The Cheshire village named among UK's 30 most desirable to live in; Village life is central to British culture with more and more people wanting to experience it. (2024)

Byline: By, Cyann Fielding & Gary Porter

A Cheshire village has been named among the UK's 30 most desirable to live in. Village life is central to British culture, with many including characteristic features such as thatched roofs, hedge-lined country roads and open fields.

Given the sheer number of picturesque locations, it's no surprise that more Brits are wanting to experience village life. Property experts from across the country have spoken to the Mail about UK's most desirable villages -with Alderley Edge making the list, reports the Mirror.

Describing the village, expert Liam Gretton said: "Alderley Edge has become a favourite location to call home by footballers and TV stars for its high-end shops and private homes. David and Victoria Beckham have been associated with the area before their move to Spain in 2003."

Here's the list of the 30 most desirable villages in the UK:

Roundhay, West Yorkshire

Famous for its parkland and array of prestigious properties, Roundhay in West Yorkshire offers great country walks and lake-side picnics. Tom Kirk, CEO at Preston Baker Estate Agent said: "With its excellent schools, thriving local shops and proximity to the vibrant amenities of Oakwood and Moortown, Roundhay provides an enviable lifestyle for families and professionals seeking a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the city."

Dirleton, East Lothian

Dating back to the 12th century, Dirleton is famed for its historic and picturesque castle. As well as a rich heritage, the peaceful countryside offers the perfect spot for golfers. Bespoke estate agent Liam Gretton noted that the area attracts a mix of affluent locals, retirees and holiday-home owners. The firm said: "Prices range from about £400,000 for traditional cottages to over £2.5 million for larger country homes."

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Home to former Prime Minister David Cameron, Chipping Norton "is as posh as it gets," according to Michelle Niziol, director and owner of IMS Property Group. The town itself looks like it has been plucked from a postcard and is complete with cafes, restaurants and independent shops.

Scarcroft, West Yorkshire

Home to around 1,000 people, Scarcroft is great for horse lovers thanks to the Hellwood Racing Stables and a riding centre at Scarcroft Hall. The village itself is only six miles from Leeds city centre and for those who love a cosy pub, the Inn at Scarcroft dates back to 1852.

Newtown Linford, Leicestershire

Newtown Linford has become a magnet for millionaires. Gated mansions and a private members' club make it ideal for those with a few more coins in the bank. The village itself is also home to a rare police box! According to Rightmove, most sales over the last year were detached properties and averaged at a price of £1,975,600.

Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Sat within the Cheshire Golden Triangle, Alderley Edge has attracted many Premier League footballers, actors and multi-millionaire businesspeople over the years. In fact, it is one of the most expensive and sought-after places to live in the UK outside of London. "Alderley Edge has become a favourite location to call home by footballers and TV stars for its high-end shops and private homes," commented Liam Gretton. "David and Victoria Beckham have been associated with the area before their move to Spain in 2003."

Haigh, Greater Manchester

This small village and civil parish is actually located in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester. Despite Wigan's less glamorous reputation, Haigh's history and landscape offer a posh setting outside of city of Manchester. Home to the only remaining windmill in Greater Manchester, the village is the perfect quiet spot for a day trip.

Bishopthorpe, North Yorkshire

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Bishopthorpe is located three miles south of York. Tom Kirk, CEO at Preston Baker said: "The village boasts tree-lined streets, charming cottages, and a vibrant community atmosphere. There are great local amenities including cosy pubs, artisan shops, and scenic riverside walks along the River Ouse."

Abersoch, Gwynedd

Abersoch is a seaside village on the Llyn peninsula in North Wales. Home to Wales' most expensive street, Benar Headland, the village also boasts golden beaches and high-end shops. It isn't just Benar Headland that has expensive properties -last year a beach hut sold for £191,000.

Solva, Pembrokeshire

The old fishing village of Solva features a pretty harbour and a sandy beach at the end of an inlet at St Brides Bay. Houses in the area are loved for their vibrant colours, accompanied by boutique gift shops, galleries and a general store.

Shalbourne, Wiltshire

Shalbourne village can be found nestled in the North Wessex Downs and exhibits a posh communal life, which includes a cricket club, tennis club and gardening groups. Parts of the villages, such as the thatched-roof houses, date back to the Elizabethan era. The average property sold for £839,971 last year.

Beaulieu, Hampshire

As its name suggests, Beaulieu is a pretty village home to the 9,000-acre Beaulieu Estate. The 16th Century high street presents artisan shops, as well as being on the doorstep of both the New Forest and Buckler's Head, a hamlet on the banks of the Beaulieu River.

Elie, Fife

Elie is one of the many harbour villages found in Fife. Its eclectic architecture dating back to the 17th Century is accompanied by its five beaches. The numerous restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines for visitors to choose from.

Warkworth, Northumberland

Natural beauty and a fairytale setting sum up the village Warkworth. The medieval Warkworth Castle frames the highstreet, which bustles with artisan shops.

Brancepeth, County Durham

Found in a conservation area five miles from Durham, Brancepeth is home to a 12th-century castle, ivy-covered cottages and a golf course by the same architect who designed Wentworth.

Ombersley, Worcestershire

Offering a different picture to many of the villages on this list due to its black and white timber homes, Ombersley is the ideal location for extensive views of the Shropshire and Malvern Hills. Nearby meadows and woodland are full of genteel and refreshing country walks.

Virginia Water, Surrey

With links to London Waterloo, Virginia Water boasts a large lake which has often been used as a filming location, including for scenes in the Harry Potter series. Rumoured residents in the area include music legend Elton John and property prices can range from £900,000 to over £15 million. "The area houses some of the UK's most expensive streets amidst Windsor Great Park," revealed Liam Gretton.

Hightown, Merseyside

The coastal village of Hightown is only a stone's throw from Liverpool city centre -which was recently named the UK's best city in a Which survey. Locals and visitors can enjoy walks along shingle beaches and one of the top 50 pubs in the UK, The Pheasant Inn. Excitingly, peaco*cks are even known to wonder the village's highstreet.

Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Just 33 miles from London, this village in the Misbourne Valley is home to historic streets, heritage coaching inns and medieval churches. For fans of famous childhood stories, it is also home to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.

Sunningdale, Berkshire

Sunningdale enjoys both the scenic countryside and the convenience of access to London. Windsor Great Park and Chobham Common are both within walking distance and the local community benefits from great schooling.

Kingham, Oxfordshire

Kingham is one of the many charming villages in the Cotswolds, with the addition of links to opera, organic farm produce and gourmet pub food. Near to the village is Daylesford Farm, arguably the country's poshest greengrocer. The train station also has direct links to London, which takes just over an hour to get to.

Biddestone, Wiltshire

This Saxon village is set in a Conservation Area and formerly held the title of 'Best Kept Wiltshire Village'. It's "picture perfect" according to Francesca Watson, co-founder of Otters Home Search. "There are large Cotswold Stone properties arranged around The Green as well smaller quaint cottages, an attractive duck pond, village pub The White Horse, a generous cricket ground and tennis courts as well as a Saxon church."

Shipton Moyne, Gloucestershire

Shipton Moyne is "close to the excellent Westonbirt School and Westonbirt Arboretum, not to mention Highgrove House, the country residence of King Charles," commented Francesca Watson. "There are large country houses and smaller cottages along the picturesque high street, and the charming Cat and Custard Pot Inn is owned by some of the village residents."

Beckington, Somerset

With easy access to Bath, Beckington in Somerset is known for its village pre-school, Ofsted-Outstanding primary school and independent prep school Springmead. It also has tennis and cricket clubs and two good pubs.

Caldy, Merseyside

Known for its large, secluded homes, people visiting Caldy can enjoy breathtaking views of the River Dee and Welsh hills. "Often the area is linked to Premier League footballers and celebrities seeking privacy," said Liam Gretton. Nearby top-rated schools include Caldy Grange Grammar School, which is famous locally as the school of James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

Llandough, Vale of Glamorgan

This Welsh retreat provides a scenic setting for anyone looking for rural charm, but still benefiting from the proximity of a city. Close to Cardiff, Llandough has become a desirable location for those working in the city. Properties range from £300,000 up to £1.5 million.

West Kilbride, North Ayrshire

Known as Scotland's 'craft town', West Kilbride is steeped in culture and brags breathtaking sea views. "It's a hub of creativity with exhibitions, galleries and studios scattered throughout," Caryl Spiers, sales manager at Westpoint Homes said.

Studland, Dorset

This small Dorset village is found on a peninsula in the Isle of Purbeck and is close to both Swanage and Corfe Castle. Average house prices soared by 47% in the last year, according to Rightmove, with the average home selling for £1.9 million. Studland is famous for its long, sandy beaches and for the more daring, it even has a nudist beach.

Barrington, Cambridgeshire

This South Cambridgeshire community has one of the longest village greens in Europe, at 22 acres, according to the parish council. The green is surrounded by thatched cottages and a historic pub. It also boasts an easy commute to the city of Cambridge.

Barston, West Midlands

Barston, just 11 miles away from busy Birmingham, offers the rural lifestyle found in magazines. Bordered by the River Blythe, the village has numerous historic buildings such as the Church of St Swithin, dating back to 1721. A cosy local pub and a close-knit community are central to this village's charm.

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