A stunning town in the east of England has been chosen by experts as the best place to live in the country. The Sunday Times named Saffron Walden the best place to live in the UK in 2025, beating out 72 other spots across the country, such as Tiree and Sevenoaks.

Judges said Saffron Walden was chosen for its “knockout historic looks with excellent state schools, a rich cultural offering and an exploding foodie scene”. India Burrett, 36 and a trainee psychotherapist, left London for the Essex town in 2021 with her husband and children and compared it to a French holiday destination.

She said: “In summer, it’s like being in the south of France with everyone milling around. It has a really great vibe.”

Henry Rowe, 69, lived in Australia for a decade but now says he will never leave the Essex town: “People ask me why I came back and I say Australia has sunshine and beaches but it’s not Saffron Walden.”

Saffron Walden retains a rural appearance and some medieval buildings, including the oldest inhabited building – the former maltings which dates back to the 15th century. There is also a turf maze which dates from 1699 and a stunning park – Bridge End Gardens – which was established in 1840.

There are a number of “wonderful independent shops and cafes”, according to VisitSaffronWalden, as well as a 900-year-old twice-weekly market in the square. There are several things to do in the nearby area, including visiting Audley End House, Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden Museum, Fry Art Gallery and Saffron Music Hall.

Properties in Saffron Walden have an overall average price of £441,000, according to Rightmove and Zoopla. The average house price across the UK is £268,000.

The Sunday Times’ panel of expert judges also chose regional winners:

  • Wales – Gower Peninsula, Swansea

  • Northern Ireland – Dundrum, County Down

  • Scotland – North Berwick, East Lothian

  • London – Walthamstow

  • East – Chelmsford, Essex

  • Midlands – Ilmington, Warwickshire

  • Northeast – Ilkley, West Yorkshire

  • Northwest – Woolton, Liverpool

  • Southeast – Petersfield, Hampshire

  • Southwest – Chew Valley, Somerset



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