The Malverns has been crowned the best place to live in the Midlands by the Sunday Times' prestigious Best Places to Live list for 2026. This scenic area triumphed over well-known contenders such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Bromsgrove, and Lichfield.
What Makes The Malverns Special?
Judges from the Sunday Times traveled across the country assessing cities, towns, and villages based on key factors including schools, transport links, green spaces, and high streets. The Malverns, which encompasses towns and villages around the spectacular Malvern Hills, offers one of the most picturesque settings in the region. The judges praised the location's appeal, stating: "The Malverns offer a majestic setting, elegant towns and villages, and a rousing cultural scene that goes far beyond the inevitable Elgar connections."
Key Highlights
- Employment and Amenities: The area boasts strong job opportunities, excellent shops, cafés, and restaurants.
- Transport: Good rail links connect residents to nearby cities.
- Natural Beauty: Spectacular walks on bracken-clad hills with mighty views across to Wales and the Severn Plain.
- Cultural Scene: Described as a "cultural powerhouse" with festivals and theatres, including the recent reopening of the world's smallest theatre: the Theatre of Small Convenience, housed in a former public lavatory.
Stratford-upon-Avon received an honourable mention alongside Bournville and Shrewsbury, but it was The Malverns that took the top spot for the Midlands. The full list of the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 is available online, celebrating the finest locations across the UK.
