WHY? 

Hipsters avert your gaze, the market town of Ledbury has long been catnip to the tweed-wearing hunting, shooting and fishing crowd. But times are changing and there are flashes of modern life sharing the limelight with the half-timbered Tudor buildings, cobbled alleyways and stunning countryside. If quiet luxury is trending in fashion right now, it a way of life in Ledbury.

EAT

33 The Homend is a bijou gastronomic gem run by husband and wife team Elizabeth and James. This Michelin-rated eaterie seats just 14 people in a tiny 18th century Grade II listed building offering a seasonal menu with a choice of just three dishes per course. A few doors down you’ll also find The Olive Tree, a swish Italian for an eye-gazing ate night. Head out towards Malvern and The Inn at Welland is a Bib Gourmand gastropub, serving modern British food with views of the Malvern Hills. For something less fussy but still foodie, The Nest at Little Verzons Farm – is a farm shop and caƒé is a great coffee stop and the scotch eggs are amaaaazing!

SHOP

Head to Homend (posh for high street) and you’ll be in indie heaven. Expect to see a butcher, baker and candlestick maker (OK, maybe not the last one). Then look again and you’ll find Hus & Hem – a dreamy Swedish lifestyle shop, Tusk Collection – a stylish clothing and lifestyle boutique, don’t even think about M&S for your undies when you can shop at Bra Boudoir, it’s house plant heaven at The Ledbury Leaf and mentally redecorate every room in dreamy interiors stores Tinsmiths (their lighting and fabrics are amazing) and Butler and Sweetman. Love dogs? You better round these parts. The Ledbury Pet Co. is your go-to for pet supplies and a pooch friendly ice cream.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Ledbury is a haven for nature lovers, with access to the Malvern Hills, which provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. It’s also well-known for its natural springs and spa retreats, like the nearby Malvern Spa. Trinity Tree Yoga is great for yoga and meditation classes, and health food stores are easily accessible. Healthcare facilities include local GP services and access to hospitals in nearby Hereford or Worcester. There are also plenty of wellness-focused community groups and initiatives, ensuring a balance of both physical and mental well-being.

COMMUNITY

Ledbury is one of those rare places where the community genuinely looks out for one another. The Ledbury Community Hub provides everything from games nights and book clubs to from dance classes and social meet-ups. The town thrives on local events, from the  annual Ledbury Poetry Festival to the regular farmers’ markets and arts exhibitions. There’s a strong volunteer spirit, with residents taking part in everything from conservation work to community gardening.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

You may recognise Eastnor Castle as the Roy family’s English home in the first series of Succession. In real life, it’s home to the Hervey-Bathurst family and you can mooch around the show-stopping house and gardens. Whether you’re a gardener, history nerd or swoon over heritage decor, Eastnor Castle delivers. As for the kids, OMG, if the adventure playground and assault course are too sedate, then the tree top walkway and zipwire should hit the spot. If you want to ditch the kids, Coddington Vineyard runs wine tastings, tours and food platters. Walkers will love the proximity to the Malvern Hills, and the town also has swimming pool, tennis club and Eastnor Pottery offers pottery classes.

CULTURE

Ledbury hosts an acclaimed annual Poetry Festival, attracting famous names like Simon Armitage and Joseph Coelho this year. When the poets are waxing lysrical, the Market Theatre keeps the culture ticking over with theatre, opera and ballet screenings, live music and plays from the local am-dram. During the summer, Eastnor Castle hosts outdoor theatre (Sense & Sensibility and David Walliams’ Bad Dad this year), but you’ll need to take a 17 minute drive to the flashier charms of Malvern Theatres for bigger touring shows.

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES

The average house price is an enticing £305,368. Detached homes cost on average £446,538, terraced £234,361 and semi-detached properties fetching £278,638. Worcester Road is considered one of the best addresses in the ‘hood – expect an abundance of grandeur and period features.

HOT PROPERTY 

NURSERIES

Only two nurseries in Ledbury – Bubbles Nursery offers year-round care and Busy Bees Ledbury is term time only.

SCHOOLS 

Eastnor Parochial Primary was rated outstanding by Ofsted and is now an academy. Ledbury Primary and John Masefield High, the local comprehensive, are both rated good. Thinking about going down the independent route? The Downs Malvern is a prep that balances academic firepower with kindness and linked to the impressive Malvern College. The Elms, which has progressive outlook and is big on outdoor education, is also worth considering; as is the historic Hereford Cathedral School.(Junior and Senior)

BEST KEPT SECRET

Coo-ee, Liz! Model and actress Elizabeth Hurley is a Ledbury local. She bought the grand Donnington Hall estate back in 2012 when she was dating cricketer Shane Warne. Liz kept the house after the split.

COMMUTE 

There are direct trains to Birmingham New Street (from 1 hr 9 min); change there for services to London (about 3 hr in total). Hereford is 15 min in the opposite direction. It’s at least an hour’s drive to Bristol or Birmingham, and 40 min to Cheltenham. If you’re driving, the links are surprisingly good with M50 connecting you to the M5.

View the full Top 300 Places to Live.