in Surrey makes Waverley particularly relevant to commuters and families who want a balance between access to London and a more spacious residential environment.

When choosing a property in Waverley, it is worth considering the exact location because journey times and local amenities can vary considerably between towns and villages.

Airport Transfers from Waverley and Surrounding Towns

Number 16. South Northamptonshire

South Northamptonshire is associated with market towns, villages and countryside in the East Midlands. The area also includes Silverstone, making it particularly recognisable to motorsport enthusiasts.

For residents, the attraction can include access to open countryside while remaining within reach of larger employment centres. The practical suitability of the area depends on employment location, schools, property requirements and transport needs.

Number 15. West Dorset

West Dorset includes locations such as Dorchester, Sherborne and Beaminster and is known for its countryside, historic towns and proximity to the Dorset coast.

The area can appeal to people looking for a slower pace of life, access to the coast and countryside, and a strong connection with smaller communities.

For people relocating from London or other parts of the UK, travel arrangements should be considered alongside housing and lifestyle. Dorset is further from London’s main airports than many South East locations, making journey planning particularly important for frequent travellers.

Airport Transfers to Dorset

Number 14. Tonbridge and Malling

Tonbridge and Malling in Kent includes towns and communities such as Tonbridge, West Malling and surrounding villages. Its position in Kent provides access to London, the wider South East and the Channel ports.

The area combines historic architecture, countryside, residential communities and transport connections. For commuters, the journey to London can be an important consideration when comparing different parts of Kent.

Tonbridge and Malling is also relevant to airport travellers because both Heathrow and Gatwick can be reached from Kent by road, although journey times vary according to the starting point, traffic and time of day.

Number 13. South Oxfordshire

South Oxfordshire includes attractive towns and villages such as Henley-on-Thames and Wallingford. The area is known for its countryside, riverside locations and proximity to Oxford and London.

South Oxfordshire can appeal to families, professionals and people looking for a combination of rural surroundings and access to larger employment centres.

As with other large districts, conditions differ between individual communities. Anyone considering moving should examine housing, transport, schools and local amenities at neighbourhood level.

Airport Transfers to South Oxfordshire

Number 12. South Hams

South Hams in Devon includes a mixture of coastal communities, countryside and historic towns. The area is particularly associated with the South Devon coast and locations such as Totnes, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge.

The combination of coast, countryside, local food, outdoor activities and smaller communities makes South Hams an interesting location for people seeking a lifestyle away from major cities.

For anyone considering relocation, it is worth looking at transport connections and employment opportunities as well as the attractions of the area itself.

Number 11. West Oxfordshire

West Oxfordshire includes towns and villages such as Witney, Burford and Chipping Norton and forms part of the wider Cotswolds region.

The area is known for its attractive countryside, historic settlements and proximity to Oxford. It can appeal to families and professionals who want a rural or semi-rural environment while remaining within reach of major employment centres.

West Oxfordshire also provides access to Heathrow Airport, making airport connectivity an important practical consideration for international travellers.

Airport Transfers from West Oxfordshire

Number 10. Chiltern

Chiltern in Buckinghamshire is associated with the Chiltern Hills and attractive towns and villages across the area. The location offers countryside, woodland and access to major towns and London.

The Chilterns are particularly relevant to people looking for a combination of rural surroundings and access to the capital. Housing, commuting costs and property availability are important considerations when comparing different parts of the district.

Its position also makes Heathrow Airport accessible by road from many parts of the area, although actual journey times depend on the exact address and traffic conditions.

Number 9. Wokingham

Wokingham in Berkshire is a well-connected market town and residential area between Reading and London. It is known for its combination of town amenities, residential communities and access to surrounding countryside.

Wokingham can be attractive to commuters because of its position within the Thames Valley. Families may also consider the area’s schools, housing and recreational facilities when comparing it with other parts of Berkshire.

The wider borough includes several distinct communities, so prospective residents should assess the specific location rather than relying solely on a district-wide description.

