Somerset, once a shining star of the South West, has been notably absent from The Sunday Times' latest list of the best places to live in the region. While counties like Wiltshire, Dorset, Bristol, Devon, Cornwall, and Gloucestershire all secured spots—with towns such as Malmesbury, Bridport, Kingsdown, Dartmoor, Exmouth, Falmouth, Penryn, Stroud, and Wimborne Minster making the cut—Somerset’s renowned gems were nowhere to be found.
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and the guide’s editor, explains, “This guide highlights the best places in Britain, showcasing vibrant communities teeming with natural beauty, culture, connectivity, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. Our judges travel extensively, visiting every location on the list to experience firsthand what makes these places special to their residents.”
While some selections like Stroud and Penryn are undeniably charming—and evoke personal memories of past trips filled with good food and great music—the absence of Somerset’s iconic locations raises eyebrows. How did UNESCO World Heritage site Bath, with its stunning honey-colored Georgian architecture, and Glastonbury, England’s famed hippy capital, fail to make the cut? What about the peaceful allure of Castle Cary or the lively community of Frome, known for its quirky ‘Cheese Lord’? Bridport may boast rustic charm, but can it really compete with the unique character Somerset offers?
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The demand for housing in Somerset’s towns tells its own story. Bath’s rental market is among the busiest in the country, while Castle Cary faces challenges with rapid development, threatening its rural tranquility. Frome has even declared a housing crisis amid a surge of newcomers eager to settle there. Could this overwhelming popularity be exactly why Somerset was snubbed? Perhaps the region is simply “too popular for its own good,” a bittersweet status that reflects both desirability and growing pains.
Of course, those from Bridgwater might argue their town is the best place to live in the South West—and beyond. While The Sunday Times may have its list, the heart knows no bounds when it comes to home.