Shotley peninsula named one of the best places to live in UK

Every year The Sunday Times releases a list of the best places to live in the country. 

This year the Shotley peninsula – which includes villages like Shotley, Pin Mill, Chelmondiston and Holbrook – was included in the prestigious list.

It is not the first time the area has been named by The Sunday Times after it was included in the list back in 2021.

Shotley peninsula is home to a number of Suffolk landmarks, such as Suffolk Food Hall, Alton Water and Shotley marina.

Suffolk Food Hall is on the Shotley Peninsula (Image: Newsquest)

Judges from The Sunday Times visit locations across the county and factor in schools and transport, broadband speeds, culture and access to green spaces.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and best places to live editor, said: “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2024.

“These are all places where you can feel grounded as well as upwardly mobile: they have a mature sense of community, lively, supportive high streets and an eye to the future, whether that is eco-friendly measures, transport and regeneration, or imaginative inclusion of new housing.

Shotley Marina (Image: Newsquest)

“What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there.

"That means we can see what people really love about the places they live. That might be fast commutes and high-achieving schools but also clean water to swim in, lively town centres with useful shops, the possibility of earning a living and being part of a friendly community.  

“We do consider affordability, though high house prices are no barrier to inclusion- as long as they provide value for money. Different people may be looking for different things, but what all our best places have in common is that people love living in them and are proud to call them home.”