Number 8. St Albans

St Albans in Hertfordshire combines a historic city centre with strong connections to London and the surrounding region. Its Roman heritage, cathedral, parks, restaurants and shopping areas contribute to its appeal as a residential location.

Its proximity to London makes St Albans particularly relevant to commuters, while its road connections also provide access to Heathrow and other airports.

Airport Transfers to and from St Albans

Number 7. Purbeck

Purbeck in Dorset is known for its dramatic coastline, countryside and historic attractions. The area includes Swanage, Corfe Castle, Wareham and surrounding communities.

For people who value outdoor activities, coastal walks, countryside and access to historic attractions, Purbeck offers a very different lifestyle from central London and other major urban areas.

Travel planning is particularly important for residents who regularly need to reach London or one of the major airports. A pre-booked private transfer can be useful when travelling with luggage or when a direct journey is preferred.

Number 6. South Cambridgeshire

South Cambridgeshire surrounds Cambridge and includes a mixture of villages, countryside and communities with strong links to the Cambridge economy.

The area is particularly relevant to people working in technology, science, education and other professional sectors associated with Cambridge and the wider region.

When comparing properties in South Cambridgeshire, consider the exact village or town, commuting requirements, school arrangements, housing costs and access to local facilities.

Number 5. Hambleton

Hambleton in North Yorkshire includes towns and villages such as Northallerton, Thirsk, Bedale, Easingwold and Stokesley. The area combines market-town communities with extensive countryside and access to the North York Moors.

The location can appeal to people seeking a quieter environment while still requiring access to employment, schools and local services.

Hambleton’s historical position in the Halifax ranking was associated with strong employment and personal wellbeing indicators. Those statistics describe the period of the original survey and should therefore be regarded as historical rather than current measures.

Number 4. Derbyshire Dales

The Derbyshire Dales provide access to some of the most recognisable countryside in the Peak District and surrounding areas. Towns and villages throughout the district offer a mixture of historic buildings, rural landscapes and local communities.

The area can be attractive to people who prioritise outdoor recreation, countryside and smaller communities while remaining within reach of larger towns and cities in the Midlands.

Anyone considering a move should compare individual towns and villages because transport, schools, employment and property markets can vary significantly within the district.

Number 3. Wychavon

Wychavon in Worcestershire includes towns such as Evesham, Droitwich Spa and Pershore. The area combines market-town life, countryside and access to the wider Midlands.

Its location can provide a useful balance between rural surroundings and access to larger employment centres. The Vale of Evesham is also associated with horticulture, agriculture and attractive countryside.

For residents and visitors, road connections are an important part of the area’s accessibility, particularly for longer-distance travel.

Number 2. Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands offer a distinctive island lifestyle with dramatic landscapes, coastal scenery, historic sites and close-knit communities.

The islands’ remote location is one of their defining characteristics. This can be a major attraction for people looking for a quieter environment, but it also means that travel planning is more important than in mainland locations.

Residents need to consider ferry and flight connections, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, shopping and access to mainland Scotland when evaluating the practical advantages and disadvantages of living in Orkney.

Number 1. Winchester

Winchester in Hampshire was ranked first in the historical Halifax Quality of Life Survey covered by this article. The city has a strong combination of history, architecture, education, shopping, restaurants, green spaces and transport connections.

Winchester’s location in Hampshire also makes it relevant to people who need access to London, Southampton, the South Coast and major airports.

The city has a very different character from rural districts such as Orkney or the Derbyshire Dales, illustrating why a single national ranking cannot determine the best location for every household.

Airport Transfers to and from Winchester

Best Places to Live in the UK for Families

Families often have different priorities from young professionals, students or retirees. A family considering a new location may place greater importance on school choices, property size, parks, healthcare, local activities and commuting times.

Locations included in the historical Halifax ranking cover a wide range of environments, from St Albans and Wokingham to West Oxfordshire, South Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire Dales and Winchester.

