A town in North Yorkshire has been named as one of the best places to live by a national newspaper.

Thirsk has been named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide 2023, sponsored by Halifax, for the north and northeast of England.

Whitley Bay, in North Tyneside, has been named as the best place to live in the north and northeast in the annual guide.

In the guide, Thirsk, is referred to as “the heart of James Herriot country” and “Yorkshire at its traditional best, offering a hearty combination of class, countryside and convenience”.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The centre of Thirsk as shown by Street View The centre of Thirsk as shown by Street View (Image: Google)

Thirsk is praised for its town centre “full of independent shops, good road and rail links and decent schools”, which the guide says are a “big part” of the town’s appeal.

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Also named in the list are:

  • Holmfirth, West Yorkshire 
  • Ilkley, West Yorkshire 
  • Leeds, West Yorkshire 
  • Ouseburn, Newcastle
  • Kelham Island), Sheffield 
  • Wooler, Northumberland 

The full list, published by The Sunday Times, includes 72 locations across the UK and was released online at 6am today (March 24), and will be published as a magazine supplement on Sunday. 

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Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall winner of Best Places to Live.

It was praised by judges for its “good schools, convenient transport connections, an amazingly well-stocked high street and stunning scenery”.

Helen Davies, the editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: “When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever. Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming. 

“This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023 from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre. Whether you’re downsizing, trading up or getting onto the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.” 

More information about the guide can be found at: thetimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive