Seven reasons why Norwich is best place to live

Norwich has been named the UK's best place to live in 2026 by the Sunday Times. Its medieval castle, 900-year-old market and cobbled streets helped it stand out from its competitors, but for the people who call it home, there is much more to it.

Judges visited 72 competing locations across the UK and assessed factors including schools, transport, broadband speeds and mobile signal.

The city was described as a "creative, contemporary city, with a small-town feel".

Mel March agrees: "What they've managed to see is this small city with a mighty attitude; we have a lot going on."

March, who works for Visit Norwich, said the Sunday Times crown would help "elevate" her company's own tourism projects.

"The eyes are on Norwich... I think people are going to be very interested in coming here."

Flowing straight from the Broads, the River Wensum winds into the heart of the city.

John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority, points out that the waterways were used to transport stone from France, to build Norwich Cathedral.

"It's one of the glories of Norwich; being able to get into the middle of the city relatively easily and get out to the countryside very quickly," he said.

"Come and get on a boat and go down the waterways or come into the middle of Norwich and see all the wonderful things at hand."

Between 1997 and 2004, striker Iwan Roberts made more than 300 appearances for Norwich City FC.

Despite living in London, the Midlands, Yorkshire and Kent, he said "Norwich and Norfolk is by far the best place I have ever lived".

He picks out the nearby beaches, cathedrals and the Broads.

In 2010, the "proud Welshman" opted against moving back to his native home. He is one of many footballers who cannot stay away from the city.

"You've got lads from all over the country who have played for numerous clubs and they have all settled here and I think there is a big reason for that," said Roberts.

Design student Alessia Oancea moved from Romania to study at Norwich University of the Arts (NUA).

"It's a sweet spot for students; for a place that is really accessible to live in and really lively to live in," she said.

"You have a lot of things to do as a creative in terms of the community, the shops and overall, the events that happen here."

One day she hopes to call the UK home.

NUA architecture student Josephine Willis added: "I love the historic architecture here because it used to be the second biggest trading city in England and you can still tell, by a lot of different existing buildings."

She moved to Norwich from Hanover in Germany and is considering staying for a masters degree once she has completed her undergraduate.

First-year students are often told there is a church for every week and a pub for every day of the year in the city.

"Although that's not 100% true, you can still definitely tell there's a higher number here and I love visiting both!"

Cobbled streets, independent businesses and churches make up the Lanes in Norwich.

"Everyone who lives here doesn't aspire to be anywhere else," said Jonty Young from the Norwich Lanes Association.

"In the Lanes itself we have eight churches which are all being used for different things.

"The architecture in Norwich is outstanding and I think that's what drags a lot of people here in the first place."

Young said the Lanes, which link up St Benedicts Street, St Andrews Street, Pottergate, Bedford Street and St Giles Street, are home to more than 500 independent businesses.

He said: "We have so many different venues, shops, coffee shops, restaurants — it's just perfect.

"The Norwich Lanes summer fair brings in a crowd of 30,000 people from all across the UK and I think it's a huge celebration of the largest all-independent business community in the UK."

Tim Palmer, one of the Sunday Times chief judges, pointed out that Norwich had featured in every single edition of the guide.

"There's a really good energy about the place," he said.

"At a time when so many towns and cities and high streets are finding life very difficult at the moment, Norwich still seems to be thriving."

Part of the judging criteria was features that "make you happy" and "not many things to make you annoyed".

"It's got everything you need in one really neat tidy, beautiful package," he said.

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