Knutsford “Continuing to win batters” (Image: George Stenden via Getty Images)
The respected market town has once again been recognized for a year on the UK's top live list. The Sunday Times praised Knutsford and declared that it would “continue to get just right” as it appears in the publication's 2025 guide.
The town's burgeoning hospitality scene drove it into the media's eyes and then the honorable list that followed – a flow of new eateries, pubs and coffee shops along its standout “up and down” streets. But what really fascinates me is the spirit of Knutsford's vibrant community. The judge has described it as the town's most loving trait, claiming that “it is the town's greatest heart that steals the show.” Strategically located right next to Cheshire's M6, Knutsford enjoys a great connection and is a stone throw from Manchester Airport.
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Cheshire's historic market town of Knudsford was named one of the best places to live in the Northwest by Sunday's Times for the second year in a row. (Image: Jason Roberts/Manchester Evening News)
The town centre is an activity nest filled with unique independent shops lined up on Princess Street (“Top”) and King Street (“Bottom”) within picturesque cottages and impressive timber framed buildings.
Away from the bustling main boulevards, discover the enchanting cobblestone alleyways and a wealth of flower displays, enhancing the charm of the historic home.
A short walk from the High Street leads to Moor's lush oasis and the town's parks. Visitors can enjoy the large duck pond and the beloved children's playground.
For those seeking more active shaking, the spectacular property in Taton Park is located on the outskirts of Knutsford and offers extensive grounds for pedestrians and cyclists to explore, including a miles of deer park, Manchester Evening News reports.
It's an attractive market town (Image: Getty)
The Sunday Times' latest list, named Wooln of Liverpool, was the number one spot in the northwest. Joining the ranks alongside Knutsford were Mosley and Heatons, Greater Manchester, Malpus Village, Cheshire, Pabord in Lancashire, and Kirby Lonsdale in Cumbria.
The publication praised Nottsford, saying “Already one of Cheshire's most exclusive towns, Knutsford, is getting better and better.”
He emphasized the spirit of the town's vibrant community, saying, “While there are new openings in Twin High Street, Sports Clubs and Curzon Cinema, it is the town's big heart that steals the show.
“The 160 volunteers who make up Knutsford's hosts are helping out with an impressive roster of local ventures, from charities that maintain gardens for the elderly and disabled, to the annual music festival.”
Sarah Flannery, founder of Knutsford Hosts, expressed his delight in the mention on the honorable Sunday Times list.
Inspired by the volunteer spirit seen at the 2012 London Olympics, Sarah founded the group to encourage ad hoc volunteers within the community. She commented: “People are very poor, so the idea I came up with from the start was that they can only do it here and there for an hour.”
“Now it has become an integral part of every event and activity in Knutsford, and it is great for people moving to the area because the first thing people want to do is settle in their community.
“This is a truly unique place to live. We always say it's a great place to live, work and visit. It's a great place for our family and there's also a mountain of heritage.”
Sarah Flannery, who runs Knutsford, hosts volunteer services in the town of Cheshire (Image: Sara Flannery)
The enchanting town is known for its delightful Knutsford May Day celebrations, with streets decorated with bunting and the new Queen of Roses crowned, causing the atmosphere to bursting with blessings. In addition to the appeal, every decade at Penny Farthing Race, competitors mount high wheelers, bringing the spectacle back in 2030.
Knutsford's culinary landscape is baking at the recent openings like the finest Linden store on Minshull Street, and at the launch of Li-Ly by chef Idenvern, famous for historic 400-year-old building on King Street just before the festive season.
When it comes to drinking facilities, there are many options to choose from. Dexter and Jones Gin Bar are run by celebrity duo TV Anchor Katy Rickitt and former Coronation Street laminar Adam Rickitt and The Historical Inn the Rose and Crown Dates, dating back to 1647.
Knutsford's status as a very popular location is clear given the cost of stepping into the real estate ladder there. However, the town has won 3 million luxury properties.