Skipton named best place to live in Yorkshire by Sunday Times 2026 guide

The North Yorkshire market town was recognised as the top location in the north and northeast of England, with judges praising its strong community spirit, access to countryside and balance of affordability and quality of life.

According to The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 guide, Skipton is “properly grounded and strongly connected to the spectacular surrounding landscape”, with traditional businesses continuing to thrive and a lifestyle closely linked to its natural surroundings.

It was also highlighted as a haven for families, with excellent schools and relatively affordable house prices among the key factors behind its selection.

Judges pointed to the town’s strong volunteering culture, including the Rotary Club’s annual Eco Day, which raises funds for wildlife and nature charities, and Share Skipton’s “Library of Things”, which allows residents to borrow items ranging from practical tools to event equipment and hosts regular repair cafés.

Seven other locations from across the north and northeast were also included in the guide: the Howardian Hills, Leeds city centre, Morpeth, Gosforth in Newcastle, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Slaithwaite and York.

Aside from Skipton, the entries are listed alphabetically rather than ranked.

In total, 72 places across the UK were selected for this year’s guide, which is published online on Friday, March 20, with an abridged version appearing as a magazine supplement on Sunday, March 22.

Norwich was named the overall best place to live in the UK.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and editor of the guide, said the list highlights places where communities are thriving.

She said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain. It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.”

She added that judges travel across the UK, speaking to residents and selecting locations where people are proud to call home.

The guide, sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group for the first time, is compiled by expert judges who assess a wide range of factors including schools, transport links, broadband speeds, mobile signal, amenities, access to green spaces and the health of the high street.