Oxford has been named one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times.

In its annual Best Places to Live guide, East Oxford has made to list thanks to its “renowned museums, excellent theatres and ravishing urban landscape.”

The Sunday Times’ expert judges have visited towns and cities across the UK and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street. 

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Nine other places across the South East are featured in the comprehensive guide that includes 72 locations across the UK.

Describing East Oxford, the Sunday Times said: “The terrible traffic and crippling house prices can be off-putting, but Oxford’s renowned museums, excellent theatres, ravishing urban landscape cast an irresistible spell.

“We think you can have the best of both worlds if you travel on two legs or two wheels and set your sights on the east of the city - especially Cowley Road, which is Oxford’s most multicultural and vibrant street and home to the county’s largest group of indie businesses. 

Chichester, West Sussex topped the South East list as the Sunday Times judges praised its mix of history and modern culture, its excellent schools, convenient transport connections, proximity to the South Downs National Park and shopping that meets most budgets.  

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.” 

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” and said that it offers “pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature”. 

The sponsor, Halifax, provided the average house price for each location for the guide.

Kim Kinnaird, the director of Halifax Mortgages, said: “At Halifax, we know it’s where you live that really makes somewhere feel like ‘home’.

"What people look for when choosing where to live is a very personal choice.

“We know that the housing market can sometimes feel daunting when there are so many locations and things to consider.

"But looking at these fantastic locations is a great start, with options for different budgets and family situations, alongside an exciting blend of urban and rural living.”