When comparing areas for family life, look beyond a national ranking. Research individual school catchment areas, housing costs, local transport, childcare, GP and healthcare access, parks and leisure facilities.

Best Places to Live for London Commuters

People who work in London but prefer to live outside the capital often look towards parts of Hertfordshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.

St Albans, Wokingham, Waverley, Chiltern, South Oxfordshire, Winchester and Tonbridge and Malling are examples of areas that have appeared in historical quality-of-life discussions and that can provide varying degrees of access to London.

However, commuting suitability depends on the exact home and workplace. A location that looks close on a map can have a very different practical journey depending on railway services, road congestion and the time of day.

Best Places to Live for Retirees

Retirement can change the factors that matter most when choosing a location. Access to healthcare, shops, local community facilities, leisure activities, green spaces and convenient transport can become particularly important.

Coastal and rural areas such as Dorset, Devon, the Derbyshire Dales and parts of North Yorkshire can offer attractive lifestyles, while towns and cities such as Winchester and St Albans can provide a broader range of services.

Before moving, retirees should consider both the attractions of an area and practical long-term requirements such as healthcare access, public transport, property maintenance and proximity to family.

Best Places to Live for Access to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports

Airport access is an increasingly important consideration for people who travel internationally for business, family visits or holidays.

For residents in southern England, Heathrow and Gatwick are two of the UK’s most important international airports. The practical convenience of an area depends not only on straight-line distance but also on road connections, traffic, terminal location and the time of travel.

Some locations appearing in the historical ranking are particularly relevant to airport travellers, including Horsham, Waverley, St Albans, Winchester, South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire, Chiltern and Wokingham.

For passengers travelling with several suitcases, children or larger groups, a pre-booked private airport transfer can provide a direct journey between the property and airport terminal without requiring changes between trains or buses.

Private Airport Transfers from UK Towns and Cities

Heathrow Gatwick Cars provides pre-booked private airport transfer services between London airports and towns, cities and residential areas across the UK.

Depending on the journey, passengers can arrange transfers to or from Heathrow, Gatwick and other airports with a suitable private vehicle based on passenger numbers and luggage requirements.

Some of the destinations connected with locations discussed in this article include:

How to Choose the Right Place to Live in the UK

Instead of asking only which location is number one, it can be more useful to ask which location best matches your own requirements.

A practical comparison should include:

  1. Budget: What can you realistically afford to buy or rent?
  2. Employment: Where will you work and how often will you commute?
  3. Family: Do you need schools, childcare or family support nearby?
  4. Transport: How easy is it to reach work, family, hospitals, shops and airports?
  5. Lifestyle: Do you prefer a city, market town, village, coast or countryside?
  6. Healthcare: What services are available locally?
  7. Education: What schools and colleges are accessible?
  8. Leisure: Are there activities and facilities that match your interests?
  9. Connectivity: Is broadband and mobile coverage suitable for your needs?
  10. Long-term plans: Will the location continue to work for you as your circumstances change?

Why National Rankings Should Not Be the Only Factor

A ranking can be useful for discovering locations that you may not otherwise consider, but it cannot capture every factor that matters to an individual household.

For example, someone working in central London may prioritise railway connections, while another person may value a large garden and access to countryside. A family may prioritise schools, while a retiree may focus on healthcare and local amenities.

Even within the same local authority, one neighbourhood can have very different characteristics from another. Property prices, transport links, schools and local amenities can vary substantially within a relatively small geographical area.

Historical Ranking: Why the List Has Changed Over Time

Quality-of-life rankings naturally change because the underlying data changes. Employment, earnings, housing, health, education, infrastructure and personal wellbeing can all move in different directions.

This is why an historical ranking should not be presented as a current league table. The original Halifax research remains useful as a snapshot of the areas that performed strongly according to the indicators used at the time.

