Malverns Crowned Best Place to Live in Midlands in Prestigious Sunday Times Rankings
The Malverns in Worcestershire has been awarded the top spot in the Midlands in The Sunday Times' highly respected Best Places to Live list for 2026. This scenic area, comprising a group of towns and villages nestled around the spectacular Malvern Hills, was celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural offerings, and high quality of life.
Judges Impressed by Majestic Setting and Elegant Villages
An expert panel of judges, who conducted extensive visits across the country, were reportedly "blown away" during their assessment of The Malverns. Their evaluation considered a wide range of factors, including schools, transport links, green spaces, and the vitality of high streets, alongside in-depth conversations with local residents.
In their official remarks, the judges highlighted the area's majestic setting and elegant towns and villages. They noted a "rousing cultural scene that goes far beyond the inevitable Elgar connections," referencing the famous composer associated with the region.
A Comprehensive Offering for Residents
The judges' report detailed the many attributes that secured The Malverns' victory:
- Natural Beauty: Spectacular walks on the bracken-clad Malvern Hills, offering mighty views across to Wales and the Severn Plain.
- Community Pride: Immaculately kept parks that demonstrate a strong sense of local pride and care.
- Vibrant Amenities: Appealing shops, cafés, and restaurants that enhance daily life.
- Practical Infrastructure: Useful rail links and good schools, supporting connectivity and education.
- Cultural Powerhouse: A thriving scene of festivals and theatres, including the recent reopening of the world's smallest theatre, the Theatre of Small Convenience, located in a former public lavatory.
The summary concluded that "there’s something here for everyone," from job opportunities to family-friendly outdoor activities.
Regional Recognition and National Winner
While The Malverns took the Midlands crown, the guide also gave nods to several other notable locations in the region. These included Bournville in Birmingham, Shrewsbury, and Stratford-upon-Avon, acknowledging their unique qualities and appeal.
Nationally, the city of Norwich was crowned the overall best place to live in Britain for 2026.
Editorial Insight on the Selection Process
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, emphasized the purpose of the guide. "This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain," she stated. "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."
She detailed the rigorous methodology, explaining that the expert judging team visits every shortlisted location and engages with locals to understand what makes their home special. Having travelled from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, the judges selected the top towns, villages, suburbs, and cities for the 2026 edition.
"One thing all our chosen locations have in common," Davies added, "is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home." This sentiment of local pride was clearly evident in the judges' glowing report on The Malverns, solidifying its status as the premier place to live in the Midlands.
