S Poddar
Saffron Walden, a quaint town in Essex, recently won the highly sought-after title of the best place to live in the UK, says The Sunday Times. It beat 71 other options, including thriving metropolises and peaceful rural villages, to the top spot. It takes the lead this year from last year’s winner, North Berwick in East Lothian.
The choice to grant Saffron Walden this prestigious award was made on the basis of a variety of criteria such as the excellence of local schools, availability of good quality transport, broadband speed, mobile phone signal, reach of green areas, and the vibrancy of its High Street. In all of these areas, Saffron Walden excels, and as a result, it stands out as the first choice for existing residents and residents-to-be alike.
Bruce King, 49 and an estate agent with Cheffins, is a fierce defender of his town. He is certain that Saffron Walden richly deserves its fame. For Bruce, the town’s historic market square, flanked by a healthy blend of chain shops and independent stores, is the town’s soul. “We can be in Cambridge in half an hour, we can be at Stansted Airport in less than half an hour, and in a central London location in an hour,” he says, citing the town’s good road links, which enable residents to have the best of both worlds by easily commuting to work in or holidaying in cities.
The High Street is also an important element of Saffron Walden’s success. Karen Oakley, 58, owner of local deli Sage and Saffron, is yet another proud local who totally endorses the town’s ranking. Now living in Saffron Walden for over a dozen years, Karen has witnessed a stunning turnaround in the local shopping scene, especially the growth of independent stores, while numerous High Streets across the nation have been floundering. “Most High Streets have died in recent days, but Saffron Walden’s High Street is very much alive,” she says, commenting on the success of her own business, which she established the moment the lockdown restrictions were lifted.
Karen feels the award is long overdue, saying, “Saffron Walden has been shortlisted for as long as I can remember. We’ve edged out Essex a few times before, but this is huge.” Her pride in the town is echoed by sentiments expressed by many residents, who are immensely proud of their community’s resilience and development, given the misfortunes experienced by many other towns and cities.
The judges who placed Saffron Walden at number one were quick to sing the praises of a number of aspects of the town that make it unique. They liked its historic character, great state schools, vibrant cultural life, and the fast-growing food scene. “Saffron Walden was chosen for its knockout historic looks with excellent state schools, a rich cultural offering, and an exploding foodie scene,” said the judges.
In the past, Saffron Walden tended to be perceived as a pricey, rather old-fashioned town. This perception is shifting, though, as the town modernizes without losing its heritage. The judges commented that whereas numerous classic High Streets in the UK are finding it difficult to survive, Saffron Walden is creating its own 21st-century version, blending history and modernity to attract both established residents and newcomers.
One of Saffron Walden’s strongest points is that it can provide the best of both worlds—tranquil, rural environments with convenient access to major city centers. The town is perfectly placed, with Cambridge a mere half hour away, Stansted Airport under thirty minutes, and London an hour. This makes it an ideal place for commuters, but it still has a small-town feel that provides relief from the frenetic pace of city life.
The town’s lively cultural scene is also a significant draw, with frequent events like markets, art shows, and festivals. Saffron Walden’s thriving food culture is another important aspect of its popularity, attracting foodies from far and wide. The development of new food establishments in the town has served to make it a culinary hotspot, contributing to its increasing reputation as a foodie destination.
In recent years, Saffron Walden has become something greater than a mere residence—it’s become a representation of the ways in which a town can survive and prosper in the new century without abandoning the traditions that have made it special. The climb to the pinnacle of the charts is testament to the fact that the town is capable of transformation without losing that which makes it unique.
Ultimately, Saffron Walden’s recognition as the best place to live in the UK is a reflection of its strong sense of community, historical beauty, and forward-thinking modernization. Whether you’re a family searching for great schools, a food lover seeking new dining experiences, or someone simply looking for a peaceful place to call home, Saffron Walden checks all the boxes. With first-class transport connections, a thriving local economy, and a staggering cultural provision, it’s little wonder that this Essex town has won over the hearts of its inhabitants and reached the top spot.
