Norwich named as the best place to live in the UK
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live says Norfolk's only city took the top spot due it's historic character and 'trendy but kind feel'
Last updated 20th Mar 2026
Norwich has been named as the best place to live in the UK by a national newspaper
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live says Norfolk's only city took the top spot- due it's historic character and 'trendy but kind feel'.
The full list of East of England locations is:
• Norwich, Norfolk (national winner)
• Manningtree, Essex (regional winner)
• Bedford
• Cambridge, Cambs
• Chelmsford, Essex
• Saffron Walden, Essex
• Woodbridge, Suffolk
"People who live in them are proud to call them home"
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, says:
“This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain. It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
"Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live.
"These judges have traveled the length and breadth of the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, selecting the top towns and villages, suburbs and cities for the 2026 guide. One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”
What did the judges say?
"Norwich was chosen for its unique blend of historic character, urban buzz and liveability.
It’s the only UK city inside a national park and the only location to have featured in all 14 editions of the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
The judges described Norwich as a creative, cosmopolitan city with a small-town feel.
It is trendy but kind, with a green conscience and a warm heart. A place of inspirational spires and cosy pub fires, where you can enjoy the best of both urban conveniences and rural living, eat like a king and probably afford to buy a home.
They highlighted the cultural riches on offer in the first Unesco City of Literature, with its six theatres, vibrant music venues, pioneering Sainsbury Centre art gallery, newly revamped Norman castle and much more.
Another feature is the vibrant city centre, with the 900-year-old market at its heart and some of Britain’s best independent shops, cafés and bars in the Lanes".