A town just a 15-minute drive up the A419 has been named the best place to live in the south west.

Cirencester, just over the Gloucestershire border, won the regional title in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide 2023.

The national newspaper's judges praised Cirencester for the beauty of its historic buildings, its busy and useful town centre and easy access to Cotswold countryside.  

“The capital of the Cotswolds is a supremely liveable town that more than lives up to its stunning historical backdrop,” said the article.

“It has regular markets, a thriving high street and beautiful parks that lead straight out into the surrounding countryside make it heaven for dog-lovers.

“The volunteer-run heated outdoor swimming pool is a particular highlight, as well as superior local culture available at the Barn Theatre and the New Brewery Arts Centre”. 

Seven other locations in the south west are featured in the guide, with the Wiltshire represented by Marlborough and Broad Chalke.

“Marlborough has excellent schools – state as well as private – beautiful countryside, lively sports clubs and the widest high street in the country, which is at the heart of life here.

“An impressive literature festival, a new cinema and standout shops such as the White Horse bookshop and indie record store Sound Knowledge keep it punching above its weight.”

The article said of Broad Chalke: “With its thatched cottages, steep green hills, chalk streams and watercress beds, the village at the centre of the Chalke Valley is still showing the rest how laid-back rural life should be done.

“But like the ducks on the River Ebble, it takes a lot of paddling under the surface to make country living look this dreamy, with top marks for effort going to the 70 volunteers who man the Hub, the community-run shop/cafe/post office that’s at the centre of life here.”

Helen Davies, the 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.”