The village of Malpas in Cheshire has been named the UK’s “best secret village to live” (Image: MEN)
Malpas in Cheshire, once dubbed one of the UK’s best-kept secrets, is now basking in the limelight after securing a spot on The Sunday Times’ esteemed “Best Places to Live” list for 2025. This charming village, nestled amidst idyllic countryside, has been recognised as one of just seven locations in the north west to make the cut.
It earned accolades from judges for its “enviable homes and equestrian credentials”. Notably, Malpas boasts the racehorse stables of former Manchester United star Michael Owen. The Sunday Times’ guide lavished praise on the village’s amenities, highlighting an “excellent pub, fish and chip shop and fine cafe.”
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The village of Malpas in Cheshire (Image: MEN)
Dominating the village skyline is the grand spire of St Oswald’s Church, perched atop a hill at the village’s heart, a site where a grand castle once stood.
Today, only the Motte of the castle remains, now shrouded in grass but still discernible during a leisurely walk around the churchyard, which also offers breathtaking panoramic views across Cheshire, Shropshire, and even to the Welsh hills on a clear day.
This accolade from The Sunday Times comes hot on the heels of the newspaper’s previous commendation of Malpas as the number one “friendliest and prettiest under-the-radar spots to move to” in the UK just a year prior.
The town has recently gained attention for being featured in the main guide.
The town has plenty to offer (Image: MEN)
According to The Sunday Times, Malpas is described as: “This tiny town may not be quite as wealthy as it was in the heyday of the wool trade but it remains a prestigious address, in demand with the county set for its enviable homes – many with views to the Welsh Hills – and equestrian credentials.”
The publication continues: “The countryside is lush and lovely, a dog-walker’s delight from every doorstep, but it’s the amenities that make Malpas stand out.
“Practicalities are covered by Huxleys, a standout local bakery and village shop; the medical centre, dentist and pharmacy, a dry cleaner and tiny launderette, along with a restaurant, excellent pub, a fish and chip shop and a fine café.”
The Lion (Image: The Lion at Malpas)
It also highlights Malpas as a great spot for families, thanks to the two local schools, which it says is “keeping the age profile on the right side of too old.”
Located at the top of the high street is The Rec, the free village playground, a brilliant spot for kids with a play area and huge sandpit for little ones, a large playing field and tennis courts too.
Malpas is situated on top of the southernmost point of the Mid-Cheshire Sandstone Ridge, near Chester, with the Welsh border just five miles away.
Homes in Malpas (Image: MEN)
The village of Malpas, with its roots in medieval times, has long been believed to derive its name from the French words “Mal-pas”, translating to bad passage.
However, some argue it was named after a former lord of the manor. Once a bustling market town, Malpas saw its neighbours like Whitchurch flourish with modern development while it ‘retreated’ back to a village scale.
The weekly markets that once thrived died out in the 19th century and its railway station closed in the 1950s.
The old Cross at the centre of the village is the only remaining trace of the old Market Place. The former Market Houses next to the church have now been converted into residential properties.
Despite this, Malpas still boasts two popular pubs – The Lion at Malpas, a 300 year old pub that recently underwent a multi-million pound renovation to include hotel rooms, and The Crown, lauded as an ‘excellent village pub with good atmosphere’ on Tripadvisor.
The village also features a chippy, a farm shop, The Old Fire Station café and bar, and a large Co-op store at the far end of the village.
For those travelling from Manchester, the journey to Malpas offers scenic views of two castles (Peckforton and Beeston) along winding country lanes, making you feel like you’re entering fairytale territory even before you arrive.
Malpas is a sought-after location for homebuyers, offering a variety of house styles and prices that haven’t skyrocketed as much as in other areas of Cheshire. Rightmove reports that the average house price in Malpas stands at £394,326, while a detached house typically costs around £538,374.