Cheltenham: Officially the second best place to live in the UK

Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham is often celebrated as one of the UK's most desirable places to live.

In fact, according to the team at The Sunday Times, our Regency Town is the second best place to live in the UK! With nearby Stroud in third place and the neighbouring Cotswolds district securing seventh place.

Since 2013, a team of judges from The Sunday Times have used local knowledge and critical acclaim to develop a list of the best places to live in Britain.

This year things were done a little differently, with the top 50 ranking being largely determined by data.

Nine different data sets, ranging from education reports and community-interest companies to the number of listed buildings and Green Flag parks, were used to rate each of the local authorities of Britain and determine their appeal as a place to live.

Now, we may be ever so slightly biased, but we believe Cheltenham is absolutely deserving of its spot on the list and we've rounded up a few key reasons as to why.

Regency Shine

One of the data sets that was analysed was the number of listed buildings per area, providing Cheltenham with the ideal opportunity to shine. With elegant terraces and beautifully preserved buildings lining the streets, one of Cheltenham's standout features is its Regency architecture.

From our iconic Pittville Pump Room to the shopping District of Montpellier with its gorgeous fluted columns and Carytids. It's no wonder we have been dubbed 'Britain's most complete Regency Town!

Award-Winning Green Spaces

Cheltenham is also known for its well-maintained parks, making it an ideal spot for outdoor lovers.

Last year, seven of our parks and green spaces retained their Green Flag status, marking their quality as great places for everyone to enjoy.

Pittville Park has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, recognising the hard work and dedication of the teams that maintain its historic features.

The nearby Cotswolds provide the perfect backdrop for hiking and scenic drives too, further enhancing Cheltenham's appeal as a base to explore the countryside.

Community & Culture

Cheltenham also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with a packed annual calendar of events and festivals!

From the world's longest-running literature festival to the Cheltenham Festival at our internationally renowned racecourse, as well as an abundance of smaller events peppered through the year. No matter the day, there's usually something to see and do in The Festival Town.

Outside of the festivals, Cheltenham's thriving arts and theatre scene ensures there's always something for residents and visitors to enjoy, with multiple theatres, several galleries, and a bustling Brewery Quarter to fill up your weekend.

Day to Day Life

Day-to-day life in Cheltenham is marked by a desirable balance of convenience and relaxation.

The town has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a wealth of local amenities including shops, cafes, and independent businesses offering everything you need without the hustle and bustle experienced in cities.

Residents can easily stroll through our picturesque streets, visit local markets on the Promenade, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon in one of the easily accessible green spaces.

According to the data, Cheltenham also has some of the lowest NHS waiting times in England, high-scoring schools, and relatively modest housing prices, making it a perfect place for families.

Commuting Haven

For those wanting the big city job, minus the big city, Cheltenham is the perfect place to be.

We're situated a short 15-minute drive from the historical city of Gloucester and 50 minutes from Bristol, while the Cheltenham Spa train station offers direct access to London and other major cities.

Public transport within the town is efficient, with well-connected bus routes taking travellers from the town centre to the suburbs and even further afield for minimal cost.

Striking the right balance of tranquil living with easy access to urban amenities, Cheltenham is a haven for commuters.

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