Leamington Spa has again been named as one of the best places to live in the UK, just a few weeks after being namedone of the coolest cities.
Leamington, renowned for its Regency whitewash and ironwork, tree-lined avenues and historic facades, outstanding schools, independent businesses and thriving cafe culture, has been named top of the pile regionally inThe Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide.
The royal spa town, also famed for being at the centre of the UK's buoyant gaming industry - taking on the mantle of the Silicon Spa -saw off competition from Digbeth and Stirchley in Birmingham, Market Harborough in Leicestershire, Bishop’s Castle in Shropshire, Great Malvern in Worcestershire, Melbourne in Derbyshire and the county of Rutland to win the Midlands region title.
READ MORE:Unusual road signs appear in Bedworth - to warn motorists to beware of peacocks
"The Silicon Spa combines period charm with very modern innovation," The Sunday Times judges said. "It's a major hub for digital industries and its high-tech credentials are about to get a power-up from the launch of a new Creative Quarter.
"It also has beautiful, well tended parks, excellent transport links, good schools and a town centre with a combination of useful chains and interesting independent shops and cafes."
The Guide, now in its 11th year, features 72 sought-after locations across the UK. Helen Davies, editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: "When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever.
"Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming. This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023 from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre.
"Whether you’re downsizing, trading up or getting onto the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you." The judges visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
It's another feather in the cap for Leamington after recent confirmation the town would soon landits own version of the hit board game Monopoly.
For all the latestWarwickshire news, sign up to ourdaily newsletter.
Read next:
