The Cheshire town named among 'best places to live' in the UK
It's described as 'an unshowy place' but 'has what it takes to keep everyone happy'
Sandwiched between the Peak District and the Cheshire Plain is Macclesfield, a historic market town best known for its industrial past and outdoor escapes (Image: Manchester Evening News)
A Cheshire town has been named among the best places to live in the UK. Macclesfield has made The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 guide, which has been published online today.
The town was one of six North West locations to make the comprehensive guide, featuring a total of 72 places across the UK. Norwich was named the overall best place to live in the UK, while Altrincham took top spot for the North West.
Other places recognised in the region were Eden Valley in Cumbria, Lancaster, Aigburth and Didsbury. The Sunday Times' expert judges have visited all the locations and spoken to locals, as well as assessing factors from schools, transport, broadband speeds and mobile signal to amenities, access to high-quality green spaces and the health of the high street.
Describing Macclesfield, the judges said: "With one muddy boot in the Peak District and one designer loafer in Cheshire’s golden triangle, Macclesfield is an unshowy place compared with neighbours such as Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, but it has what it takes to keep everyone happy: schools, trains to Manchester and London, an attractive, improving and accessible town centre and life’s big necessities - a hospital and supermarkets."
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, 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.
The guide has been sponsored by the mortgage lender Lloyds Banking Group for the first time this year, which has provided an average house price for each location. "For many, navigating the housing market can feel overwhelming," said Kate Townson, Lloyds relationship and customer development director. "At Lloyds, our aim is to support all home buyers, including those taking their very first step onto the property ladder, with clear guidance, practical tools and tailored products that help them move forward with confidence and clarity."
"Our partnership with The Sunday Times Best Places to Live aims to give trusted insight into communities across the UK, helping homebuyers to make confident, informed decisions about their future home," Townson added. Broadband speeds were provided by Thinkbroadband.com, the UK’s leading independent guide to broadband. Mobile signal coverage, using network data from signalchecker.co.uk, is also included.