The list was revealed at the weekend when the Sunday Times Best Place to Live in Britain was unveiled. Another on the list was Sevenoaks.
The newspaper reported that Tunbridge Wells has never been afraid to move with the times. They said the spa town was all about attracting well-to-do families seeking an unusually elevated and elegant commuter lifestyle.
Ranking Tunbridge Wells as thirteenth on the list, of best places to live in the South East, they describe the historic town as ‘bursting with character’ with ‘outstanding’ schools, they also cite the town’s proximity to London as one of its great selling points.
The national newspaper say they use robust statistics, including exclusive, up to date house prices as well as an expert panel to decide what are the best locations to live in the UK.
“We chose Tunbridge Wells for its sophisticated take on the commuter lifestyle, great schools and beautiful countryside as well as some great specialist shops in a town centre with bags of charm,” Tim Palmer, Chief writer of Best Places to Live told the Times.
Among the key attractions in the borough, the Sunday Times cites the ancient paths of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Bewl Water reservoir, which will soon be the venue for a Total Wipeout-style Aqua Park.
In addition, the town’s vibrant restaurant scene, including the Ivy, Giggling Squid, Bill’s, the Black Pig, Rustic Cafe and Sofia’s Colombian Kitchen all mentioned.
Petworth in West Sussex was named as the Southeast’s best town to live in, which they said was ‘proof that pretty and traditional doesn’t have to mean stuck in the past’.
Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor said, “Finding our very own best place to live now feels more important than ever, for our wellbeing and wealth, happiness and health.
“Wherever you are on the property ladder The Sunday Times has championed 101 locations across the UK, and crowned one lucky winner, that we think is a great place to make a home.
“This year we were looking for community spirit along with convenience and culture. There is so much going on around the country, and so many great places that the choice was a hard one.”
