A gorgeous town on the doorstep of the Cotswolds has recently been named as one of the best places to live in the UK. If you want all the charm of the Cotswolds, without the thousands of tourists descending on your home, then Dursley in Gloucestershire is perfect.
Recently awarded the best place to live in Gloucestershire by luxury UK news site Muddy Stilettos, it’s easy to see why Dursely is so popular. Right on the edge of the south Cotswolds, the town has a strong streak of independent artists and some truly gorgeous pubs. It’s also recently had some cash splashed on it to make it even more appealing.
The town recently underwent a facelift with plenty of new homes at the site of the former Listers factory and £30 million invested into the local school.
These investments make it a popular place for young families to settle down, and because it’s so well connected both to London and to Bristol, it’s the perfect mix of country calm and urban excitement.
There’s also plenty to do with kids. Berkeley Castle is just a few minutes to the west and Westonbirt Arboretum is close as well. This tree park is home to more than 2500 kinds of trees and the popular SkyWalk that takes you up into the canopy.
Muddy Stilettos has chosen the best places to live from across the UK and another standout is Frome, nestled in the Mendip Hills in Somerset.
This charming town is perfect for young families and anyone seeking a quiet but trendy life. It’s packed full of artisanal shops, delicious cafes and even its own indie cinema.
There’s a strong, thriving community in Frome with plenty of activities to choose from. There’s the annual Frome Festival (10 days of music and culture), Frome Carnival and the Frome Window Wanderland, where you can walk through the town and see everyone’s window displays lit up and decorated.
For a day out, you’re close to the picturesque town of Bath and Longleat is on your doorstep. There’s also gorgeous surrounding countryside to spend your days.