Nowhere in Hertfordshire has been named among the UK's best places to live for the first time in five years.
The Sunday Times has picked out Norwich in Norfolk as its number one location for 2026 and Manningtree, Essex, as the regional winner for the East of England.
Bedford, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Saffron Walden, and Woodbridge were also given a nod for the region, but Hertfordshire has been completely shut out.
Helen Davies from the Sunday Times said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live.
“These judges have travelled the length and breadth of the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, selecting the top towns and villages, suburbs and cities for the 2026 guide.
“One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”
- View the full guide here: Best Places to Live 2026
Berkhamsted, Wheathampstead, Chorleywood, and St Albans had all been named at least once in the 2022 to 2025 editions of the annual list.
Other similar lists published for 2026 have named a variety of Hertfordshire locations. This includes the Telegraph placing Harpenden in the top spot for the entire country in its ranking of ‘Britain’s most desirable towns’ for the year.
Explaining the decision to name Norwich number one, the Sunday Times judges said: “Norwich was chosen for its unique blend of historic character, urban buzz and liveability.
“It’s the only UK city inside a national park and the only location to have featured in all 14 editions of the Sunday Times best places to live guide.”
The “vibrant” city centre, 900-year-old market, and independent businesses were also highlighted.
Share