North Berwick named best place to live in the UK
It is the first time somewhere in Scotland has topped the list in its 12 year history
Last updated 15th Mar 2024
The Scottish seaside town of North Berwick in East Lothian has been named the best place to live in Britain in an annual guide.
It topped a list of 72 locations chosen by The Sunday Times in its annual Best Places to Live guide.
The comprehensive guide is out online, with an abridged version to be published as a magazine supplement on Sunday.
North Berwick is the first Scottish winner in the 12-year history of Best Places to Live.
It has a great high street with independent shops, the great outdoors and family-friendly houses, those behind the guide said.
The judges were impressed by its easy connections to Edinburgh and the way life revolves around the town's beaches as well as the wealth of activities, whatever someone's age. They also highlighted the thriving independent shops as a sign of the positive effect that small businesses can have on a community.
The annual guide also named 10 regional winners, including Clerkenwell in London, Abergavenny in Wales and Portstewart in Northern Ireland.
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: "Wherever you are on the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you."
The Sunday Times's judges visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
Kim Kinnaird, Halifax's homes and protection director, said: "Where you want to live is a very personal decision. We know it can be daunting, whether it's deciding where to buy your first home or making a move as your circumstances change.
"There can be lots to think about around what is right for you and your family."
Previous winners of the Best Places to Live title are Stamford, Lincolnshire (2013); Skipton, North Yorkshire (2014); Newnham, Cambridge (2015); Winchester, Hampshire (2016); Bristol (2017); York, North Yorkshire (2018); Salisbury, Wiltshire (2019); Altrincham, Cheshire (2020); Stroud, Gloucestershire (2021); Ilkley, West Yorkshire (2022); and Wadhurst, East Sussex (2023).
Other 2024 regional winners:
Dundee's West End
Judges said their favourite place in Scotland - after North Berwick - is Dundee's revitalised West End. It was described as lively and arty, with regular festivals and events.
East Linton, East Lothian
East Linton was praised as being an affluent area with an entrepreneurial streak.
Dunkeld, Perthshire
Tucked between velvety mountains, the glittering River Tay and Douglas fir forests, Dunkeld was described as 'Scotland on a postcard'.
Leith, Edinburgh
After years of disruptive tram works, sunshine is back on Leith as the innovative and inventive former industrial port returning to its 'hipster' self.
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More information about the research is available at www.thetimes.co.uk/best-places-to-live.