Wadhurst has beaten 71 other locations in the country to top the ‘Sunday Times Best Places to Live’ list for 2023.
The judges praised the small market town for its good schools and ‘stunning scenery’, and said it offered ‘pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature’.
The town of less than 5,000 people is the smallest winner in the competition’s 11-year history. Judges also praised it for the many activities available for children, the farmers’ market, clubs, classes and the community cinema at the Community Hall.
The Wadhurst Warriors, a group of fathers who began fundraising for the town’s primary school in 2004 and now raise money for the whole village, were named as the ‘stars of the show’.
Wadhurst Warriors Chairman Chris Poulton said that the group organises events such as fetes, fireworks night and the town’s Christmas decorations. The money raised is used to help any worthy causes in the village.
“We do believe Wadhurst is the best place to live and that is down to us all working together to make it a place where everyone can be supported,” Mr Poulton said.
“Being recognised is great but the more we can give back to the community the better.”
Natasha Selbie of Savills Tunbridge Wells said: “Wadhurst has long been popular with people of all ages, thanks to its picturesque setting, brilliant range of shops, pubs and restaurants, excellent schools and mainline railway station. It particularly appeals to those looking for convenience with glorious countryside on the doorstep, and we’ve certainly seen an increase in those looking to move to the area post-pandemic.”
Anna Robinson, Executive Headteacher of Uplands Academy Secondary School, said: “We are understandably particularly pleased that our village schools were singled out for praise. As a smaller secondary school in a semi-rural location, Uplands Academy prides itself on having close ties with our village community, its local businesses and of course with our local families.
“One of the things that makes this village special is the very real community spirit and the sense that everyone supports one another. Uplands Academy is proud to be an integral part of this community.”
