Knutsford, the historic market town known for its elegance and charm, has once again been recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK, according to The Sunday Times' 2025 guide. They praised the virtues of the Cheshire town, stating "Knutsford just keeps getting better and better.The judges were particularly impressed with the blooming food scene along the towns emblematic ".
The judges were particularly taken with the burgeoning food scene along the town's iconic "top and bottom" streets, as well as Knutsford's strong sense of community, declaring that it's the town's big heart that truly stands out.
Conveniently located off the M6 at Junction 19, Knutsford offers excellent transport links, with easy access to both the M6, the M56, and Manchester Airport.
The town centre is bustling with a diverse range of independent shops, tucked away on picturesque lanes such as Princess Street on the "Top" and King Street on the "Bottom", both lined with charming cottages and traditional black and white timbered buildings, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Beyond these busy streets lie hidden treasures, including quaint cobbled pathways adorned with an abundance of flowers, winding around the heritage-rich homes of the area, reports Cheshire Live.
For those who venture beyond the main streets, Knutsford unveils further rural charms like The Moor, a local park brimming with lush greenery, peace, and family-friendly areas, complete with a large duck pond and a popular children's play zone.
For those who enjoy a brisk walk, Tatton Park is conveniently located on the outskirts of town. This historic estate offers acres of beautiful deer park, perfect for walking and cycling enthusiasts.
Knutsford has been named one of the top seven towns and villages in the North West to live in by The Sunday Times. The list, which was published last weekend, placed Woolton in Liverpool at the top spot for the region.
Other areas that made the list include Mossley and the Heatons in Greater Manchester, Malpas village in Cheshire, Parbold in Lancashire, and Kirby Lonsdale in Cumbria.
The Sunday Times praised Knutsford, stating: "Already one of the classiest towns in Cheshire, Knutsford just keeps getting better and better."
The publication also 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."
Sarah Flannery, the founder of Knutsford Hosts, expressed her delight at the town's inclusion in the Sunday Times list.
Sarah, inspired by the volunteer spirit she witnessed during the London Olympics in 2012, founded a group to promote ad-hoc volunteering within the community. She said: "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 the community.
Having resided in Knutsford for the past 25 years, Sarah says: "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."
Among the town's quirky historic traditions is the annual Knutsford May Day where the streets are adorned with bunting as the new Rose Queen is announced.
Every decade, the town hosts a Penny Farthing Race with hundreds of participants joining with giant wheeled bicycles, with the next one scheduled for 2030.
The town boasts a plethora of listed buildings, including the Brook Street Chapel where Knutsford's most renowned author, Elizabeth Gaskell is buried. On King Street, you'll also find the Gaskell Memorial Tower in her honour.
Knutsford's food scene is currently buzzing with excitement, following new openings like the much-lauded Linden Stores on Minshull Street and celebrity chef Aiden Byrne's Li-Ly restaurant, nestled within a historic 400 year old building on King Street prior to Christmas.
With the town's Market Hall undergoing refurbishments, residents eagerly await its grand April reopening which promises additional gourmet experiences.
Moreover, Knutsford is home to popular national outlets such as a new Gail's bakery, a Little Waitrose store, Costa Coffee, and a Booths supermarket, catering to both local tastes and familiar comforts.
In recent years, the town has also become a hotspot for interior design enthusiasts, boasting 10 specialist shops. Additionally, high-end interiors firm The Cotswold Company is set to join the scene, having submitted plans to occupy the historic Grade II listed Union Bank building on King Street.
Buying a home in Knutsford offers a glimpse into the town's exclusive charm. According to Rightmove data, the average property price in the area was £508,000 last year, solidifying its "posh" reputation. A snapshot of the current market reveals several properties with seven-figure price tags, including £2 million and £3 million mansions on the prestigious Legh Road. This area is famous for its stunning, Richard Harding Watt-style mansions.
However, Knutsford also offers a range of more affordable options, including terraced homes, flats, and apartments, with prices starting from £120,000.