For modern house-hunters, the best approach is to combine historical information with current official statistics, local knowledge and first-hand research into the particular neighbourhood being considered.

Best Places to Live in the UK: Frequently Asked Questions

What was the number one place to live in the original Halifax ranking?

Winchester in Hampshire was ranked number one in the historical Halifax Quality of Life Survey represented by this article.

Is this the current 2026 list of the best places to live?

No. The original Top 20 ranking is historical. This page retains the historical list while providing additional modern guidance for people researching places to live in the UK.

Which factors should I consider when choosing somewhere to live?

Important factors include housing costs, employment, schools, healthcare, transport, safety, green space, local amenities, broadband, community and access to family or work.

Is Winchester still a good place to consider?

Winchester remains a well-known Hampshire city with historic attractions, local amenities, transport connections and access to surrounding countryside. However, whether it is suitable for a particular person depends on factors such as budget, employment, housing requirements and lifestyle.

Is St Albans convenient for London?

St Albans is located in Hertfordshire and has established transport connections towards London. The suitability of the location for a particular commuter depends on their workplace, working hours, budget and preferred mode of transport.

Which places in the list are close to Heathrow Airport?

Several locations in the historical list, including St Albans, Chiltern, West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Wokingham and Winchester, provide road access towards Heathrow. Actual journey times vary according to the exact address, terminal, traffic and time of travel.

Which places are convenient for Gatwick Airport?

Horsham and parts of Surrey, Sussex and surrounding areas provide practical road connections towards Gatwick Airport. Journey times should always be considered from the exact property rather than from the centre of a district.

Can Heathrow Gatwick Cars provide airport transfers from these locations?

Yes. Heathrow Gatwick Cars provides pre-booked private airport transfers from numerous UK towns and cities to Heathrow, Gatwick and other destinations. Vehicle choice depends on the number of passengers, luggage and journey requirements.

Should I choose a town or a village?

This depends on your priorities. Towns generally provide a wider range of shops, services, schools and transport options, while villages may offer a quieter environment and easier access to countryside. The right choice depends on your lifestyle and daily travel requirements.

Are historical best-place-to-live rankings still useful?

They can be useful for historical context and for identifying locations that have previously performed well against particular quality-of-life measures. However, they should be combined with current data before making a property or relocation decision.

Airport Travel from the Best Places to Live

Moving home does not necessarily mean giving up convenient access to international travel. For many people, access to Heathrow and Gatwick is an important part of choosing where to live.

Whether you are travelling for business, visiting family overseas or going on holiday, the most convenient transfer option depends on your location, flight time, passenger numbers and luggage.

Heathrow Gatwick Cars offers pre-booked private airport transfers designed to provide direct journeys between homes, hotels, businesses and airport terminals.

Request a private airport transfer quotation from Heathrow Gatwick Cars.

Long-Distance Private Hire and Chauffeur Services

For longer journeys, passengers may prefer a private vehicle with a professional driver rather than combining several forms of public transport.

Long Distance Private Hire can be considered for journeys between towns and cities, airport transfers and other pre-booked journeys where a direct vehicle is more convenient.

Editorial Update and Methodology

Original publication: The original article was based on historical Halifax Quality of Life research.

Last updated: September 2026.

This page has been substantially revised to improve clarity, usefulness and search accessibility while preserving the historical ranking that formed the basis of the original article.

The historical ranking should be read as a snapshot of the period in which the Halifax research was published. Current housing, employment, transport, education, healthcare and quality-of-life conditions can differ significantly.

Where current statistics are introduced in future updates, they should be accompanied by the relevant source and publication year so that readers can distinguish current information from historical research.

Sources and Further Reading

The historical ranking was based on Halifax Quality of Life research reported in 2016. The research considered a broad range of quality-of-life indicators and compared UK local authority areas.

For current relocation research, readers should also consult relevant official statistics, local authority information and current housing and transport information rather than relying on a historical ranking alone.

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