The Eden Valley in Cumbria has been named one of the best places to live in the northwest of England, according to The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live guide. The area is celebrated for its serene countryside, vibrant local communities, and excellent amenities.
Expert judges assessed numerous factors including schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture, access to green spaces, and the health of the high street to determine the top locations. Eden Valley stood out as a haven of pastoral calm, offering residents a perfect balance of natural beauty and community spirit.
Judging Criteria and Locations
The guide’s expert panel visited all shortlisted locations, engaging with locals to understand what makes each place special. The full list of northwest locations featured alongside Eden Valley includes Altrincham, Lancaster, Liverpool (Aigburth), Macclesfield, and Manchester (Didsbury).
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, emphasised the importance of community and local pride in the selection process. She highlighted that the guide showcases places where village, town, and city centres remain vibrant and full of life, enriched by natural beauty and cultural offerings.
The Charm of Eden Valley
Situated between the Pennines to the east and the Lake District Fells to the west, the Eden Valley encompasses lush green countryside, traditional towns, and leafy villages. The Vale of Eden serves as a natural separator between the Cumbrian Mountains and the northern Pennines.
Nearby villages such as Armathwaite, Croglin, Gamblesby, High Hesket, Kirkoswald, Langwathby, Lazonby, Little Salkeld, and Melmerby contribute to the area’s charm and community feel. The Lake District tourism body describes Eden Valley as “a haven of pastoral calm and serenity that is the perfect spot to get away from it all.”
Supporting Homebuyers
This year’s guide was sponsored for the first time by Lloyds Banking Group, which provided average house prices for each location. Kate Townson, Lloyds’ relationship and customer development director, explained that the partnership aims to ‘support homebuyers’. Especially first-time buyers, by offering clear guidance and practical tools to navigate the housing market confidently.
Through this collaboration, the guide aim to provide insights into communities across the UK, helping potential residents make informed decisions about their future homes.
