Northumberland coastal village named among best places to live in Sunday Times ranking

The coastal village is among 10 locations in the north and North East of England featured in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

“It has magnificent beaches, a well stocked high street and a haunted hotel, but it’s the direct trains to London and Edinburgh that make this the best base on the beautiful Northumberland coast,” said judges.

Properties sell for an average £310,000 while average rentals are £650 per month.

Judges were also impressed by surrounding villages, notably Warkworth, where village cricket is played in the shadow of a ruined castle and there’s a decent little high street, and Rennington which has a strong community feel.

A wide range of factors were assessed, from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

Judges looked for improving towns, villages or city centres, for attractive, well designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit - which the pandemic has shown to be the most vital quality of all.

A detailed breakdown of house prices has been supplied by data specialists TwentyCi and information on internet speeds has been supplied by Thinkbroadband.com, the UK’s leading independent guide to broadband.

Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said: “This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings.

"With working from home now common, it’s no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.

“Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn’t been a year for big cities or small villages. Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected.”

Ilkley in West Yorkshire topped the regional list. Others listed are: Barnard Castle, County Durham; Easingwold, North Yorkshire; Leeds; Masham, North Yorkshire; Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire; Todmorden, West Yorkshire; Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear; York.

Stroud in Gloucestershire was named as the best place to live in Britain.

The guide is online and will be available in the paper on Sunday. Visit https://www.thetimes.co.uk/best-places-to-live

The dramatic events of the pandemic are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on your support through buying our newspaper. If you can, please pick up a copy of the Northumberland Gazette when you are at the shops. Thank you.