Overview
- The annual list confirms Norwich as the overall UK winner for its creative energy, small‑town feel and strong amenities, marking the only place to feature in all 14 editions.
- Ten regional winners were named: Malmesbury (South West), Skipton (North and North East), Lindfield (South East), The Malverns (Midlands), Usk (Wales), Linlithgow (Scotland), Ballycastle (Northern Ireland), Richmond (London), Altrincham (North West) and Manningtree (East).
- In total, 72 locations were selected, with judges prioritising thriving communities and healthy high streets over prestige postcodes.
- Assessments covered schools, transport links, broadband and mobile coverage, access to green space, cultural life and the condition of local centres.
- The 2026 guide is sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group, which supplied average house‑price figures, while regional coverage spotlighted local standouts such as The Malverns and Birmingham’s pick, Bournville.