Wadhurst in East Sussex has been named as the best place to live in the UK.

The picturesque market town was described as offering “pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature”, according to judges from The Sunday Times.

It was praised for its decent schools, transport links, variety of high street shops and the “stunning scenery” that surrounds it.

Judges also praised the town of less than 5,000 people – the smallest winner of the award in its 11-year history – for the many activities available for children, the farmers’ market, clubs, classes and the community cinema.

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A parish council spokesperson said: “This is really exciting news. Wadhurst is a lovely, lovely place to live with a great community feel…

“I would say to someone thinking of moving here that it’s a great place to live – you have the best of both worlds.

“You have easy access to towns and cities but if you want a rural lifestyle it is perfect.”

East: Saffron Walden, Essex

London: Crouch End

Midlands: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

North and North East: Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

Northern Ireland: Donaghadee, Co Down

North West: Liverpool

Scotland: Dunkeld, Perthshire

South East: Chichester, West Sussex (second in region after overall winner, Wadhurst)

South West: Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Wales: Ruthin, Denbighshire

Paula Lee, 58, who owns the @ONE homeware shop on the high street, said: “I am not surprised – I think you would be hard-pushed, certainly in the South East, to find somewhere better.

“There are some really lovely shops, it is a well-rounded high street – there is a nice independent butcher, grocers and a nice community spirit.

“The countryside in this area is just outstanding. There is lots of walking and lots of sporting activities in an area of outstanding natural beauty.”

Ruthin in Denbighshire was identified as the best place to live in Wales, Dunkeld in Perthshire was named as the best place to live in Scotland, and Donaghadee in Co Down was placed top in Northern Ireland.

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