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 best places in Buckinghamshire, the travel site described the county as being conveniently close to London while still managing to feel “a million miles away”.
The travel site also highlighted Buckinghamshire’s “famous” and “stunning” Chilterns landscape, its combination of chic market towns with the charms of the quiet life, and its reputation for high-quality grammar schools.
The eight Buckinghamshire places featured among the best places to live in the UK are Amersham, Bourne End, Marlow, Milton Keynes, Penn & Tylers Green, Taplow, The Chalfonts, and Turville.
Amersham is praised by the travel site as an “old soul with plenty of mod cons”, boasting Michelin-star restaurants alongside lots of authentic cultural clout in the form of National Trust properties and period cottages.
Muddy Stilettos said the town has “all the perks of countryside living”, siting right at “the heart” of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding National Beauty, while still maintaining a bustling “buzzy” vibe thanks to a healthy indie scene and mouth-watering food offering.
Bourne End brings riverside charm and benefits from access to the top grammar schools in nearby Marlow, all at a much lower price tag.
The travel site encourages visitors not to be deterred by the town’s “unprepossessing main drag”, describing it as in fact one of the county’s best locales, with its nicest spots tucked away from prying eyes.
It’s no surprise that Marlow has also made the list, with its quick commute into London, “fabulous” shopping, and a very strong foodie scene indeed thanks to local chef superstar Tom Kerridge.
Muddy Stilettos describes the village as the “original escape” for those fleeing the London noise, with “stunning Victorian architecture” and riverside views to boot – but, sadly, a steep price tag to match.
Milton Keynes is a bit of an unexpected addition to the list, but the travel site is convinced this brainchild of city planning is “the perfect place for young families, and culture lovers” and indeed argues that “if you’ve been overlooking Milton Keynes … you may have been missing a trick”.
Muddy Stilettos argues the city’s rigid grid-style road network is a traffic-conquering blessing in disguise, and highlights the city’s unexpectedly strong food scene, good shopping options, and apparently excellent fishing facilities.
The city also boasts the country’s largest indoor snow centre, as well as the award-winning Woburn Safari Park.
Penn & Tylers Green, meanwhile, is a village surrounded by farmland and nature reserves and warmed by a “bustling social calendar” of community events.
Muddy Stilettos describes the village as “about as English as it gets”, hosting quintessential traditions like egg-and-spoon races for the kids and offering “rural charm galore”.
Taplow is another “charming English village complete with riverside, woodland and cricket club”, a place that brings together “the best of both worlds” with its “tranquil” setting, farmers markets, and “top-notch” school options.
London is also an easy 45 minute ride away on the Elizabeth Line if village life ever gets old.
The Chalfonts are described as “picturesque”, and praised for having both easy commuter links and “plenty” of their own charm.
“Quiet, genteel and considered”, these three neighbouring villages are also known to attract the odd film star, rock legend, and politician (formerly home to Noel Gallagher).
Finally, last but by no means least, Turville is a firm favourite for movie location scouts, a “small but mighty village” tucked into the beautiful Chiltern Hills.
Muddy Stilettos notes the tiny village has graced many a screen, featuring in The Vicar of Dibley, 101 Dalmatians, Pride and Prejudice, and even hit series Killing Eve, to name a few.
