Newark tops Muddy Stilettos’ list of best places to live in Nottinghamshire
Newark has been named the best place to live in Nottinghamshire — thanks to its architecture and riverside castle.
Award-winning luxury lifestyle site Muddy Stilettos, in association with global property consultancy Knight Frank, asked its readers to vote for the best village, town or city to call home for it’s annual Best Places To Live guide.
In Nottinghamshire, readers voted for Newark to take the top spot from ten candidates independently researched and picked by the Muddy Editorial team, out-ranking areas including Southwell and West Bridgford for the title.
Readers were given one vote each, and provided with information about the areas’ schools, restaurants, transport links, shops and culture, but the ultimate decision came down to their own personal experiences.
Dubbed a ‘buzzy market town’ Newark’s attractive Georgian and Victorian architecture, excellent commuter links and castle by the river helped it cinch readers’ votes.
The guide states: “Newark-on-Trent (or just plain old Newark to the locals) is a town that’s back on the up. Yes it has decades of history, its own castle and glorious Nottinghamshire countryside on all sides, but it’s also a spot for super-convenient living.
“Young families and professional couples have flocked to Newark in recent years because of its fantastic commuter links, market town charm and nearby attractions which for large parts of the year, you’ll have mostly to yourself.”
Eateries including Taylor’s Fine Dining, The Ram, Koinonia, Baseri and Gannets all got a mention — with Stray’s jazz nights named as the town’s best-kept secret — while antiques, clothing stores and children’s shops were highlights of the shopping experience.
The town’s culture also got a hurrah, thanks to the popular Newark Festival and shows at the Palace Theatre.
According to the Muddy Stilettos list, the top ten most popular towns and villages in Nottinghamshire for 2024 are:
1. Newark-on-Trent
2. West Bridgford
3. Beeston
4. Farnsfield
5. Mapperley
6. The Park, Nottingham
7. Woodborough
8. Southwell
9. Edwinstowe
10. Wollaton
Just a stone’s throw from Newark, Southwell’s eighth place ranking celebrated its famous cathedral, landscape of rolling hills and impressive history as well as a “a glut of great restaurants, fantastic local schools and some fab music festivals” right on residents’ doorsteps.
It’s ‘best-kept secret’ is the Bramley Apple Festival, which happens every year in October and celebrates the popular cooking apple which was first grown in the town.
Edwinstowe, with attractions including the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, was named a ‘quaint spot steeped in folklore’, perfect for those seeking trees and fresh air.
It was also praised for a selction of excellent pubs and dining experiences.
Hero Brown, founder and editor-in-chief of Muddy Stilettos said: “We’ve built our reputation on having first-hand knowledge on the in-the-know places to live and places to go. This reader vote gives a truly independent view on the towns and villages with the most popular postcodes, schools, restaurants and amenities.”
James Cleland, head of country business at Knight Frank added: “When it comes to where to live, more than ever people want a vibrant and tight-knit community. It’s a trend that deepened during the pandemic and is likely to remain a leading factor for those looking to relocate. Excellent schools, ease of commuting, and access to local amenities also continue to be significant factors.”
