The lesser known town of Cornwall has bypassed some of its more predictable options and has the spotlight as one of the best places to live in the UK. The famous Sunday Times Best Placeto Live Guide picked Penlin as the top pick in the Southwest.
In this guide, Penlin explains that “the edges are a little more rougher than the adjacent Falmouth,” but the judges were looking for a “prosperous place with a strong sense of community” in a well-known location with sudden real estate prices. Penryn's vibrant “energy, creativity, community” was highlighted as a key factor in his choice. The Sunday Times also suggests that Penryn is ideal for those seeking “infinite adventures,” thanks to an array of community groups.
This year's guide featuring 72 UK hotspots was announced last week. The review committee made personal visits to each location and evaluated various aspects such as educational institutions, transportation links, internet and mobile connectivity, cultural products, green spaces and local boulevard vitality.
Somerset's Chew Valley won the crown at the best location in the Southwest, while Essex's Saffron Walden won the title of the best place to live in the UK, Cornwall Live reports.
A Sunday Times judge praised Penlin, saying, “Penlin is a little rougher around the edges than the next door Falmouth, but what it lacks in the artistic, charming Nicknack shops and beachside saunas is more than making up for it with energy, creativity and community.
“All old workshops, boathouses or OPEs, as is known here, appear to be home to positive and charming local artisans and entrepreneurs, including pottery studios, art galleries, yoga studios, and Cornish poetry libraries.
“There is endless adventure potential in the surrounding waters and countryside, and community groups of all kinds organize good work, sports and activities.”
Other important plays that made cuts in the southwest include Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. Hot Wells and Clifton Wood in Bristol. Malmesbury, Wiltshire. with Ashburton and Dorset pairs of Devon, Sherborne and Southborne.
“It's easy to be overwhelmed by everything that's happening in the world, but you can celebrate as you get closer to your home,” said Helen Davis, the director of editorial projects and the authorities behind these lists as the perfect place for live editors.
Driving deeper into what sets the guide apart, she explained: “What makes our guide unique is visiting every place we actually choose, talking to locals and finding life really stands out, that is that people can see what they really love about where they live.
“High street health is important, but most of all, what we are looking for is a town, village or city with strong communities that work hard to make the most of where they live and play hard.
“We also consider affordability. High housing prices are not a barrier to inclusion, as long as they provide value for money. We look for different qualities when different people choose where to live.
The previous winner of the best place to live in a UK title is Stanford, Lincolnshire (2013). Skipton, North Yorkshire (2014); Newnham, Cambridge (2015); Winchester, Hampshire (2016); Bristol (2017), York (2018), Salisbury, Wiltshire (2019), Altrinchum, Cheshire (2020) Stroud, Gloucestershire (2021), Ilkley, West Yorkshire (2022) Waddoost, East Sussex (2023), East Russian (2024).
Check out our Sunday Times live guide here.
