Travel site Muddy Stilettos recently released their Best Places to Live 2026 list, which uses the travel site’s “insider intel” to showcase the top 260 spots across the UK.
Introducing the results from Berkshire, Muddy Stilettos described the county as “so fancy it’s called Royal Berkshire”, and noted it plays home to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Berkshire also boasts a “constellation” of Michelin star restaurants, has “inspired literary greats”, and is apparently one of the “most commutable” counties in the country, thanks partly its connection to the London tube map via the Elizabeth Line.
The eight Berkshire towns featured among the best places to live in the UK are Caversham, Kintbury, Sonning, Twyford, Cookham, Pangbourne, Sunninghill, and West Ilsley.
Caversham is praised for its combination of community vibes with a super easy commute into London, making it the “perfect spot for people looking for town, country, river and rock ‘n’ roll”, and a “sought-after hub for young professionals and families”.
Technically a suburb of Reading, residents of the trendy neighbourhood can also benefit from a host of cultural attractions and activities in the main town centre, including two museums, the Thames Lido, and Reading’s very own Banksy.
Cookham, meanwhile is described as village that “has it all”, from good food to a buzzing indie high street – and even a selection of celebrity neighbours.
Muddy Stilettos describes Cookham as having more than “your average rural idyll”, but without losing those quintessential village charms, becoming a “hub for families, urban exiles ,and TV stars” alike.
Beautiful riverside Kintbury is praised as “one of the most sought-after village locations” across the whole of southern England thanks to its “gorgeous waterside views, convivial feel, and cracking local amenities”.
This one seems to have earned its spot on the list principally thanks to its aesthetic charms, with Muddy Stilettos gushing over the village’s tranquillity, winding country lanes, and – again – the “unspoilt views” of both the Kennet and Avan canals.
It is no surprise that Pangbourne is also on the list, described as a “Berkshire box-ticker” with a charming river-side setting, good quality schools, and friendly pubs.
Pangebourne also offers a fairly easy commute into London, with Paddington a short 45 minute train-ride away, but the village does tend to make your wallet wince.
Riverside views are quickly emerging as a theme for the Berkshire spots on Muddy Stilettos’ list, with Sonning praised for its “riverside and rural setting”.
It’s also a celebrity hotspot, with big names like the Clooneys, Jimmy Page, and – maybe less of a selling point – Theresa May all reportedly calling this village home.
Sonning is also cursed with big price tags, though, with even the travel site forced to admit a “poky cottage” in Sonning is likely to compare price-wise to a London flat.
Sunninghill is praised as a “thriving and affluent village”, with a host of independent shops and eateries filling up its bustling high street, and another easy commute to London if village life ever loses its shine.
Muddy Stilettos says the village is “playground for the rich, famous, and royal”, with the horse racing, polo, and super spa facilities to prove it.
Twyford is another Berkshire beauty spot offering up a quick commute to London, as well as “excellent” schools and quality dining – a village where you can have your cake and eat it, according to the travel site.
It has “everything a London leaver could wish for”, with indie cafes galore, solid shopping options, and a host of cute villages to explore nearby.
Last but by no means least, West Ilsley is praised by Muddy Stilettos as “perfect for those craving the hush of rural living”.
The travel site singles out the village’s friendly community and horse racing links, as well as its “fantastic local pub”. Look no further, apparently, for “a big fat dollop of the quiet life”.
