Knutsford ‘keeps getting batter and better’ (Image: George Standen via Getty Images)
An esteemed market town has once again been recognised on the UK’s top places to live list for another year. The Sunday Times has lavished praise Knutsford, proclaiming it “just keeps getting better and better” as it features in the publication’s 2025 annual guide.
The town’s burgeoning hospitality scene has propelled it into the media eye – and subsequently the prestigious list – with an influx of new eateries, pubs, and coffee shops along its distinguished “top and bottom” streets. Yet, it’s Knutsford’s vibrant community spirit that truly captivates. Described by judges as the town’s most endearing trait, claiming “it’s the town’s big heart that steals the show”. Strategically positioned just off the M6 in Cheshire, Knutsford enjoys excellent connectivity, and is a stone’s throw from Manchester Airport.
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The historic market town of Knutsford in Cheshire has been named one of the best places to live in the north west by The Sunday Times for the second year in a row (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The town’s centre is a hive of activity, brimming with unique independent shops that line Princess Street (“Top”) and King Street (“Bottom”), nestled amongst picturesque cottages and striking timber-framed buildings.
Wander away from the bustling main thoroughfares to discover enchanting cobbled alleys and a profusion of floral displays enhancing the charm of historic homes.
A short stroll from the high street leads to the verdant oasis of The Moor, the town park, where visitors can enjoy a large duck pond and a well-loved children’s play area.
For those seeking a more vigorous jaunt, Tatton Park’s grand estate lies on the outskirts of Knutsford, offering walkers and cyclists extensive grounds to explore, including a deer park that stretches for miles, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It’s a charming market town (Image: Getty)
The Sunday Times’ latest list named Woolton in Liverpool as the number one spot to live in the north west. Joining the ranks alongside Knutsford were Mossley and the Heatons in Greater Manchester, Malpas village in Cheshire, Parbold in Lancashire, and Kirby Lonsdale in Cumbria.
The publication praised Knutsford, stating: “Already one of the classiest towns in Cheshire, Knutsford just keeps getting better and better”.
It highlighted the town’s vibrant community spirit, saying: “There are new openings on the twin high streets, sports clubs and Curzon cinema, but it’s the town’s big heart that steals the show.
“The 160 volunteers who makeup the Knutsford Hosts lead the way, helping with an impressive roster of local ventures, from a charity that maintains gardens for elderly and disabled people, to the annual music festival.”
Founder of Knutsford Hosts, Sarah Flannery, expressed her joy at the mention in the prestigious Sunday Times list.
Inspired by the volunteer spirit seen at the London Olympics in 2012, Sarah established the group to encourage ad-hoc volunteering within the community. She commented: “People are very time poor, so the idea from the start was that they can just do an hour here or there”.
“It has now become indispensable to every event and activity in Knutsford. It’s brilliant for people moving in to the area, as the first thing people want to do is settle into the community, and this is a way of doing just that because volunteering gives people a stake in their community”, Sarah continued.
“It’s a truly unique place to live. We always say it’s a wonderful place to live, work and visit. It’s a great place for families and there’s also heaps of heritage.”
Sarah Flannery, who runs the Knutsford Hosts volunteer service in the Cheshire town (Image: Sarah Flannery)
The enchanting town is known for its delightful Knutsford May Day celebrations where the atmosphere buzzes with festivity as the streets are decked out in bunting and a new Rose Queen is crowned. Adding to the charm, every decade the Penny Farthing Race sees competitors mount high-wheelers, with the spectacle returning in 2030.
Knutsford’s culinary landscape is sizzling with recent openings like the upscale Linden Stores on Minshull Street, and the launch of Li-Ly by famed chef Aiden Byrne in a historic 400 year old edifice on King Street just prior to the festive season.
When it comes to drinking establishments, there’s plenty to choose from. Dexter and Jones gin bar is run by celebrity duo TV anchor Katy Rickitt and former Coronation Street luminary Adam Rickitt and the historical inn the Rose and Crown dates back to 1647 are just a small selection of a vibrant scene.
Knutsford’s status as a highly sought-after location is evident when you consider the cost of stepping onto the property ladder there, with Rightmove data showing that last year, the average property price in Knutsford was a hefty £508,000. However, luxury properties fetch as much as 3 million in the town.